Red Flags In An IEP

Let’s talk about 5 red flags that you see in IEPs, but do not actually comply with the regulations of IDEA (and what should be done instead.)

Parent Input Was Not Requested or Not Given

The IEP should be developed with the input from ALL team members, including you, the parent! After all, an effective IEP cannot be developed without that input. Fulfilling this need does not rest solely on the school or you. 

Schools need to ensure they are attempting to get your input. This is best done through ongoing communication throughout the school year and a form specifically designed for parent input for the IEP.  You also need to ensure you are giving your input. Ask questions about your child’s progress and communicate about anything your child’s IEP team might need to know. 

Asking for input and giving it isn’t enough though. This input has to be included in the development of the IEP. Functioning at home always has an impact on what is happening at school. That goes the other way too. We need to look at the whole child in all settings in order to develop an effective IEP.

Teachers, I have a super easy to use Parent/Guardian IEP Input Form already made and ready to be used. It’s included in the Comprehensive IEP Planning Kit. Check it out to take the stress out of your IEP planning!

The School Team Recommends Only One Placement

A change in placement is a team decision. Full stop.  It cannot be predetermined by the school district before the IEP.  Suggesting just one placement is not giving the full team an opportunity to make an informed decision about a child's educational placement. You should be able to tour possible placements to ensure you are fully informed about what those placements offer before you can agree to anything. It isn’t realistic to request to see all placements, but it is realistic and appropriate to see the placements that might be a good fit for your child.

Parents Request a Service And The District Just Says "No"

The law requires the district to put that refusal in a Prior Written Notice (PWN.) They need to explicitly explain why they are refusing the service and how this decision was made. "It's district policy" simply is not going to work. If you get that answer, politely request to be emailed a copy of the district policy that clearly states that and how it aligns with the regulations of IDEA. 

With that said, it is important that you are requesting services that are truly needed by your child. I have been in IEPs where a parent requested a service that their child did not need. The parents wanted it because their friend’s kid received that service and they wanted it to. That is not how IEP teams determine what services are needed. Needs drive services. 

Parents Are Asked To Sign The IEP Document At The Meeting

NEVER SIGN IN AGREEMENT AT THE MEETING. I’m sorry. I am not yelling… I promise. I just want to make sure you see it. It is unreasonable and not appropriate to expect that you can process through all the information discussed and decide if what was developed is best for your child. Please, always take the drafted IEP home to review after the meeting. Make sure to closely compare the services listed and the offer of FAPE with what is written in the notes. 

Most IEP documents have some place for you to sign only in attendance. That is completely fine to sign. But you can simply say, “I will take the IEP home to review. If I have any questions or concerns, I will email the team.” 

Teachers Feel Like They Can't Give Honest Input If It Goes Against The District's Preferences

A teacher should not be concerned about their job or the treatment they could receive from their supervisors for giving honest input in an IEP any meeting. The focus needs to be on what's best for the students. Sadly, this is not always the case. Teachers are people with families and need their jobs just like anyone else. Unfortunately, being a teacher is extremely hard right now. The expectations are incredibly high and more and more is getting piled on top. Always remember you are on the same team and support each other as best you can. 

I have never been on an IEP team that was intentionally trying to pull a fast one on a family, but I have been on ones that didn’t know better. I always try to assume the best of my fellow IEP team members and I would like to suggest you do the same, but also be prepared to advocate for your child.

Do you have any questions about these red flags? Comment them Below!