Starting the Year Right
A New School Year, A New IEP Team: What Parents Need to Know and Do Now
The start of a new school year always brings a mix of emotions: excitement, anxiety, hope, uncertainty — especially if you’re a parent of a child with an IEP.
Maybe last year was tough. Maybe you’re starting fresh in a new school. Or maybe you’re still waiting to see if this year will finally be the one where things click. No matter what your situation is, here’s something to keep in mind:
You have power. You have rights. And you are your child’s strongest advocate.
As the school year begins, here are some things to focus on — not to overwhelm you, but to help you walk in with confidence, clarity, and intention.
1. Get a hard copy of the IEP and read it like it’s new.
Even if it was just written in May, treat the IEP like it’s new. Read every page with fresh eyes. Ask yourself:
Are the goals still appropriate?
Do the accommodations and services match what your child needs this year?
Are there things missing that became obvious over the summer?
If something doesn’t sit right, it’s okay to request a meeting early in the year. You don’t have to wait until the annual review.
2. Write a “Back-to-School Parent Letter”
This is one of the simplest but most powerful tools you can use. Write a short letter to your child’s teacher(s), case manager, and support staff that includes:
A quick summary of your child’s strengths and interests
Any diagnoses or relevant history (short and clear)
What’s worked well in the past
What tends to be challenging
What you hope for this year
Teachers are human — and they often start the year with limited information. Your voice helps them see your child as a whole person, not just a file.
3. Make sure everyone has (and understands) the IEP
It’s common for teachers — especially general education ones — to start the year without seeing a student’s IEP. If you’re comfortable, politely ask your child’s case manager:
“Have all of [Child’s Name]’s teachers had a chance to review the IEP? Are they aware of the accommodations and goals?”
This sets a clear expectation: You’re watching, and you care.
4. Document everything, starting now
This might feel unnecessary when things seem to be going fine — but start the habit early. Keep a folder (digital or physical) for:
Emails to and from the school
Meeting notes
Report cards, test scores, work samples
Behavior or incident reports
If concerns come up later, having clear documentation will save you time, stress, and confusion.
5. Build relationships, but don’t be afraid to push
Yes, collaboration matters. Yes, most educators want to help. But your job is not to stay quiet to keep the peace — your job is to advocate.
If something isn’t working, speak up early.
If your child isn’t getting the services written in the IEP, ask why — in writing.
If your concerns aren’t being taken seriously, escalate them through the proper channels.
You can be respectful and persistent. You can be collaborative and clear about your expectations.
6. Trust your gut
If something feels off — even if you can’t fully explain it — listen to that instinct. Too many parents are told to “wait and see” while their child falls further behind or struggles emotionally.
You don’t need permission to ask questions or to request a meeting. You have the legal right to be an active, informed participant in your child’s education.
Final Thoughts:
The truth is, navigating special education is hard. It’s not always fair. And it often asks parents to do far more than they should have to.
But here you are, showing up. That matters more than you know.
As this school year begins, I want you to remember:
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present, prepared, and willing to speak up.
And if you need support — in understanding the IEP, attending meetings, or holding the school accountable — you deserve that too.
Here’s to a year of progress, partnership, and the belief that your child can thrive.
Download this info in a checklist here.
