Back to School with an IEP: 10 Things Parents Can Do to Set Up for a Successful Year

It is that time of year here in Kentucky!

When your child has an IEP, back-to-school isn’t just about buying supplies or picking out the perfect backpack — it’s about setting up systems for success, advocating early, and ensuring your child’s needs are met from day one.

As a parent, you are your child’s most powerful advocate. These 10 action steps will help you start the year strong, avoid common IEP mistakes, and build productive communication with the school team.

1. Re-read the IEP — Now, Not Later

Before school starts, revisit the full IEP. Pay close attention to:

• Annual goals and progress markers

• Related services (speech, OT, transportation)

• Accommodations and modifications

• Behavior intervention plan (if applicable)

Pro tip: Highlight or tab anything you want to double-check after the first few weeks of school.

2. Create a One-Page Student Snapshot

Teachers don’t always have time to read a full IEP on day one. A “Student Bio Sheet” gives a quick overview of:

• Diagnoses or disabilities

• Strengths and needs

• Communication style

• Medical or sensory considerations

• Therapies or supports

  (subscribe to email for copy of student biography page)

3. Contact the School Before Day One

Introduce yourself and your child to the new teacher, case manager, and support staff. Share your Student Bio Sheet and any must-know information.

Open house is a wonderful opportunity to make these introductions. Emailing is also acceptable or see if there is a day when teachers are in the building working on classrooms that you and your child could drop by for a few minutes.

4. Request a Quick Team Check-In (If Needed)

If there are concerns from last year — unmet goals, behavior plans, transportation delays — request a 15-minute check-in (not a full ARC/IEP meeting).

Use my ARC/IEP Meeting Request Email Template if you feel a formal meeting is needed.

5. Prepare Your Child with Routines & Visuals

Many students with ADHD, autism, or anxiety struggle with transitions. Use:

• Visual schedules or first-then boards

• Timers (large or wearable)

• Social stories or videos

• Walk-throughs of the school (if allowed)

Check out my Amazon Affiliate List previous blog — including timers and visual schedules.

6. Print & Organize Important Documents

Have a folder (physical or digital) ready for:

( if you are returning to the same school your child's case manager/ special education teacher will have these documents. You can take it upon yourself to provide the general education teacher with a copy as well. )

• IEP and eligibility documents

• Medical records and therapy scripts

• Communication logs and emails

• Transportation or nursing care plans

Get my free IEP Toolkit — it includes a 14-page organizer with checklists, templates, and printable tools.

7. Have a Daily Communication Plan

Especially important if your child is nonverbal, has complex needs, or receives personal care.

Download my Daily School Communication Sheet — a simple way to track meals, meds, restroom use, and therapies.

8. Know Your Rights as the School Year Starts

Many parents don’t realize that:

• You can call an ARC/IEP meeting at any time.

• You have a right to written prior notice for changes.

• You can ask for data on goal progress and accommodations.

Grab my “Know Your Rights” Mini Module — now just $20 for the reworked version with:

• Interactive PowerPoint

• Printable PDF

• Pre/Post Test Google Form

  Buy it here in the Store

9. Document Everything

Keep track of:

• Emails with teachers/staff

• Behavior incidents or unmet supports

• Progress monitoring data

• Notes from phone calls or meetings

Even small details may matter later.

10. Start the Year as a Collaborator (Not Just an Advocate)

You don’t have to be in conflict with your child’s team to be a strong advocate. Ask questions, offer helpful insights, and keep a tone of mutual respect.

Coming Soon:

“Effective Communication with Schools” Module – learn how to get better outcomes without burning bridges.

Final Thoughts:

The beginning of the school year can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to go it alone.

You deserve clear tools, actionable guidance, and professional support to help your child thrive. That’s why I created M. Patton Special Education Advocacy & Consulting.

Here is my free beginning of the year Back to School Checklist for a Child with an IEP!

Visit mpattonadvocacy.com to download your free IEP Toolkit, explore parent advocacy modules, and subscribe for tips.

Let’s build your advocacy confidence — one meeting, one letter, and one school year at a time.

Mary Beth