To create an informational pamphlet to explain the IEP process to families prior to meeting with them and to evaluate your pamphlet.
Scenario:
It is the spring of your first year of teaching in a preschool setting. Juan, a student in your class, has an individualized educational plan (IEP), developed by a team consisting of a special education teacher, a speech therapist, Juan’s parents, and yourself. To smooth Juan’s transition into kindergarten, you call a meeting with Juan’s parents and the IEP team. Watch the video of Marks IEP meeting. You are struck by the warm and informative nature of the team meeting and want to create a similar tone for your meeting. Realizing that Juan’s parents are new to the school system, you decide to create a pamphlet that will provide them (and eventually other parents) with key information. You recall that Juan’s parents remarked that they are still not sure what an IEP is and what it is supposed to accomplish. You decide to create a pamphlet summarizing key information about the rights and due process protection to children with disabilities under IDEA and how the IEP aligns with these goals. Then, at pick-up one afternoon Juan’s mother confides in you that she is worried about her son transitioning into Kindergarten—it’s such a big step! You decide to reassure parents by outlining the transition process in writing. Last, Juan’s mother says she is anxious about what will take place at the meeting. Is he making progress? Will he be okay in kindergarten? You realize that providing an agenda beforehand will help allay their concerns.
Create a digital version of a pamphlet for parents that will help them prepare for an upcoming team meeting focused on Juan’s IEP. Write a brief introduction about who will attend the meeting. Then write a jargon-free paragraph or two about the rights and due process protection to children with disabilities ages 3 to 5 years under IDEA, and how the IEP is aligned with IDEA goals. Then write a paragraph to summarize the steps Juan’s team will take to ensure his smooth transition to kindergarten. Last, create a bulleted list of a typical transitional meeting agenda, beginning with a discussion of the child’s strengths. Include graphics in your presentation so that it is appealing to the eye.
