The Complete IEP Guide: How to Advocate for Your Special Ed Child »

Lawrence Siegel has been a Special Education Attorney and Advocate since 1979, and has represented children with disabilities extensively in IEPs, due process, complaints, legal action and before legislative and policy bodies. Mr. Siegel has lectured and consulted with advocacy and parent groups throughout the country and is a member of the California Advisory Commission on Special Education. He has written special education legislation that has been adopted in several states and is the author of Least Restrictive Environment: The Paradox of Inclusion (LRP Publications, 1994). Mr. Siegel is the founder and Director of the National Deaf Education Project which works to ensure that the fundamental communication needs of deaf and hard of hearing children are part of the educational system. In 2004-5 he was appointed to an endowed chair at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. for his work as an advocate special education. He lives in Fairfax, California, with his wife Gail and two daughters, Catie and Elisabeth.

The acclaimed book for parents whose children have special education needs.

Your special needs child needs a special education, and as a parent, you face a number of obstacles as you work with your school district to develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP): Lots of steps, complicated paperwork and intimidating procedures may seem like too much to take on......but you can do it, and The Complete IEP Guide can help.

The Complete IEP Guide offers vital information, useful strategies and -- most importantly -- encouragement as you secure your child's education, step by step.

This edition is completely updated to reflect the latest -- and major -- changes to federal regulations concerning your special education student. Plus, you'll get the latest facts on judicial rulings regarding IEPs.

Whether you're new to the IEP process or entering it once again, this user-friendly guide is your outline for an effective educational experience for your child.

Terence K. Prechter

As a parent advocate in special education for over twenty years, I find The Complete IEP Guide a welcome addition to the library of parents with special needs children...Unlike other books which chose to focus on the adversarial issues between parents and school personnel, this book keeps the focus on the child's education, its appropriateness and progress. I highly recommend it!

1.  Introduction to Special Education
A.  What Is Special Education?
B.  Being Your Child's Advocate
C.  Using This Book
D.  Icons Used Throughout This Book
E.  Getting Help From Others


2.  Overview of the IEP and Special Education Law
A.  What IDEA Requires
B.  Individualized Education Program
C.  State Special Education Laws
D.  Working With Your School District
E.  Some Overriding IEP Principles


3.  Getting Started: Tips for All Parents
A.  First Steps
B.  Obtain Your Child's School Records


4.  Getting Organized
A.  Start an IEP Binder
B.  The Yearly IEP Cycle
C.  Sample Year in the Life of Your Child's IEP
D.  Keep a Monthly Calendar
E.  Track Your Child's Progress


5.  Developing Your Child's IEP Blueprint
A.  Begin at the End: Define Your Child's Needs
B.  Preparing an IEP Blueprint
C.  Other Sources of Information for the Blueprint
D.  What's Next?


6.  Evaluations
A.  When Evaluations Are Done
B.  Evaluation Components
C.  Evaluation Plans
D.  Meet With the Evaluator
E.  Reviewing the Report
F.  Reevaluations


7.  Who Is Eligible for Special Education?
A.  Eligibility Definitions
B.  Preparing for the IEP Eligibility Meeting
C.  Attending the Eligibility Meeting
D.  Joint IEP Eligibility/Program Meeting
E.  If Your Child Is Not Found Eligible for Special Education


8.  Exploring Your Options and Making Your Case
A.  Review the School District's Information
B.  Keep Tabs on Your Child's Progress
C.  Explore Available School Programs
D.  Find Out About Related Services
E.  Compare Your Blueprint With the Existing Programs and Services
F.  Generate Additional Supporting Information
G.  Independent Evaluations


9.  Writing Goals
A.  Areas Covered by Goals
B.  Developing Goals
C.  When to Draft Goals
D.  Writing Effective Goals


10.  Preparing for the IEP Meeting
A.  Schedule the IEP Meeting
B.  The IEP Meeting Agenda
C.  Organize Your Materials
D.  Draft Your Child's IEP Program
E.  Establish Who Will Attend the IEP Meeting
F.  Final Preparation Concerns


11.  Attending the IEP Meeting
A.  Getting Started
B.  Simple Rules for a Successful IEP Meeting
C.  Become Familiar With Your School's IEP Form
D.  Writing the IEP Plan
E.  Signing the IEP Document
F.  Parent Addendum Page


12.  Resolving IEP Disputes Through Due Process
A.  Before Due Process: Informal Negotiations
B.  Typical Due Process Disputes
C.  When to Pursue Due Process
D.  Your Child's Status During Due Process
E.  Using a Lawyer During Due Process
F.  How to Begin Due Process
G.  Preparing for Due Process
H.  Mediation Specifics
I.  Due Process Hearing
J.  Hearing Decision and Appeals


13.  Filing a Complaint for a Legal Violation
A.  When to File a Complaint
B.  Where to File a Complaint
C.  What to Include in a Complaint
D.  What Happens When You File a Complaint


14.  Lawyers and Legal Research
A.  How a Lawyer Can Help
B.  Do You Need an Attorney?
C.  Finding an Attorney
D.  How Attorneys Are Paid
E.  Resolving Problems With a Lawyer
F.  Doing Your Own Legal Research
G.  Online Legal Research


15.  Parent Organizations and Special Education
A.  Join a Parent Organization
B.  Form a Parent Organization


Appendixes

1.  Special Education Law and Regulations
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Key Sections)
IDEA Regulations (Key Sections)
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Key Regulations)


2.  Federal and State Departments of Education
Federal Department of Education Offices
State Department of Education Offices

3.  Support Groups, Advocacy Organizations, and Other Resources
General Resources on Special Education
Parent Training and Information (PTI) Centers
Legal Resources on Special Education
Resources Concerning Specific Disabilities
4.  Sample IEP Form
5.  Tear-Out Forms
Index