[Source: Your Therapy Source]

IEP “season” is upon us at most school districts.  The real key to successful IEP meetings is proper preparation.  Here are 5 tips to help therapists participate in successful IEP meetings.
1.  Communicate, communicate, communicate!  One of the most important skills to ensure successful IEP meetings is communication.   Communicate with phone calls, emails or face to face meetings with all members of the student’s IEP meeting.  Send updates home in addition to IEP quarterly progress reports.  Prior to the actual IEP meeting, make sure you have been in touch with parents and teachers regarding planning for next year and goal setting.
2.  Document throughout the school year using proper data collection.  Collect samples or photos of the student’s work to have a visual image of pre and post therapy interventions.  It is so much easier to justify related services when you have plenty of documentation to show that you are helping the student access the educational curriculum.  In addition, in order to justify summer services, you need to have data showing previous regression over school breaks or long weekends.  You can use Data Tracking Forms for School Based OT and PT to get started.
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