Where to Begin When A Student Needs Help

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Where to Begin When A Student Needs Help

A toolkit to guide you through the special education process in Washington State


When a student has unmet needs and may need new or different school-based services, figuring out what to do next can feel confusing or overwhelming. PAVE provides this toolkit to support families in taking initial, critical steps. These guidelines apply regardless of where school happens.

Presenting our newest resource – the Where To Begin When a Student Needs Help.  This user-friendly toolkit has been created to give you and your family the guidance you need when you are navigating the special education process in Washington State.

A user – friendly toolkit for families, Each section is detailed below:

Where to Start Articles:


Who’s Who on the IEP Team

The IDEA requires that certain individuals be included in the IEP team, and their input is valuable in creating a plan that addresses the unique needs of the student. Here are the key members of the IEP team. The team works together to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses the unique needs of the student and ensures access to an appropriate education.

Key members of the IEP team include:

  • Parents or Guardians
  • Student (when appropriate)
  • Special Education Teacher
  • General Education Teacher
  • School Representative, Administrator
  • Specialist or service providers
  • Additional Individuals ( A parent advocate, a friend, PAVE PTI)

Use this printable to identify each member of the IEP team and how to contact them, as you see in the sample below.

A sample entry of who is who for the IEP Team. It includes the school  year, the school or program, The name of contact, role or position, email, phone number and preferred mode of communication,

Sample of an empty IEP contact:

A sample of an empty form of who is who for the IEP Team. It includes the school  year, the school or program, The name of contact, role or position, email, phone number and preferred mode of communication,

Read this article to learn more about who is included in the IEP team.

Print this fillable worksheet and practice on your own.

This article also forms part of the 3-5 Transition Toolkit

Sample Letter to the IEP Team – Today Our Partnership Begins

This sample letter introduces a child to members of the IEP team by highlighting their strengths and individual personality, while also providing strategies and information about their disability. Use the Today Our Partnership Begins Worksheet to write an introductory letter for your child.

Dear Mr./Mrs./Mx. Teacher,

Today, our partnership begins.

Here are some things about (NAME) that you may not otherwise learn about him/her from his/her file. I invite you to contact me by phone (###-###-####) or email (email@domain.com), anytime you have questions about and how best to reach him/her.

(NAME) is (describe his/her culture and heritage). He/She has lived in Washington State for # months/years. (If you are new to the state, describe where your child has been raised up until this point.)

(If you are a military family, include information about your branch of service and how military moves or operations have impacted your child.)

(NAME) is actively involved in his/her community and he/she enjoys (describe any community participation groups, clubs, activities, or events). Outside of school, (NAME) is interested in (provide a short list of main hobbies, skills, and interests).

Some of my favorite things about (NAME) are his/her (personality and character traits). When he/she has trouble with something, he/she (describe your child’s strengths and existing coping strategies).

(NAME) has (name of disability), which affects him/her by (describe symptoms, challenges, and limitations). He/she has trouble with (list activities and skills that are impacted as a result of the disability). (Use this section to address common assumptions or miscommunications about the diagnosis, such as, “When it seems like he/she is being rebellious, it is really his/her way of showing he/she needs an opportunity to move around for sensory regulation.”)

At home, (NAME) responds well to (explain strategies for supporting your child’s needs, behaviors, sensory regulation, etc.).

I share this with you to start a conversation and share with you what our family has found helpful. We appreciate what you will bring to (NAME)’s life and we want to partner with you to make this a successful school year!

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and get to know (NAME) a little better. Please feel free to reach out at any time and know that I will contact you as well when I have questions or concerns.

Sincerely

Parent’s Name

Phone number

Email