Expert answer
Share your concerns with the IEP team at your child’s school immediately.
Meet with the teacher: Schedule a meeting with your child’s teacher to discuss your concerns. Bring a copy of the IEP and go through it together to ensure the teacher understands it.
Document the issues: Keep a journal of specific instances where the IEP is not being followed. Include dates, details, and any work samples.
Talk to school administrators: If the issue persists, meet with the assistant principal or another school administrator. Share your documentation and ask for their help in ensuring the IEP is followed.
Request an IEP meeting: If necessary, request a meeting with the entire IEP team to discuss your concerns and develop a plan to ensure compliance.
Consider further actions: If the school remains unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the district’s special education administrator or contact an educational advocate or special education lawyer to consider dispute resolution options like mediation.
Remember to listen to your instincts and trust that you have tremendous insight and knowledge about your child.
For more detailed guidance, see these articles from Understood:
- The teacher isn’t following my child’s IEP. What can I do?
- 6 tips to make sure your child’s IEP is implemented properly
- Who ensures schools follow special education law?
The following articles from Reading Rockets have information about the IEP process and parental rights that might be useful to you.
- The IEP Team
- Contents of the IEP
- SMART IEPs
- How Parents Can Be Advocates for Their Children
- Documenting Communication with the School About Special Services
- Advocacy in Action: You Can Advocate for Your Child!