#122: Survival Tips For Contentious IEP Meetings

Whether you are a seasoned professional, parent, or brand new to the field, IEP meetings are a reality when it comes to school based settings. With over 20 years of experience, I have 5 top tips to keep you positive, prepared, and confident no matter the tone of the meeting. 

1. Have your special education director or administrator present - Sometimes lawyers and advocates are going to attend the meeting, in that event, make sure you have support on your side beyond your building principal.
2. Complete a robust assessment AND/OR be comfortable with most recent assessment - Check out my prior episode on assessments like the PFA, Rossetti, VB-Mapp, Communication Matrix, and more. 
3. Include baseline data - This demonstrates a need for a goal. Be specific with accuracy and dates to track goals and progress. 
4. Send a draft home for a review - I recommend a week prior, but every district is different. The parent needs a chance to review and give feedback with their home team, and then you have a chance to receive and consider that feedback prior to the meeting or be prepared to discuss more during the IEP.
5. Be prepared, remain calm, be professional, and seek help - You deserve to be treated with respect and do not have to accept verbal abuse, even during difficult and contentious IEP meetings.

If you ever need extra support, whether you’re a parent or professional, I am here, and you can book a coaching call with me. Not every IEP meeting will be warm and fuzzy, but we can live in a world where we do not dread them!

#autism #speectherapy

What’s Inside:

• Do you dread IEP meetings?
• 5 survival tips for a positive IEP meeting.
• When to seek support in an IEP meeting.
• What to know about assessments prior to an IEP meeting.
• Why is a draft SO important before an IEP meeting.
• Why do contentious IEP meetings occur?

Mentioned In This Episode:
Autism Outreach Podcast - Episode 54: Autism Assessments
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