Raising a child is a full-time job which requires a lot of strength and effort. It means having to deal with plenty of paperwork and numerous meetings during the school age. This is even more true if you are a parent of a child with special needs, who requires even more of your attention and dedication.

Formal education is one of the key points in the life of an individual with special needs. This is why special ed resources for parents are there to make life easier on both the parents and the teachers. Trying to keep yourself on top of everything as a parent can sometimes really be difficult, but this is why having an IEP binder is a good idea.

What is an IEP binder?

First of all, IEP is an abbreviation for Individualized Education Plan. It is intended for schools under IDEA, or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. An IEP binder was designed as a great way to organize the almost never-ending amount of paperwork, forms, emails, and other documents regarding your child which just seem to pile up. The binder is supposed to help you in keeping all of that under control and at your fingertips if and when needed.

What should an IEP binder contain?

Organizing an IEP binder depends on the individual and their needs, as that’s what it’s all about. One of the things to keep in mind is that you might need more than one binder to have enough room for all documents. They should be a personalized account of your child’s strengths and weaknesses as well as your little stamp of creativity for easier coping. Leave room for comments in each of the possible sections and figure out which ones you need to extend or get rid of along the way.

Communication

Gather the info of all members who are on your child’s IEP team and put it here, for easier reaching. Also, this part is great for tracking any phone or email communication with the school, printed out if needed for further reference.

IEP

Have all the rights and procedures the school requires here, so they won’t have to give you more papers next time. Use it for comparison between different IEPs if there was more than one for your child. Jot down any notes from the meetings for further discussion.

Home observations

Growth and development are achieved not only in school but at home as well and this is why it’s good to keep a written account of what your child does with ease or with difficulties at home. Note the dates to observe progress with time.

Behavior

Every school has behavior rules and procedures which you need to consider. They also come in handy if your child is disciplined for something which could be connected with his disability. Any behavior interventions or disciplinary notes should also be kept here, just in case.

Need help organizing your IEP binder? Contact us

Having an IEP binder can greatly save you time and help in between the required meetings. Pacific Coast Advocates offers you free e-binder resources to find your way around paperwork and records more easily and efficiently. Follow the link at the beginning of this text, enter your email and we’ll send you the e-resources. No spam ever, just help! Or, if you like we’d love to give you a free 30-minute phone consultation regarding your child’s IEP or 504. Call us at 619-255-5532 or email us at christy@pacificcoastadvocates.com.