12 Tips: How do I ensure the IEP is truly individualized for my child?

As a special education advocate, I understand how important it is to ensure your child's IEP is truly individualized to meet their unique needs. Here are 129 tips to help make that happen:

1. Share detailed information about your child

You know your child best. Provide specific examples of your child's strengths, challenges, interests, and learning style. This helps the team understand your child as an individual.

2. Review present levels of performance carefully 

The present levels section of the IEP should paint an accurate, complete picture of how your child is currently performing academically, socially, behaviorally, and functionally. 

3. Ensure goals are specific and measurable

Goals should be tailored to your child's unique needs identified in the present levels. They should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). The goals should also include supports so that your child is able to grow, and benchmarks or objectives to measure progress.

4. Discuss accommodations and modifications

Consider what specific supports your child needs to access the curriculum and make progress. These should be based on your child's individual challenges.

5. Consider related services

Determine if your child needs additional support services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, or counseling to benefit from special education.

6. Advocate for appropriate placement

The least restrictive environment where your child can make progress may look different for each student. Discuss options to find the best fit.

7. Include your child's input when appropriate

Especially for older students, incorporating their perspective helps individualize the IEP.

8. Request specific teaching strategies 

If certain instructional approaches work well for your child, ask for them to be included in the IEP.

9. Discuss assistive technology needs

Consider if any devices or software could help your child access the curriculum more effectively.

10. Review regularly and revise as needed

Your child's needs may change over time. The IEP should be reviewed at least annually and revised to remain individualized.

11. Provide private evaluations or expert input

If you have outside assessments or recommendations from specialists, share that information with the IEP team.

12. Focus on your child's unique disability-related needs

Ensure the IEP addresses the specific ways your child's disability impacts their education, not just generic supports.

You have the right to disagree with the school's proposals and suggest alternatives. If you feel the IEP isn't sufficiently individualized, you can request changes or even ask for mediation or a due process hearing.

Be an active, informed participant in the IEP process. Share your insights, ask questions, and collaborate with the team to create an educational program truly tailored to your child's individual needs.

If you need guidance on how to effectively advocate for an individualized IEP, consider taking one of our online courses. These have been created to empower parents with knowledge, skills and strategies to advocate for their child’s educational needs.