March 12, 2026
IEP Tips No One Told You: What We’ve Learned
BEFORE YOU START
Never IEP Alone!
Related services
support access to education
Talk about your child’s needs
(not what you want for your child)
THE IEP MEETING
You are an equal member of the team!
Emotions are okay.
Anger is not conducive to group work.
Vision & Values
Discuss placement LAST.
The IEP has an order. Each section builds on the last and defines a plan that will determine placement.
EVALUATIONS
You can ask for an evaluation at any time.
Always request in writing.
Disability alone does not qualify for an evaluation.
Purpose of Evaluations
WAC 392-172A-03020: (2) In conducting the evaluation, the group of qualified professionals selected by the school district must:
(a) Use a variety of assessment tools and strategies to gather relevant functional, developmental, and academic information about the student, including information provided by the parent, that may assist in determining:
(i) Whether the student is eligible for special education services as defined in WAC 392-172A-01175; and
(ii) The content of the student's IEP, including information related to enabling the student to be involved in and progress in the general education curriculum, or for a preschool child, to participate in appropriate activities;
(Emphasis added. Retrieved from https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=392-172a-03020)
GOALS
Gen Ed Teachers are important for strong IEP development!
SUPPORTS
Accommodations are not dependent on service minutes.
PLACEMENT
“Readiness” for Gen Ed is not a requirement for inclusion in Gen Ed!
Your child is legally entitled to receive services
in their home school.
AFTER THE IEP MEETING
Don’t hesitate to go up the chain.
You can ask for an IEP meeting any time.
WHEN YOUR KID IS OLDER…
IEPs provide support through age 22.
This is NOT extra time in high school.
RESOURCES
Shoreline Special Education PTSA
Arc of King County Parent Partner Program
Student Services Team
Q&A