What To Do If A School Isn’t Following Your Child’s IEP
Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) are designed to ensure that students with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed in school. Unfortunately, there are times when schools fail to follow IEPs, which can be frustrating and challenging for students and their families. In this blog post, we’ll explore what you can do if your school isn’t following your IEP.
- Communicate with your child’s teachers and school administration.
The first step is to communicate your concerns with your child’s teachers and the school administration. It’s possible that the school may not be aware that they are not following the IEP, and they may be willing to make the necessary changes. Be specific about the areas where the school is falling short, and provide any documentation that supports your concerns. Make sure to keep a record of all communication with the school.
- Request an IEP meeting.
If the school does not make the necessary changes, you can request an IEP meeting to discuss your concerns. During the meeting, you can review the IEP and identify the areas where the school is not following it. You can also discuss potential solutions to address these issues. It’s important to remember that the IEP is a legally binding document, and the school is required to follow it.
- Consider mediation or due process.
If you are unable to resolve the issue with the school, you may want to consider mediation or due process. Mediation involves a neutral third party who helps facilitate a resolution between you and the school. Due process involves filing a formal complaint with the school district and may involve a hearing before an administrative law judge. Both options can be time-consuming and costly, so it’s important to carefully consider your options before pursuing them.
- Seek outside support.
You don’t have to navigate the process alone. Consider seeking the support of an advocate or an attorney who specializes in special education law. They can help you navigate the process and ensure that your child’s rights are protected. Additionally, you can seek support from local or national organizations that provide resources and support for families of students with disabilities.
It is important to take action to ensure that your child receives the support they need to succeed in school. Communicate your concerns with the school, request an IEP meeting, consider mediation or due process, and seek outside support. Remember, you are your child’s advocate, and it’s essential to protect their rights.
Meet Susie Liberatore
As an Art Director with over 10 years of experience in the agency and corporate world, I saw global and local clients missing out on so many opportunities to get leads because of inconsistent branding. My goal is to help them generate new clients with my strategic processes. I help businesses NOT waste time or money and provide the highest quality design and service. As a single mom to an autistic child, I know how valuable time and money are.