If we disagree, will you still help me?

What happens if a parent does not want to sign an IEP that they feel is not appropriate for their child? What are the rules of engagement?

If you think that that the IEP meeting will be contentious and lead to arguments, tape record the meeting. Keep the recorder out in the open so that it is visible for everyone to see.

When the meeting is nearly done, you should tell the commitee or the IEP team that you don’t think the IEP is appropriate because it does not provide enough support, or the right kind of help or enough help. Use facts to support your claims. Evaluations, test scores, graphs, report cards are good facts to use.

When the IEP team asks you to sign the document, write on the IEP “I consent to this IEP being implemented but I object it for the reasons stated during the meeting”. And sign your name.

Don’t be alarmed if members of the team become upset and try to take the document away from you. The committee member may say that the IEP is a legal document and you can not write on the IEP. In fact, that is not true.

As a member of the IEP team, the law states that you can make your objections clear and voice them when necessary. By writing on the IEP, you have advised the school team that their proposals for the IEP do not reflect your child’s needs. But, at the same time, you consented to the implementation of the IEP so that your child’s services are not interrupted.

Then, go home, write a thank you letter to the Comittee Chair stating your position once again. And, make sure to write that some services is better than no services. And, remember to transcribe your notes. If, and this is a big if, a hearing is necessary, then you have the proof that you consented by writing on the IEP and signing the IEP. And, having notes which will also be evidence that you tried, but could not agree.