Back to School: What Parents Should Share to Start the Year Off Right

As August arrives and backpacks are filled with fresh supplies, there’s more to prepare than just notebooks and lunchboxes—especially if your child has an IEP. At IEP Partner, we know that the first few weeks of school set the tone for the entire year. That’s why we encourage families to take a proactive approach to ensure the IEP is not only in place but actually being followed from Day 1.

The first 10 days of school can either build trust—or damage it.

When your child has specialized needs, it’s critical that teachers and school staff start the year fully informed and prepared. Unfortunately, many parents assume this happens automatically. But the reality is that classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, lunch aides, and even therapists may not receive or review the IEP in full before the first day of school. That’s where your voice makes all the difference.

Start by introducing yourself to the key members of your child’s team. A simple email to the teacher, case manager, or principal can go a long way. Include a short summary of your child—who they are, what they love, what works well, and what doesn’t. Most importantly, highlight the supports in place that must be implemented immediately. These include not only academic accommodations, but also health and safety plans like a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP), Individualized Health Care Plan, Seizure Action Plan, Safe Eating Plan, Crisis Plan, or any other documented supports.

Make sure to emphasize that these plans are not optional—they are legal requirements tied to your child’s right to a Free Appropriate Public Education under IDEA and Section 504. If the teacher hasn’t seen these plans, ask who is responsible for providing them. If staff members haven’t been trained on them, ask when training will occur. If services haven’t started, ask for the exact date and schedule.

It’s also helpful to ask about how progress toward IEP goals will be tracked and monitored, what communication methods will be used (daily reports, parent portals, phone calls), and how concerns will be addressed. Let the school know that you’re an active partner and want to build a collaborative relationship—but that you’re also paying close attention to how the IEP is being implemented from the start.

Here are some important things to share during the first week of school:

• a copy of the current IEP (just in case)

• a summary of your child’s accommodations and goals

• copies of any safety or medical plans

• an updated parent input letter if needed

• any outside reports or evaluations the school should consider.

• If your child uses an AAC device, assistive technology, a sensory diet, or has communication needs, confirm those are set up and accessible.

The first 10 days of school can either build trust—or damage it. At IEP Partner, we help families make sure that doesn’t happen. If services are not in place, plans aren’t being followed, or you feel that the staff isn’t informed, we can help you advocate effectively and respectfully. You don’t have to wait for problems to build.

When schools and families begin the year on the same page, children thrive. Your child deserves a team that knows who they are, what they need, and how to help them succeed. Let’s make sure that happens—starting now.