IEP is an Important Tool for Education

The pencils are sharpened and the backpacks packed. Parents of children who have a disability know there’s another item on the back to school check list—an updated Individualized Education Program (IEP).

The IEP is developed for each public school child who is eligible for special education and is meant to ensure students are supported and given a chance to participate in school culture and academics.

Gillette Children’s has many resources to help families with the IEP process. Erin Tentis-Berglund, a psychologist at Gillette, assists families to get the psychological or cognitive testing children might need to quality for an IEP. “Our psychological and cognitive test results are part of the evaluation process,” Tentis-Berglund says. 

Gillette provides a variety of testing options to help gather data to determine your child’s needs. For example, Gillette professionals can conduct neuropsychological evaluations, psychological testing, speech language pathology evaluations, occupational and physical therapy evaluations and audiology testing.

Once your child has been evaluated and found to be eligible for special education, the IEP outlines the services your school district will provide to your child at no cost to you.  It’s important to note that school districts are required to consider the evaluations from independent evaluators like Gillette. 

“All families are different, “Tentis-Bergland adds, “but often it’s a good idea to make your child aware of the IEP from the ‘get go.’ This can take away any shame, embarrassment or negative feelings a child might have about his or her IEP. Parents and education professionals can help reassure a child that everyone has different strengths and areas to improve.”

During the IEP process you, as a parent or guardian, work with a team that includes; a school district representative who is qualified and knows about the resources for the school district, at least one of your child’s special education teachers, at least one of your child’s regular teachers, and a person who is qualified to interpret evaluations results. 

The IEP process can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are online resources and places for support such as the PACER Center.  Minneapolis-based PACER Center is an information, training, and advocacy center for families throughout Minnesota who have children and young adults who have disabilities. 

The PACER Center suggests these tips to help parents prepare for the IEP:

• Learn your rights and responsibilities.
• Talk with your child and get his or her input about what is and isn’t working.
• Review your child’s academic records for progress measurements. (For example, recent report cards and district and statewide testing.)

Parents and guardians living anywhere in the state of Minnesota can contact PACER directly for assistance.

Gillette psychologist, Erin Tentis-Berglund suggest a successful IEP meeting stays focused on the child’s needs. As a parent you know your child the best. You can be his or her strongest advocate.