How to Make Sure Your Child’s IEP Is Actually Implemented This School Year
Aug 06, 2025
How to Make Sure Your Child’s IEP Is Actually Implemented This School Year
I’m sure last year, after your IEP meeting was over, you breathed a small sigh of relief.
But here’s what no one tells you:
Just having an IEP meeting isn’t enough.
You have to make sure it’s actually implemented.
As a nationally recognized IEP advocate who supports families across the country, I’ve seen what happens when parents assume everything is in motion, only to find out weeks (or months) later that critical services never started.
The good news? You don’t have to sit back and wait.
Here’s what you can do to make sure your child’s IEP is more than just a document and that it’s a plan that actually gets put into action.
1. Get Eyes on the Final IEP
After the IEP meeting, the team should send you a finalized draft before it’s officially locked in.
Don’t skip this step.
— Review the IEP carefully
— Check for every accommodation, service, and goal discussed
— Make sure any new diagnoses, medical needs, or behavior supports are clearly stated
If anything is missing, now is your chance to ask:
“I don’t see [insert item] in the final draft. When can we reconvene before this is finalized?”
Once you sign it or once the district finalizes it…it becomes much harder to make changes without calling another meeting.
2. Send a “Back to School” IEP Summary
Once the school year starts, don’t assume every teacher or support staff member has read your child’s IEP.
Spoiler alert: most haven’t.
Send a parent-friendly summary of the key points to your child’s teacher(s), therapist(s), and case manager.
Include:
- Service minutes
- Accommodations to use in the classroom
- Any safety, behavior, or medical concerns
- The best way to reach you
This ensures your child doesn’t fall through the cracks and shows you’re informed and involved.
3. Track the First 30 Days
This is one of the most overlooked windows in the school year.
The first month tells you everything:
- Are services being delivered as written?
- Are accommodations being used consistently?
- Is your child being pulled from the right classes or at the right times?
Create a simple log or email yourself weekly notes on what your child is reporting or what the teacher is saying (or not saying).
As a professional advocate, I often help families create simple “IEP implementation trackers” to keep tabs on whether supports are being followed.
4. Ask for Documentation Early
Don’t wait until a problem shows up to get proof.
Around the 4-6 week mark, email your case manager:
“Can you share any service logs or progress notes collected so far?”
You’re entitled to this information and asking early lets the school know you’re paying attention.
5. Advocate Sooner, Not Louder
If something feels off…speak up.
You don’t need to wait until a quarterly progress report shows lack of growth. If your child is frustrated, avoiding school, or not accessing accommodations… something needs to be addressed.
And if you’re not sure what to say or how to bring it up?
That’s what I’m here for.
Whether you’re in Arizona (where I’m based!) or another state across the U.S., I support families just like yours through the entire IEP process, from planning to implementation.
If you’re unsure if the IEP is being followed or you want help making sure it is…
Book a free 15-minute call with me. We’ll talk through your situation and make a plan for what’s next.
Because your child deserves more than promises on paper.
They deserve real support this school year and every year.
