Role of Parents in IEP Goals
IEP stands for Individualized Education Program. IEP goals are usually set for children with special needs. This work is done mainly by special education teachers in consultation with parents and experts in the area. IEP goals are generally few pages long, but in case of children with many disabilities it can run to more than twenty pages. The role of parents in the successful implementation of IEP goals for their child involves closely monitoring the progress of each goal and assisting in achieving them.
To be hundred percent sure that the IEP goals for their child meets specific needs, parents should be completely aware of what IEP goals are and their significance. IEP goals are meant for children with exceptional needs so that they can fulfill their educational goals in the least restrictive environment. As a parent, it is your responsibility towards your child to understand whether the for your child are good enough or not.
Take the example of autistic children, who need special care and have specific educational needs. As a parent of such a child, it is essential for you to check whether the IEP goals set for your child focus on the development of communication or not. No matter the type of special need your child may have, it is important for you to consult experts and have yourself educated about your child’s special needs as much as possible.
Parents of special children will find it useful to go through IEP goal banks for easy reference of the kind of IEP goals that can be set for their child. The goal banks provide sample IEP goals according to the category of special need. Once you get an idea of the IEP goals that can be set for your child, you can customize IEP goals from the bank to suit your child’s specific needs. Setting up IEP goals is a very time consuming process and take up to several hours. IEP goal banks can save you a lot for time in the process. It is the special education teacher of your child you’ll write the IEP goals, but you definitely need to know about all these so that you can be well prepared and provide well-informed suggestions as and when required.
If your child is suffering from deafness, then you need to understand that the IEP goals for your child would be different from the IEP goals of children with other disabilities such as autism. Read as many books as possible and attend sessions with professionals who are experts in the special need of your child. The more knowledge you have about the special need of your child, the more you’ll be of assistance in setting up the IEP goals for your child. Make sure that you observe your child well. It is highly essential for you to have an in-depth understanding of the developmental needs of your child. Remember that your child is special and needs special treatment. So, be well prepared about IEP goals before you go for the next IEP team meeting with your child’s teacher.
If your child is suffering from deafness, then you need to understand that the IEP goals for your child would be different from the IEP goals of children with other disabilities such as autism.