How are my child's IEP goals being serviced if they aren't in school?

How are my child's IEP goals being serviced if they aren't in school? That’s a question that is becoming very common by parents as we continue with virtual and hybrid learning. While many students have experience difficulties navigating virtual learning while being home, our exceptional students are suffering even more as they are receiving vague information about the services their IEPs outline. It is important that parents and schools work together to ensure that students are progressing and not regressing.

Here are three easy tips and strategies to ensure that you, your child's school and their case managers are working collaboratively together to ensure your child's success:

Develop A Positive and Productive Relationship With your child's Case manager.

Making sure your child is receiving his/her services with fidelity and are properly supported to meet their goals is very imperative in this season of virtual learning. Your child's case manager whose name is located on the first page of their IEP will be your best point of contact and person you want to develop a positive working relationship with. Take time to make connections with your child's case manager and try to avoid making your first contact when a problem has occurred. Building a positive rapport with your child's case manager may help them with going above and beyond knowing that they have a good relationship with the family they are servicing.

Keep a Personal Log or Record of Everything

Documentation is the key in the world of special education. Once you fully understand your child’s goals and services it is important that you keep a personal record of when and if these services are occurring. The IEP specifically outlines how frequently your child’s service providers will meet with your child as well as the duration of each session. Many case managers have transitioned to zoom sessions based on the specific services but all are still required to perform their duties. Log every session with the providers title, the date of the session as well as how long it lasted to make sure it aligns with what’s written in the IEP. You can write notes of what occurred during the session so that you are familiar and can address any concerns during your next IEP meeting.

If services and needs are not being met, request a meeting.

Parents have the right to request meetings at any time during the school year to raise issues of concern, to seek any new information from the school, as well as informing the IEP team of changes that may have occurred at home. Many children’s IEPs currently have goals that are near impossible to complete virtually and on a consistent basis. However, special education teacher has been asked to modify and make the best possible accommodations to still provide these services virtually.  If you feel that your child’s needs are not being met based on what the IEP services list, then request a meeting with the IEP team.