The Three C’s of IEPs

CommunicationClarity

Confidence

What it is.In Real Estate, it’s

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!

In an IEP, it’s

COMMUNICATION, COMMUNICATION, COMMUNICATION!

Communication: Pre-IEP

Before the IEP meetingBeing aware that the meeting is probably as much, if not more, about the parent(s) Empathy – understanding that the parents’ world may be upside down and inside out (and therefore, they may be angry)Compassion, but not pityRecognize that you are a resource and a support for the family – act accordingly

LISTENINGThink Like a Shrink

LISTENINGValidationEstablishing yourself as an ally, not as an adversaryA friendly voice, a friendlier listenerJust listen So much will be accomplished including much of your assessment

THE CALL

MAKE THE CALLSet aside a fair amount of time, sit back, and listen (you will make up the time easily as it should reduce the time you need to spend assessing)

OR, at least,Call and leave a message, even if it is the night before the meeting (or when you know the call will go to voice-mail)

The Parent AssessmentYou will identify what you believe to be a child’s strengths and challenges - eventuallyListen to what the parent believes are his or her child’s needs - regardless if they are within your professional scopeRepeat what they told you back to them - shows understanding, lets them feel they have been heard, & validates their concerns

MONEY in the BANKFollow-up calls & e-mails Repeat their original concerns again (even if you do not share those same concerns)Strengthen the alliance: “I look forward to seeing you at the meeting when we can talk more about how we can support little Johnny/Susie”

Communication: The IEP Meeting

Non-verbal communicationSeating positionEye-contact

Verbal communicationThe welcomeVolumeSpeaking instead of reading

CLARITY

CLARITYHas proven a significant challengeBe clear about

Who you areWhat you do, in assessment and treatmentWhere and whenWhat and How you hope to accomplish

Some Quick and Easy’s“I work with the goofy, awkward, and uncoordinated kids and try to make them a little less goofy, awkward, and uncoordinated.”“I address a student’s motor performance – kind of like how a teacher addresses a student’s academic performance”

More Quick and Easy’s“I help your child gain a better awareness of his physical self and help him put his body to use in the classroom and the playground.”“I help children develop their motor skills or to compensate for difficulties so as to facilitate their participation in school.”

K. I. S. S.Keep It Simple StupidLess jargon, more easy to understand language and descriptionsNot “House, M.D” or “Mystery Diagnosis” – we’re talking kids and school here

Keep It Short & SweetSuccinct – get to the pointParents and team members will likely appreciate expediting your presentation

CONFIDENCE

CONFIDENCE

Extremely empowering when faced with attorneys, advocates, and strong-willed parents Even if you are not confident, you can project confidence

BUILDING CONFIDENCE

Building Confidence - Tools

Your ExpertiseCarriageBeing PreparedOutlook and Attitude

Communicating with Clarity & Confidence

increases the chances for

success in an IEP