Importance of IEP and implementing it

The importance of the individual education plan and how it is used to implement services :

 

The IFSP is generated for infants, toddlers, and their families and the IEP is developed for preschoolers. Both of these plans are required because of IDEA. On page 123 of our text, it gives a list of individuals who are expected to attend the meeting where the IEP document is being developed. It includes professionals as well as a parent of the child. For more details of who is expected to be at the meeting, it can be found on page 123 and 124. The Interdisciplinary team meets to choose measurable IEP annual goals. The IEP is important because everyone will sign off on the document and everyone works towards helping the child work towards their goals. It is important to realize that each child has different goals and it is designed specifically for that particular child. The annual goals included in the IEP describe what a child with disabilities can be expected to accomplish within a specified period. The text also states that the IEP is intended to serve as a basis for the subsequent development of a detailed, individualized instructional program that encompasses the complete curriculum.

 Everyone involved in the child's plan is responsible for helping the child meet their goals. If the PT, OT, Speech, and lead teacher are part of the IEP then everyone must work together to implement the goals. Sometimes the child can work towards their goals during group time whereas other times they may need one on one assistance. The whole team has to decide how they are going to individually help the child succeed at the given goals. The IEP is the foundation and the team is the basis on how the goals are processed and learned. Everyone must have great communication, parents must have equal involvement, and the whole focus needs to be on the child learning what was put in place as the annual goals. If goals are not being accomplished, needs are not being met, the team can come together to determine what needs to be done differently.

 

 

 

 

 

Reference:

Cook, Ruth E., Klein M. Diane, & Tessier, Annette. (2008). Adapting Early Childhood Curricula for Children with Special Needs (7th Edition). Columbus, OH: Pearson Prentice Hall.