My Child Needs an IEP or 504

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504 vs IEP: Which One Does My Child Need?
504 vs IEP: Which One Does My Child Need?

Curious about the difference between 504 and IEP? Learn the differences between the IEP and 504 plans and which one you should consider for your child.

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How to Get an IEP: An Overview of the Special Education Eligibility Process
How to Get an IEP: An Overview of the Special Education Eligibility Process

If your child is having difficulty in school, you may be wondering how to get an IEP for them. An IEP can help your child to access special education services and supports. This article describes the special education eligibility process and timelines and how you can advocate for your child’s needs through this process.

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School Versus Private Psychoeducational Evaluations: Things to Consider When Making Your Decision
School Versus Private Psychoeducational Evaluations: Things to Consider When Making Your Decision

Deciding between a school or private evaluation? Consider the reason you need the evaluation, the cost, timeframe, and level of privacy you desire.

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Where Should You Begin If You Suspect Your Child Needs Special Services?
Where Should You Begin If You Suspect Your Child Needs Special Services?

If you have concerns about your child’s progress, the first thing to do is to specifically identify those concerns. For example, are you concerned about your child’s general learning ability? Do you have concerns about academic performance in one or more specific subject areas?

Maximize my child's IEP

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7 Ways an IEP Advocate Can Help You
7 Ways an IEP Advocate Can Help You

An IEP advocate can educate you about the special education process. They can also assist you in communicating with your child’s school team.

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4 Things To Do After Every IEP Meeting
4 Things To Do After Every IEP Meeting

Don’t stop when the IEP meeting ends. These post-meeting actions are essential in ensuring your child is getting the right services and that they are effective.

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4 Things to Begin Each School Year for Parents of Children Receiving Special Services
4 Things to Begin Each School Year for Parents of Children Receiving Special Services

Back to school time means getting into routines to set the tone for a new school year. In this blog post, I share four things that parents of children receiving special services should do at the beginning of every school year.

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4 Things Parents of Children Receiving Special Services Need to Do Each Summer
4 Things Parents of Children Receiving Special Services Need to Do Each Summer

Summer is not a hard stop for parents of kids who get special services. This blog reviews how to use your summer for planning and organization and to help your child progress.

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The IEP Progress Report – Understanding Your Child’s Progress Toward IEP Goals & Objectives
The IEP Progress Report – Understanding Your Child’s Progress Toward IEP Goals & Objectives

Your child’s IEP Progress Report is key to their ongoing learning and development and identifies if their IEP team has been effective in improving and building their skills.

How to Effectively Communicate with Your Child’s IEP Team
How to Effectively Communicate with Your Child’s IEP Team

Establishing a communication method and schedule with your child’s school team can go a long way in reducing stress levels for all parties involved. Parents who are up-to-date on classroom expectations and performance are better able to provide support for the child at home. It is also easier for teachers to work with students when they have thorough information about your child. 

My Child Has an IEP...Now What?
My Child Has an IEP...Now What?

Congratulations on getting Individualized Education Program (IEP) in place for your child! This can be a daunting process and you have made it through the first steps successfully. Now that your child has an IEP, what happens next?

Back to School Tips for Your IEP or 504 Student: How to Maximize the School Year from Day One!
Back to School Tips for Your IEP or 504 Student: How to Maximize the School Year from Day One!

Sleeping in, summer camps, and vacations are quickly coming to a close as the first day of school quickly approaches! A smooth back to school transition means getting a head start on preparing your child for the new school year before the first day of school arrives.

 

There’s a problem with my child’s IEP

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Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIPs) in the School Setting
Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIPs) in the School Setting

Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) are necessary for students with challenging behaviors to be safe and engaged.  Learn about how school BIPs should work.

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Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) In The School Setting
Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) In The School Setting

Wondering how FBAs work in schools? Learn all about the pros and cons as well as the who, what, where, when, and why of FBAs in school.

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Discipline Procedures for Students with Disabilities
Discipline Procedures for Students with Disabilities

Learn about discipline rules to protect students with disabilities from excessive removal from instruction and services.

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Manifestation Determination Review Overview
Manifestation Determination Review Overview

Manifestation determination reviews are critical to ensuring that students with disabilities are not unfairly disciplined for behaviors that are a direct result of their disabilities. By examining the underlying causes of the behavior, parents can provide relevant documentation of the impact of their student’s disability and school administrators can make informed decisions about appropriate disciplinary measures and provide necessary support to help the student succeed. 

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Control and Influence for Parent-Advocates
Control and Influence for Parent-Advocates

There are many stressful aspects of being the parent of a child with a disability. A good place to begin in restoring yourself to a calm state is to assess what is in your control and what is not in your control. Going a step further, consider the things that are within your circle of influence. Be proactive so that you can be an empowered parent-advocate.

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What Should You Do If You Suspect Your Child’s IEP Is Not Being Implemented?
What Should You Do If You Suspect Your Child’s IEP Is Not Being Implemented?

You worked hard to get an IEP in place for your child. The team developed a plan that seemed appropriate to fit your child’s needs. But now, some time has passed and your good feelings about the situation are fading away.

A brighter future for your child starts today