The Complete Iep Guide: How to Advocate for Your Special Ed Child

by Siegel, Lawrence M.

• ISBN13: 9781413301991
• ISBN10: 1413301991
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-10-30
• Publisher: Nolo

Summary

The Complete IEP Guide provides all the instructions, resources and forms a parent needs to create an Individualized Education Program for their child with special needs. Readers learn to: understand the law, untangle eligibility rules and assessments, collect school records, pinpoint specific goals, develop a blueprint of programs and services, prepare for IEP meetings, resolve disputes with a school district and more.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Special Education
What Is Special Education?	2	(1)
Being Your Child's Advocate	3	(2)
Using This Book	5	(1)
Icons Used Throughout This Book	6	(1)
Getting Help From Others	7
Overview of the IEP and Special Education Law
What IDEA Requires	3	(9)
Individualized Education Program	12	(4)
State Special Education Laws	16	(1)
Working With Your School District	17	(2)
Some Overriding IEP Principles	19
Getting Started: Tips for All Parents
First Steps	3	(4)
Obtain Your Child's School Records	7
Getting Organized
Start an IEP Binder	2	(5)
The Yearly IEP Cycle	7	(2)
Sample Year in the Life of Your Child's IEP	9	(1)
Keep a Monthly Calendar	10	(1)
Track Your Child's Progress	10
Developing Your Child's IEP Blueprint
Begin at the End: Define Your Child's Needs	2	(1)
Preparing an IEP Blueprint	3	(5)
Other Sources of Information for the Blueprint	8	(1)
What's Next?	8
Evaluations
When Evaluations Are Done	3	(1)
Evaluation Components	4	(1)
Evaluation Plans	5	(3)
Meet With the Evaluator	8	(4)
Reviewing the Report	12	(1)
Reevaluations	12
Who Is Eligible for Special Education?
Eligibility Definitions	2	(4)
Preparing for the IEP Eligibility Meeting	6	(1)
Attending the Eligibility Meeting	7	(1)
Joint IEP Eligibility/Program Meeting	8	(1)
If Your Child Is Not Found Eligible for Special Education	8
Exploring Your Options and Making Your Case
Review the School District's Information	3	(1)
Keep Tabs on Your Child's Progress	4	(1)
Explore Available School Programs	4	(7)
Find Out About Related Services	11	(1)
Compare Your Blueprint With the Existing Programs and Services	11	(1)
Generate Additional Supporting Information	11	(1)
Independent Evaluations	12
Writing Goals
Areas Covered by Goals	3	(1)
Developing Goals	3	(1)
When to Draft Goals	4	(1)
Writing Effective Goals	5
Preparing for the IEP Meeting
Schedule the IEP Meeting	2	(2)
The IEP Meeting Agenda	4	(1)
Organize Your Materials	4	(4)
Draft Your Child's IEP Program	8	(2)
Establish Who Will Attend the IEP Meeting	10	(9)
Final Preparation Concerns	19
Attending the IEP Meeting
Getting Started	3	(1)
Simple Rules for a Successful IEP Meeting	4	(5)
Become Familiar With Your School's IEP Form	9	(1)
Writing the IEP Plan	10	(6)
Signing the IEP Document	16	(1)
Parent Addendum Page	17
Resolving IEP Disputes Through Due Process
Before Due Process: Informal Negotiations	4	(4)
Typical Due Process Disputes	8	(1)
When to Pursue Due Process	8	(1)
Your Child's Status During Due Process	9	(1)
Using a Lawyer During Due Process	10	(2)
How to Begin Due Process	12	(1)
Preparing for Due Process	13	(2)
Mediation Specifics	15	(5)
Due Process Hearing	20	(10)
Hearing Decision and Appeals	30
Filing a Complaint for a Legal Violation
When to File a Complaint	2	(1)
Where to File a Complaint	3	(1)
What to Include in a Complaint	4	(1)
What Happens When You File a Complaint	5
Lawyers and Legal Research
How a Lawyer Can Help	2	(1)
Do You Need an Attorney?	2	(1)
Finding an Attorney	3	(4)
How Attorneys Are Paid	7	(2)
Resolving Problems With a Lawyer	9	(1)
Doing Your Own Legal Research	10	(5)
Online Legal Research	15
Parent Organizations and Special Education
Join a Parent Organization	2	(1)
Form a Parent Organization	2	(1)
Appendixes
Special Education Law and Regulations
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Key Sections)	2	(23)
IDEA Regulations (Key Sections)	25	(1)
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Key Regulations)	25
Federal and State Departments of Education
Federal Department of Education Offices	2	(2)
State Department of Education Offices	4
Support Groups, Advocacy Organizations, and Other Resources
General Resources on Special Education	2	(2)
Parent Training and Information (PTI) Centers	4	(7)
Legal Resources on Special Education	11	(1)
Resources Concerning Specific Disabilities	12
Sample IEP Form
Tear-Out Forms
Index