Why Now Is the Time to Revisit Your Child’s IEP (And What You Need to Know Before Fall)
As the school year winds down, many families are getting ready to shift into summer mode. But if you’re raising a child with disabilities, this is actually one of the most important times to take action: it’s IEP planning season.
The next few months offer a critical opportunity to reflect, reassess, and prepare for the school year ahead. And with changes being discussed at the federal level that could impact special education services, it’s more important than ever to be proactive and informed.nd how you can get started.
What’s Going On with the Department of Education?
There’s growing momentum around restructuring how special education is managed at the national level. Some policymakers are proposing that oversight of special education services be transferred from the U.S. Department of Education to the Department of Health and Human Services.
At the same time, there are efforts to change how special education is funded—by turning federal IDEA funding into state-controlled block grants. This could create huge inconsistencies in how IEPs are developed and supported, depending on where you live.
What does this mean for your family? The support your child receives through their IEP could look very different in the coming years, and the consistency of services across states may be impacted.
📺 A helpful explainer on this issue can be found in this video from Understood.org: Watch here
For up-to-date special education news, another great resource is Disability Scoop (note: it requires a paid subscription, but worth it).
What Is an IEP—and Why Is It So Important Right Now?
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding document that outlines your child’s specific learning needs, goals, services, and accommodations. It’s the blueprint that helps your child access a free and appropriate education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Your child’s IEP should include:
Current academic and functional performance
Measurable annual goals
Specialized instruction and related services (like speech, OT, or PT)
Accommodations and classroom modifications
How progress will be measured and tracked
You are not just a participant in the IEP process—you are a key decision-maker. Your voice, your insight, and your advocacy matter more than ever.
Why You Should Start IEP Planning Now
Many families wait until fall to revisit the IEP—but by then, schedules are packed, teachers are overwhelmed, and your child may already be struggling. Starting now gives you:
Time to reflect: Review what worked (and what didn’t) this year.
Room to revise: Collaborate with your IEP team before the summer break.
A proactive edge: Get ahead of any upcoming changes in policy or funding.
How to Prepare for Your IEP Meeting
Whether you’re prepping for an annual review or requesting an update, here are key steps from our free IEP Guide to help you show up prepared:
Gather your child’s current IEP, evaluations, and progress reports.
Write out their strengths, challenges, and goals for the next year.
List specific services or accommodations you want continued or added.
Bring your questions. Ask how progress is measured, and what data supports any changes.
Bring a trusted advocate, friend, or partner if you need backup. Your presence matters, and support helps.
Pro tip: You can request an IEP meeting at any time—not just once a year.
Need legal advocacy support? We recommend:
▶ Jennifer Ancel Reiter
Role: Special Education Legal Representation & Advocacy Services
📞 (847) 707-3460
🌐 reiterspecedlaw.com
Check out our Resource Library to find more important contacts
Download the Free IEP Guide
To make this process easier, we created a step-by-step IEP Guide for parents—especially dads—who want to show up strong, informed, and ready to lead. It covers everything from your legal rights to how to build your advocacy voice.
About Kirby
As the founder of Got4titude, Kirby is dedicated to empowering fathers and families raising children with disabilities. Through personalized life coaching, curated resources, and a supportive community, his mission is to create a space where dads feel seen, supported, and equipped to thrive.
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