The development of the IEP is important to create goals and administer services. The meeting to develop the IEP is attended by the child's parents and professionals. This allows each party to discuss concerns, observations, background information, and goals.
The team will develop measureable goals based on the child's strengths and level of performance. Specialists use a variety of assessment procedures to evaluate the child. Parents should serve as the child's advocate during the process (Cook, Klein, Tessier, 2008). Parents are asked to identify their priorities in regard to skills, behaviors, and needed services. "The annual goals included in the IEP describe what a child with disabilities can be expected to accomplish with a specified period" (Cook, Klein, Tessier, 2008, p. 129).
The IEP will also determine specific services for the child and family. Services may include supplementary aids, time spent with specialists, and resources from other agencies. According to Cook, Klein, Tessier (2008), The IEP will list "the projected dates for initiation of services and the anticipated frequency, location, and duration of services." (p.129).
The IEP will tell when goals and objectives should be reviewed. The plan can be modified if needed. Parents and teachers can request to review the plan at any time. The review process gives everybody involved a chance to update or change information and goals as needed. Sometimes goals may need to be added or taken off the IEP.
Cook, Ruth E., Klein, Diane & Tessier, Annette (2008). Adapting Early Childhood Curriculua for Children with Special Needs.
I think it is important to remember that the IEP is a collaboration. The team of adults consist of the professionals, but also the families. The families are the child's first teachers, so they do play a important role on the child's plan of action. The concerns of the families are held to an important role in the IEP process. The specialists can use the IEP to form effective procedures to help the child's growth and development progress.
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