Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Notebook
Parent's Notebook
Preparing for your child's IEP meeting can be a challenging task. Gathering all the past IEP forms, current notification forms, nursing notes, evaluation reports, grades, doctor's orders/letters, test results, classroom notes and updates, tracking forms, parent's goals etc. can add up to what sometimes seems a veritable mountain of paperwork. Keeping it all in one place and readily available is the challenge.
The answer? A Parent's IEP Notebook! An updated Parent's notebook will provide a ready reference for all current IEP materials. It provides a place to organize, track and plan for current IEPs as well as assisting the parent in tracking their child's progress. It will allow the parent a ready review to assess how well the current IEP goals are working for their child and allow the parent to assess when changes need to be made. Keeping an updated IEP notebook in an easily accessible area will provide the parent an excellent organizational tool. Documents can be easily added and subtracted from the notebook as needed. The list could be endless! Use only that information that is pertinent to you.
How to get started?
Use the following items:
- A small to medium sized 3-ring binder.
- Lined notebook paper (use for adding notes in each section if needed)
- Clear page protectors
- Several pocket folders
- Tabbed dividers
- A red pen or fine tipped marker
Notebook Set up.
The following information should be included in your parent notebook. Use only those categories that apply to your situation. Not all parents are going to need all these sections. Make up only those sections that work best for you.
- Parent's Guide (Both Federal and School District guides) Keep a copy of each for ready reference in the front inside pocket of the binder cover.
- Basic History and Diagnosis. Basic information will be helpful to the educational staff assisting you in setting up the IEP.
- Current photo. Sometimes matching a face to the name helps staff keep the Child first and foremost in their minds. It's much easier to think in "Real" terms when you can put a face with the name.
- Current IEP. This is the document that is being reviewed and adjusted. For first time parents, this is the document you will need to keep handy and constantly refer to.
- Nursing Care Plan. For children requiring in classroom medical care. The parent and the school RN will draw up part of this document at the IEP meeting with pertinent detail handled afterwards.
- Doctor's Orders. Care items ordered by the child's physician. This section can include letters from the Dr. regarding care in the classroom, medications, therapies provided by school staff etc. Keep COPIES in the notebook and the originals in a hard file at home.
- Short-term goals. Goals the child's (if applicable) parents, and staff feel can be met in 3-6 months. (See Forms Section)
- Long-term goals. Goals to be met by the end of the school year. (See Forms Section)
- Counseling. Informational report given by school Counseling staff.
- Speech Therapy. A current evaluation and recommended course of treatment.
- Occupational Therapy. A current evaluation and recommended course of treatment.
- Physical Therapy. A current evaluation and recommended course of treatment.
- Assistive Technologies. Equipment recommendations and procedures go here.
- Transportation. Any letters, medical instructions, safety instructions, specialized equipment instructions (wheelchair tie downs etc.) etc to transportation staff regarding the safe transportation of your child to and from school while on District bussing.
- Extra Blank Forms and Lined Paper.
New information and old information may be added and subtracted at any time. It is recommended that all "old" information be placed in a filing cabinet under the dates of the school year for future reference.
Remember. This is to help you, the parent, stay organized and keep all your information handy. The list could be endless! Use only that information that is pertinent to you!