The Complete IEP Guide : How to Advocate for Your Special Ed Child (NOLO Law Guides)

"Helps navigate the complicated process of creating and maintaining an Individualized Education Program (IEP) by providing explanations of the law and guidance and tools for parents. The 7th edition covers recent court cases, plus has an expanded section about "appropriate" education measures and eligibility details"--Provided by publisher. Cover Title Page Table of Contents Your Legal Companion for IEPs 1: Introduction to Special Education What Is Special Education? What Is an IEP? Being Your Child’s Advocate Getting Help From Others 2: Overview of Special Education Law and the IEP The IDEA and State Special Education Laws What the IDEA Requires Individualized Education Program Working With Your School District Some Overriding IEP Principles 3: Getting Started: Tips for All Parents First Steps Obtain Your Child’s School Records Harassment 4: Getting Organized Start an IEP Binder The Yearly IEP Cycle Sample Year in the Life of Your Child’s IEP Keep a Monthly Calendar Track Your Child’s Progress 5: Developing Your Child’s IEP Blueprint Begin at the End: Define Your Child’s Needs Preparing an IEP Blueprint Other Sources of Information for the Blueprint What’s Next? 6: Evaluations When Evaluations Are Done Evaluation Components Evaluation Plans Meet With the Evaluator Reviewing the Report Reevaluations Final Evaluations 7: Who Is Eligible for Special Education? Eligibility Requirements Preparing for the IEP Eligibility Meeting Attending the Eligibility Meeting Joint IEP Eligibility/Program Meeting If Your Child Is Not Found Eligible for Special Education 8: Exploring Your Options and Making Your Case Review the School District’s Information Keep Tabs on Your Child’s Progress Explore Available School Programs Find Out About Related Services Compare Your Blueprint With the Existing Programs and Services Generate Additional Supporting Information Independent Evaluations What If the District Hasn’t Done an Evaluation? Requesting that the District Pay for an Evaluation 9: Writing Goals Skill Areas Covered by Goals Developing Goals When to Draft Goals Writing Effective Goals 10: Preparing for the IEP Meeting Schedule the IEP Meeting The IEP Meeting Agenda Organize Your Materials Draft Your Child’s IEP Program Establish Who Will Attend the IEP Meeting Final Preparation 11: Attending the IEP Meeting Getting Started Simple Rules for a Successful IEP Meeting Become Familiar With Your School’s IEP Form Writing the IEP Plan Signing the IEP Document Parent Addendum Page 12: Resolving IEP Disputes Through Due Process Timeline for Requesting Due Process When You Can Go Straight to Court Instead of Using the Due Process Hearing Before Due Process: Informal Negotiations Typical Due Process Disputes When to Pursue Due Process Who Can File? Your Child’s Status During Due Process Using a Lawyer During Due Process How to Begin Due Process Preparing for Due Process Mediation Specifics Due Process Hearing Hearing Decision and Appeals 13: Filing a Complaint When to File a Complaint Where to File a Complaint What to Include in a Complaint What Happens When You File a Complaint 14: Lawyers and Legal Research How a Lawyer Can Help Do You Need a Lawyer? Finding an Attorney How Attorneys Are Paid Resolving Problems With a Lawyer Doing Your Own Legal Research Key Court Decisions About Special Education and the IDEA Online Legal Research 15: Parent Organizations Join a Parent Organization Form a Parent Organization 16: How to Use the Companion Page on Nolo.com Using the Forms From the Companion Page Editing RTFs List of Forms Index Book Registration

Recipient of the 2017 BRONZE Winner for Education Award from Foreword Indies.Federal law guarantees every child a free, appropriate education, and the goal of the Individual Education Program (IEP) is to assure that every child with special needs receives what the law promises. But if you have a special ed child, you know that your family must make sure the school follows through and provides the services your child needs.

It can be intimidating to work with teachers, school administrators, and school districts to ensure that your child's special educational needs are being met, especially if you don't know much about special education law. This book will help guide you through your child's IEP process by explaining your child's rights and teaching you how to draft educational goals and objectives, research school programs and alternatives, prepare for IEP meetings, and resolve disputes with your school district. This powerful book covers:

• eligibility rules and assessments
• working with outside experts
• developing your child's ideal educational program
• preparing for and attending IEP meetings, and
• resolving disputes with school districts.

The 10th edition provides key forms, sample letters, and resources you need at every stage of the IEP process. With it, you can make sure your child gets a good education—the education he or she deserves.

"This book discusses the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for special needs children, including: eligibility rules and assessments, working with outside experts, developing a child's ideal educational program, preparing for and attending IEP meetings, and resolving disputes with school districts. It provides key forms, sample letters, and resources parents need for every stage of the IEP process"-- Provided by publisher