Event Calendar

Fall Into the IEPs: A 4-Part Virtual Family Lunch-and-Learn Series is designed to help families better understand their child’s IEP and participate confidently in the special education process. Through four practical, family-friendly sessions, participants will learn how to understand, monitor, prepare for, and address concerns about their child’s IEP.

Session Dates:

September 24: Session 1: Fall Into the IEP: Understanding Your Child’s IEP: An IEP can feel overwhelming when you are unsure what each section means or how the pieces work together. This session will help families better understand the major sections of their child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), including the Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP), annual goals, special education services, accommodations, and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). Families will learn what to look for when reviewing the IEP and how each section connects to their child’s individual needs and educational progress.

October 8: Session 2: Back-to-School IEP Check-Up: Is the IEP Working?: Having an IEP in place is only the beginning—families also need to know whether the plan is actually working. This session will help families identify what to watch for during the first weeks of school, understand how their child’s progress is being monitored, and recognize signs that additional discussion with the IEP team may be needed. Participants will also explore practical ways to communicate with the school, ask questions about services and supports, and use progress information to stay actively involved in their child’s education. 

October 22: Session 3: Take Your Seat at the IEP Table: Preparing for an IEP Meeting. :Families are important members of the IEP team, and preparation can help them participate more confidently and effectively. This session will walk families through practical steps they can take before an IEP meeting, including organizing concerns, reviewing educational data and progress, identifying priorities, and preparing questions. Families will learn strategies for sharing their perspective, asking for clarification, and arriving at the meeting prepared to be an active participant in decisions about their child’s education.

November 5: From Concerns to Action: Working With Your Child’s IEP Team.: What can families do when they have concerns about their child’s IEP, services, progress, or supports? This session will focus on turning concerns into clear, specific requests and productive communication with the IEP team. Families will learn the importance of documenting communication, following up after conversations and meetings, and keeping track of concerns and responses. The session will also introduce steps families can consider when concerns remain unresolved or disagreements with the IEP team continue.

Each session is held every other Thursday from September through November, from 12:00–1:00 p.m.