How to Teach Parents of Kids With Autism About IEPs
The Individual Education Plan (IEP) is mandated by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for children with disabilities ages three years to 21 years. The disability of the child must affect negatively his ability to benefit from his education. Assessments must be made to determine if a child qualifies for services. There are nine categories of disabilities, including autism, that automatically qualify a child to receive an IEP. Teaching parents of children with autism about the IEP process is an important step in securing appropriate education for the child.
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Instructions
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IEP Training
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Provide information. Give each parent a copy of their child's educational rights at the beginning of the school year. Do not limit your information dissemination to only parents of children already diagnosed with autism. Include information about how the parent can begin the determination process for their child if they suspect autism. The information should include the 60-day time frame the school must adhere to once a parent or other person recommends and provides consent for the student to be tested.
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Conduct a 10 minute overview of IEP's at parent assemblies throughout the year. Talk about how autism can affect the child's educational benefit, the continuum of placement options, the therapies available and some example accommodations the school can provide the student. Teach parents of children with autism that they are equal partners in developing the educational plan for their child.
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Open your office to private meetings with parents who have a child with autism or who would like their child tested. Make sure the parents understand the meetings remain confidential. Tell parents what to expect at the IEP meeting, who will be at the meeting, and allow them to invite anyone they wish to the meeting. The child can also be at the meeting when the IEP team feels it is appropriate, he must be present at age 16.
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Contact each parent of a child with an autism diagnosis individually and ask them to come to a meeting that discusses in depth information about how they can contribute to the child's IEP. At this meeting you should tell the parent about their right to disagree with the IEP and make amendments to the IEP, provide information about how to ensure an IEP is being followed by the school and how to report allegations of not following the IEP. Tell the parents how and when to file a complaint at the school, district, state and federal level.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep a record of each parent that you talk to and record the information provided.
Never discuss a child's situation with anyone other than the parent.
