The birds are chirping, springtime is here and you know what that means? (No, not allergy season!) It’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP), Annual Review season! For better or for worse, it’s time to review your child’s plan and start thinking about the following school year.
When I worked for the public schools on the Child Study Team as a School Psychologist, this was the busiest time of the year for us. But now, as a mom, I’m sitting on the other side of the table, for my child. As my daughter’s meeting is approaching, I’m feeling emotional about this upcoming meeting. I’m concerned about my daughter’s progress, her program, her related services, her accommodations – all of it. There is so much that is out of my control. As parents, what takes place in the classroom each day is out of our control. I don’t know about you, but I like to know; I like to know the lesson she is working on in Math, the book she is reading in English, the skill she is working on in writing. When I sit at my daughter’s IEP meeting, I am no longer an objective School Psychologist. I am a worried mom and I know I’m not alone.
For many, like myself, we may think about it, play out the different ways it will carry out, and worry. A lot. I am a horrible anticipatory worrier, so this year, I am going to plan ahead and do a few things to get ready. I will encourage you to join me in my preparation…
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