School
CHAMA VALLEY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL
SPECIAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Date Sent
Dear Parent or Guardian,
You were recently sent a notice of invitation to participate in your child’s annual review at
(location), on
(date) at
(time). Your child’s Individualized Education Program is in a
continuous process of evaluation and review. You may be invited to participate in IEP meetings one or more times
per year, as appropriate, however, the IEP will be reviewed at least once per year. This required IEP meeting is
called the Annual Review.
“What is an IEP?”
Federal and State Law mandates a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for all children with special
education needs, from 3 to 21 years of age. The IEP is the specific means for your child’s Free Appropriate Public
Education. You must always keep in mind that you, as the parent, know your child better than anyone else.
Therefore, your input during the IEP process is essential and invaluable. State and Federal Law require that a written
Individualized Education Program (IEP) be developed and reviewed annually to meet your child’s unique education
needs.
“Who will participate in the IEP?”
You, your child (if appropriate), a general education teacher, a special education service provider, a district
representative, or designee who is qualified to provide or supervise special education services, knows the resources
available in the district, and knows about general education. You or the school can invite other people who have
information about your child or special knowledge that would be important in planning an educational program.
“What if I can’t attend the IEP meeting?”
If you cannot attend an IEP meeting you have a choice of rescheduling the meeting, participating through written
input, participating by phone, or having the team develop and send the IEP in draft form for your review. Please call
at
to give me your preference if you are unable to attend the scheduled meeting.
If you respond that you will be attending and do not attend the school will have the IEP meeting and send notice of
the school’s plans and your child’s IEP. This written notice is given to you so that you can review the IEP before the
scheduled program start date and let the school know if you disagree with the school’s plans or your child’s IEP. If
we do not hear from you it will be assumed that you agree with the plan.
“What will the IEP include?”
The IEP will include information about
 Your child’s skills, abilities, and strengths
 Your child’s needs, including behavioral and communication needs
 The skills that your child could probably complete during one year and the activities that will help him/her
reach each of those skills
 The special education or related services which will help your child complete the activities and skills
 The changes or supports your child will need in the general programs (lessons, environments, or strategies) to
help him/her be able to participate in these programs or classes
 The supports your child will need for statewide and district-wide testing or other ways to measure what he/she
knows if he/she will not be participating in the testing
 The need for extended school year (ESY) services during the summer
 The need for assistive technology evaluation, devices, or services
“What can I do to prepare for the meeting?”
REVIEW YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL RECORDS AND PREVIOUS IEPs. The “Family Rights and Privacy Act of
1974” insures your right to examine school records, receive an explanation of the contents, challenge the contents,
and obtain copies of the records.
COMPLETE THE PARENT INPUT FORM (attached) It is good practice to write down your input to bring to the
IEP meeting. I believe that you are an expert on your child. In order for me to facilitate the best possible IEP team
meeting with your equal participation, I encourage you to complete the attached Parent Input form and bring it to
your child’s IEP meeting. Your participation in filling out this form is optional.
INVITE OTHERS TO ATTEND THE IEP MEETING WITH YOU: You may invite other parents, friends, and
relatives for support. You can provide the same support for other parents at their IEP meeting. It is common for
parents to be overwhelmed with the amount of information provided at an IEP meeting and a friend can help you
remember later.
“What will happen at the IEP meeting?”
Most IEPs begin with a discussion of the progress towards goals and objectives from the previous IEP. Your child’s
educational strengths and weaknesses should be discussed. I hope you will feel comfortable in sharing your input.
From this the team (you are a member of the team) together should formulate the annual goals for the coming year
and the short-term instructional objectives for the immediate future. Do you feel free to ask questions, especially
when you really don’t understand what is being said. You have the right to clear explanations in terms that you can
understand.
YOU WILL BE GIVEN A COPY OF THE IEP. THE IEP MAY BE REVISED AT ANY TIME IF YOU SO
REQUEST. It must be reviewed at least annually. Keep your copies of IEPs in a folder so you may review them
whenever you have concerns.
Hopefully this information will be helpful to you as a parent in preparing for your child’s IEP meeting. The IEP
meeting should be a positive planning process for your child’s educational success.
I look forward to meeting with you.
Sincerely,
Title:
PARENT INPUT FORM
The Department of Special Education believes that parents/guardians are the experts on their children. To help us
better understand your child, this form was developed to guide us in developing an appropriate IEP for your child.
Your participation in filling out this form is optional. (if you do not feel comfortable with it you do not have to
complete it. You may also choose to respond to questions you feel comfortable answering) Please bring this form
to your child’s IEP meeting as a guide for your participation (or send if unable to attend).
1.
What is your child good at? List strengths-positive points
2.
What does your child need help with through your observations?
3.
What are your goals for your child for the next 12 months?
4.
What are your dreams and future goals for your child ? (what do you expect your child to be doing at age 25?)
5.
What part of your child’s individual education program do you think has best helped your child?
6.
Is there something you would like added to your child’s program ( indicate your reason)?
7.
Other important information you would like to share about your child:
8.
What additional concerns or questions do you want to present to the team?