The Basics of an IEP

By Amanda Danaher

What Roanoke Parents Need to Know to Advocate for Their Child

Navigating the special education system can feel overwhelming, especially when your child needs an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to make sure they receive the right support in school. Understanding how it works, advocating for your child, and managing the emotions that come with the process can feel like a lot all at once. That’s why this guide is here, to give Roanoke Valley families an overview of IEPs, practical advice for navigating the process through Roanoke City Schools, Roanoke County Public Schools, or Salem City Schools, and a little encouragement along the way. 

What Is an IEP?

An Individualized Education Program, or IEP, is more than just paperwork. It’s a detailed plan tailored to your child’s specific needs.

More specifically, IEPs are legal documents that outline what adaptations to the general curriculum your child needs to succeed in the classroom, school, or extracurricular activities. They also spell out any related services, how many minutes of those services your child will receive in a given time frame to help them meet their goals, and the setting where those services happen. 

IEPs are developed collaboratively by a team that includes parents, teachers, and school staff. They must be updated annually to reflect progress and changing needs, and evaluations are required every three years.

While the process may seem intimidating, it helps to view the IEP as a positive resource. Jennifer Bryerton, M.A.Ed., founder of RoanokeFamily and publisher of CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine, encourages parents to see the IEP as an ally rather than an obstacle.

“The IEP is an asset, a tool for your child,” she says. “It is designed to help ensure they get extra services they need.”

Preparing for IEP Meetings

So your child needs an IEP, what’s next? IEP meetings bring the whole team together to discuss your child’s progress, needs, and goals. With some preparation, you can walk in feeling confident instead of caught off guard. 

You know your child best. If an evaluation or plan doesn’t sound like it would truly help, speak up and keep asking questions about the data the school provides until you actually understand it.

Bryerton suggests going into the meeting with a clear vision for your child’s future.

“What are your hopes and dreams for your child?” Bryerton asks. “The teachers can help you put those ideas into the goals. Then, it is up to the school staff to work out strategies to help your child hit those goals. Encouraging your child to try new methods will be really helpful.”

And don’t forget! You have rights during IEP meetings.

As a parent, you can request that a school meeting be rescheduled if there’s a conflict for any team member, including you. You can also excuse a team member from a meeting or bring or request anyone you choose to be invited. Using these options helps the school team get a fuller picture of your child’s needs. 

Emotional Challenges of the IEP Process

The IEP process often lands at a time when you’re still adjusting to a new diagnosis or worrying about what the future might hold for your child. It can bring a real mix of emotions, hope, uncertainty, even grief, as you figure out what comes next. You aren’t doing this alone. Teachers and school staff are there to collaborate and support your child too.  

“An IEP and diagnosis are scary and heartbreaking. It’s okay to grieve a little. Remember your dreams for your child. The teachers want these things too. You are on the same team,” Bryerton says. “It’s important to approach the meeting with an open mind. The IEP is there to help your child.”

Having a child with special needs can be emotionally draining, bringing sadness, anger, and confusion, sometimes all at once. These feelings are normal, but walking into an IEP meeting with a clear head and an open, trusting approach tends to serve your child best. 

It can help to bring someone along to take notes, or to record the meeting so you can review it later instead of trying to follow every word in real time. Everyone at the table wants to support your child, and that’s hard to accomplish if emotions take over the room.

If you’d rather not navigate this alone, hiring a local special education advocate can make a real difference, helping ensure your child’s needs are fully understood and addressed throughout the process.

Resources for Roanoke Valley Parents

To further support you in the process, here are some helpful resources to consider:

• PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center): Offers free advice and training on special education. Visit www.peatc.org.
• Virginia Department of Education Parent Ombudsman for Special Education: A neutral party who provides recommendations. Contact them at 800-422-2083 or SpecialEducationOmbudsman@doe.virginia.gov.
• Wrightslaw: A website with information about special education law and resources. Visitwww.wrightslaw.com.
• Roanoke City Schools, Roanoke County Public Schools, and Salem City Schools: Local districts have special education departments that can walk you through their specific IEP process and timelines. Start with your child’s school counselor or the district’s special education office. 
• Social Media: Online groups focused on IEPs and 504 plans can also connect parents with advice and shared experience.

It is never too late to arm yourself with knowledge about your child’s disability and the special education process. The more you know, the better able you are to support them. Nobody is a better advocate for your child than you are.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does IEP stand for? Individualized Education Program, a legal document outlining the specific support and services a child needs to succeed in school.

How often is an IEP updated? IEPs must be reviewed and updated annually, with a full evaluation required every three years.

Who is part of the IEP team? Parents, teachers, and school staff work together to build and review the plan, and parents can also invite other people they choose to be part of the process.

Can I request changes to an IEP meeting? Yes. Parents can request a meeting be rescheduled if there’s a conflict for any team member, and can excuse or add team members as needed.

Where can Roanoke Valley parents get IEP support? Start with your child’s school, either through Roanoke City Schools or Roanoke County Public Schools, and organizations like PEATC and the Virginia Department of Education’s Parent Ombudsman for Special Education.

JENNIFER BRYERTON, M.A.Ed., is founder of RoanokeFamily and VirginiaSummerCamp.com and publisher of CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine. She began her career in teaching special education and is a mom of four.