It’s that time of year again. New backpacks, sharpened pencils, fresh sneakers — and for families navigating special education, it’s also the season of new teachers, new case managers, and sometimes the same old confusion.

Let me say this clearly: you cannot afford to walk into this school year unprepared.

1. Everyone Needs the Full IEP

If your child has an IEP, every single teacher who works with them — including art, PE, and electives — needs the entire document, not just a one-pager. A “summary” won’t cut it. Instructional goals, accommodations, modifications, and related services must be known and implemented by every educator at that table.

2. Build the “Zach Pack

I call it a Zach Pack:

• One-page overview of your child (with a photo)
• Contact information for you
• A printed copy of the full IEP

Hand this to each teacher before the first week gets too far along. It’s proactive, it’s clear, and it sets the expectation that you are watching and tracking.

3. Pay Attention to the IEP Sections That Get Ignored

Most parents glance past these four sections — but they can change everything:

• Language needs
• Communication needs
• Physical needs
• Assistive technology

If those boxes aren’t thoughtfully completed, the school is skating by. Push for specifics. Push for data. Don’t let “we’ll see what happens” be the plan.

4. Assistive Tech Is Not Optional

The law is clear: if your child needs assistive technology, the district must provide it. Period. Don’t let phrases like “multimodal communicator” become loopholes that excuse real instruction and real tools.

5. Document Everything

This is the year you start with systems in place. Keep a log of services, absences, and communications. When schools know you’re tracking, implementation rates skyrocket.

Back-to-School FAQs for Parents & Advocates

Do elective teachers have to follow the IEP?
Yes. Every teacher — whether it’s art, music, PE, or a core subject — is legally responsible for implementing the accommodations, modifications, and supports in your child’s IEP.

What if the school says they don’t have time to read the full IEP?
That’s not optional. The IEP is a binding document under IDEA. If they can’t “find the time,” they are out of compliance. Hand-deliver copies and get written confirmation that each teacher received it.

Can I ask for an IEP meeting right at the start of school?
Absolutely. If you see red flags (services not starting, accommodations ignored, assistive tech missing), you don’t need to wait. Put the request in writing and keep a copy for your records.

Back-to-School Mindset:
You are not here to make friends. You are here to secure services, instruction, and outcomes for your child. Stay firm. Stay calm. Stay prepared.

Want deeper training on exactly how to do this? Join The Academy, where we break down every page of the IEP and every safeguard under IDEA. You don’t know what you don’t know — but you need to.

Join The Academy Here

“When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody.” — Karen Mayer Cunningham

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Do Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings leave you feeling confused and powerless? You are not alone. Navigating special education can feel overwhelming for even the most engaged parents. But knowledge is power. Arm yourself with the tools to advocate for your child.

The mission of the Special Education Academy, founded by Karen Mayer-Cunningham, is to empower every parent, educator, and advocate with the knowledge and skills to get special education services right for children. Karen believes that when we get it right for the child, we get it right for everyone. The Virtual 2-Day Special Education Advocacy Intensive training equips you with the tools you need to collaborate effectively as part of your child’s IEP team. With a shared understanding of special education processes and practices, you can work together to make student-centered decisions and achieve successful outcomes. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just starting out, this training will give you the confidence and expertise to drive the IEP process to meet your child’s unique needs.

Some key takeaways:

Eligibilities – There are 13 categories of disability under IDEA law that make a child eligible for special education services, such as autism, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, etc. Understanding the criteria for these categories empowers you to ensure your child is evaluated appropriately.

Evaluations – A comprehensive initial evaluation looks at your child across multiple domains, including cognitive, academic, speech/language, medical, psychological, and more. Know the assessment options to get a full picture of your child’s needs.

IEP Goals – Well-written IEP goals address your child’s unique needs across settings, including academic, behavioral, communication, social-emotional, and functional skills. Provide input on the goals that will allow your child to make meaningful progress.

Accommodations – Accommodations level the playing field and remove barriers to learning. Be specific about the accommodations your child requires to access grade-level curriculum. Too many accommodations may signal the need for more intensive services.

Placement – Special education services are meant to be delivered in the least restrictive environment. Understand the continuum of placement options from general education class with support to more restrictive settings.

Preparation is key to being an equal partner in IEP meetings. This training provides the foundational knowledge on the IEP process, eligibility, evaluations, goals, accommodations, and placement to set your child up for success.

Sign up for the 2-day intensive to become your child’s best advocate.

The post Navigating Special Education: What Every Parent Needs to Know appeared first on Special Education Academy™.

This section is a detailed snapshot of your child’s abilities, needs, and challenges. It’s the cornerstone for the entire IEP. But too often, present levels are vague or missing the details that truly matter. Let me share with you the wisdom I’ve gained from over 20 years of experience.

Craft a Full Picture of Your Child’s School Day

Walk through their typical day, including transportation, meals, transitions, academics, therapies, and behaviors. Identify all the adults and students in each setting. This complete picture is vital!

Come Prepared with Objective Assessment Data

Conduct assessments at home, like a 3-minute reading sample and a writing sample about a favorite topic. Bring this hard data to the table. It’s invaluable.

Fully Describe Needs and Impacts of Disabilities

List all educational eligibilities, but don’t stop there. Paint a 360-degree picture of how disabilities affect learning and life.

Include Relevant Medical and Mental Health Information

Note conditions, medications, allergies, recent tests, doctor appointments, and more.

Get Input from All Educators and Staff Involved

Ensure everyone involved submits feedback on your child’s functioning. Resolve any inconsistencies.

Focus on Functioning, Not Just Test Scores

Standardized test scores don’t always reflect daily life. Push for a robust functional description.

Don’t Move Forward Without Sufficient Present Levels

Without enough detail, the rest of the IEP can’t be calculated. If something’s missing, table the meeting.

Let the Present Levels Guide the Rest of the IEP

Thorough, data-driven present levels set the stage for the entire IEP. Doing it right ensures meaningful access, progress, and better outcomes.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

With rock-solid present levels, you’ll feel more confident knowing your child’s needs are documented. That’s the first step toward meaningful progress.

But why stop here? If you’re eager to equip yourself further, The Academy is here for you. Join me and a community of like-minded parents and advocates. Together, we’ll transform the way we approach special education.

Click here to join The Academy and start your journey today. Let’s ensure that every child receives the services they deserve. When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everyone.

The post Mastering the IEP’s Present Levels Section: Guidance for Parents and Advocates appeared first on Special Education Academy™.