Many families caring for their school age children with disabilities or chronic illness are aware of the federal individualized education program (IEP). An IEP lays out the special education instruction, support and services those children need to thrive in K-12 public classrooms. The IEP process can include multiple players and requirements, which may feel overwhelming to some families. That’s why South Sound Parent to Parent (SSP2P) is a resource for local families seeking support to navigate IEPs.
South Sound Parent to Parent Transition Coordinator Jim Smith says families, especially those new to the IEP process, often have lots of questions. “They don’t know what this IEP thing is,” he explains. He says they want to know, “What are the things I should remember? How can my child get what they need?”
Fortunately, Smith says South Sound Parent to Parent is available as a local “safety net” that offers IEP resources and more at no cost to families.
Families Caring for Children with Disabilities or Chronic Illness Can Contact South Sound Parent to Parent for Free Resources and IEP Support
South Sound Parent to Parent was organized by parents of children with a disability, and professionals, to assist families adjust to the extra demands of parenting a child with a disability or chronic illness. They also saw that these parents could be a huge help to each other. With offices in Olympia, Aberdeen and Shelton plus contacts in Kitsap County, the organization brings together and serves many South Puget Sound families.
South Sound Parent to Parent assists with support groups; organizes events, trainings and workshops; provides newsletters; connects families with resources and mentors; and much more including providing families no-cost assistance with navigating the IEP process. Staff are available by phone, Zoom, in-person and email.
“We are here, for free,” says Smith. “Reach out and ask your questions. We are here for all families.”
South Sound Parent to Parent Offers IEP Coaching So Parents Can Say, ‘I Got This’
South Sound Parent to Parent’s services aid parents in building on their own strengths so they can confidently support their children. “They can ask questions in a safe space,” Smith says. “We want parents to become advocates, and so their children can also become their own advocates. We want to give them the feeling of ‘I got this.’”
Those services include help with understanding their child’s IEP process. The IEP is a critical piece of providing a supportive environment for success in public schools, using a team approach with parents and school staff. “An IEP is a detailed description of the instruction and services a student with disabilities needs to receive a meaningful education,” describes the Washington Office of the Education Ombuds. “The individualized education program, or IEP, is a document describing the specific special education services a student will receive. An IEP is a legal document, and students are entitled to receive all of the services outlined in the IEP. An IEP should be tailored to a student’s educational needs, and it can include creative strategies for delivering services.”
Smith says the IEP process includes meetings with school staff that may feel intimidating for some families. “Sitting in a room of people talking about your child, and you wonder, ‘What can I do? What can I say?’ How can I be heard?” he says of questions parents may have. Smith says he can explain to families what is to happen in an IEP meeting and parents can check in with him afterward to see how it went. “We provide support for those families, so the process is helpful and meaningful,” he explains.
Smith says he tells parents of two important things about IEP meetings. “The first is to treat it like a business meeting, and the business is their child. It’s to plan how to be successful in school,” he says. “The second is to make sure you get everything in writing.” He says it can be useful to invite a co-parent or other person along to take notes if possible. He adds that asking the “w” questions of “why are we meeting, what are we going to talk about, who is going to be there, when will things happen, and where will things happen” helps achieve a positive outcome.
Need Help with the IEP Process or Other Challenges in Caring for a Child with Disabilities or Chronic Illness? Contact South Sound Parent to Parent
If you need help with navigating the IEP process or are facing challenges in caring for a child with disabilities or a chronic illness, reach out to South Sound Parent to Parent offices serving Thurston, Grays Harbor, Mason and Kitsap counties. Contact information is on the South Sound Parent to Parent website.
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