Is Your Child’s IEP Still a Good Fit? What to Watch for Over the Summer

At IEP Partner, we know that summer isn’t just for sunscreen and swimsuits—it’s also a valuable opportunity to pause, observe, and reflect. For families of children with IEPs, the slower pace of summer often reveals what the school year rush might have hidden: meaningful progress, unexpected regression, or changes in how your child learns, behaves, and thrives.

Ask yourself: Are the goals in my child’s IEP still relevant?

So, how do you know if it’s time to update your child’s IEP before the new school year begins? Start by watching for growth. Did your child begin reading more confidently? Are they organizing their daily routine with more independence or engaging more socially? Summer often gives children space to grow without academic pressure. If you're noticing new strengths, those should be celebrated—and reflected in the IEP. When goals have been mastered or no longer push your child forward, it's time for new, ambitious goals that match where they are now.

Also be on the lookout for regression. You may notice your child struggling with skills they previously managed—perhaps math facts aren’t sticking, reading becomes a battle, or anxiety increases during everyday tasks. Summer regression can be a warning sign that your child’s current IEP may not be providing the level of support needed to maintain progress.

Changes in home life can also signal the need for an IEP update. A move, a new diagnosis, changes in medication, or increased stress at home can significantly affect how your child functions at school. If your child has become more sensitive, more emotional, or more resistant to transitions, it may be time to reconsider what supports and accommodations they’ll need when school resumes.

To help guide your thinking, ask yourself:

• Are the goals in my child’s IEP still relevant?

• Do the accommodations match how my child functions now?

• Are the current services—like speech, occupational therapy, or behavioral support—frequent and intensive enough?

• Has there been a change in diagnosis or medical status?

If the answer to any of these questions is no, it may be time to revisit the IEP before the new school year starts.

Over the summer, we encourage families to take notes, collect informal data, and track what they’re noticing. Save writing samples, record a video of a challenging moment, or track how long your child stays on task. If you see meaningful changes—good or bad—don’t wait until fall to act. You can request an IEP meeting now or begin preparing for one in August. If needed, ask about updated evaluations or bring in recent medical or developmental documentation.

At IEP Partner, we help families build IEPs that reflect their child’s real needs—not just last year’s assumptions. Whether summer has shown you that your child needs more challenge, more support, or a whole new plan, we’re ready to help. Your child is not the same person they were six months ago. Their IEP shouldn’t be either. Let’s make sure they head into the new school year with the right plan in place.