Back to school can be stressful for any parent, but when your child has unique learning needs, those worries can multiply. 

Ensuring your child receives the support and education they deserve can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re navigating the world of learning disabilities for the first time.  

If you suspect your child would benefit from having an Individualized Education Program (IEP), you’re not alone, and you’re in the right place. Here is an overview on what an IEP is, how the process works, and explore other academic accommodations that could help your child thrive at school.  

This article was originally published in our Back-to-School Collection, a six-part series designed to equip you with the skills and strategies you need to start this fall semester off on the right foot. If you’re curious about other ways to help your son or daughter get set up for success this fall, check out these related articles:   

• Back to School Collection: 5 Tips for a Successful Transition 

• Back to School Collection: How to Navigate New Routines 

• Back to School Collection: Understanding Your Child’s Unique Learning Style 

• Back to School Collection: How Does Your Child Learn Best? 

IEP Overview  

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written plan developed for students who qualify for special education services. According to the U.S. Department of Education, IEPs serve as the mechanism to ensure that students with disabilities are provided with a free appropriate public education (FAPE). This commitment to equitable access is grounded in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

The IEP is designed to address a child’s unique learning needs and to support their success in school. If your child has a learning disability or an Emotional/Behavioral Disability (E/BD), they may be eligible to receive academic accommodations through an IEP. 

As required by IDEA, the following major sections of the IEP ensure the plan is comprehensive and tailored to your child’s unique needs: 

1. Present Levels of Academic Achievement & Functional Performance 

Describes your child’s current abilities and how the disability affects their participation in the general curriculum. 

2. Measurable Annual Goals 

Outlines academic and functional goals your child should achieve within the school year. 

3. Progress Measurement 

Explains how progress toward goals will be measured and how you will be informed.  

4. Special Education and Related Services 

Details specific services, supports, and supplementary aids your child will receive. 

5. Program Modifications or Supports for School Personnel 

Lists any changes or supports needed for teacher, guidance counselor, and other staff to help your child enjoy success.  

6. Extent of Participation with Nondisabled Peers 

Explains if and why your child will not participate with nondisabled students in regular classes or activities.  

7. Accommodations for Assessments 

States any testing accommodations or modifications. 

8. Service Details 

Specifies timelines for services, how often, where, and for how long they will be provided.  

9. Transition Services (for children age 14+)
Includes plans and services to help your child prepare for life after high school 

Who’s Involved in Creating an IEP 

As a parent, your involvement is crucial. You are an essential member of the IEP team and can provide valuable input regarding your child’s strengths, challenges, and needs. Your participation helps ensure that the IEP is tailored to support your child’s success.  

While each state may have some versions of this list, the following individuals typically participate in developing a child’s IEP: 

• The child’s parents, caregivers, or guardians 

• General education teacher 

• Special education teacher 

• The child (when appropriate) 

• A professional who can interpret evaluation results (such as a therapist or psychologist) 

• A representative of the school system (who can authorize special education services) 

Academic Accommodations in IEPs  

The contents of an IEP vary according to a child’s specific needs. If your child is found eligible for an IEP, institutions like your state’s Department of Education outline specific types of services your child can receive.   

For example, students with disabilities in Florida can receive accommodations relating to:  

• Presentation of academic information (how teachers deliver instruction) 

• Response options (how students demonstrate their understanding or complete assessments) 

• Academic environment (modifications to the classroom or learning setting) 

• Scheduling (adjustments to homework, tests, and other assignments) 

Customizing IEPs with Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) 

Incorporating the three aspects of Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI)— Connecting, Empowering, and Correcting Principles—can be achieved by collaborating with school guidance counselors and teachers.  

Share insights about your child’s unique needs and discuss how TBRI strategies can be integrated into the IEP to enhance your child’s learning experience and overall well-being. Here are some ideas to help you consider ways to incorporate the three aspects of TBRI into your child’s IEP.  

Connecting 

Prioritizes building relational trust and emotional safety through co-regulation.  

• Designate a safe adult who is a mentor (i.e. counselor or teacher) for daily check-ins or as a safe haven during dysregulation. 

• Offer non-shaming communication through private feedback on performance. Avoid public callouts. 

• Highlight the importance of gentle eye contact and voice quality when giving the child feedback or redirecting behavior.  

• Inspire collaborative problem-solving. Involve your child in choices (i.e. seating, activity options) to reinforce autonomy.  

Empowering 

Focuses on creating a predictable environment that supports the child’s physical and regulation needs.  

• Offer access to sensory regulation tools that meet the child’s specific sensory needs.  

• Proactive breaks offer scheduled sensory/movement time before escalation with cool off cards signaling distress 

• Create opportunities for regular nutrition and hydration breaks throughout the day. These should include protein-rich snacks and unrestricted water access to help stabilize blood sugar and promote healthy brain functioning.  

• Design a controlled environment by reducing visual/auditory distractions, preferential seating near exits for breaks, and alternative lunch or recess spaces to avoid overcrowding. 

• Create predictability with advance notice of schedule changes (i.e. fire drills, field trips, or moving to different classroom stations). 

Correcting 

Use proactive teaching of coping strategies to help replace maladaptive behaviors with adaptive skills. 

• Provide trauma-informed discipline. Replace punitive measures or seclusion with time-ins alongside a safe and trusted adult. 

• Offer explicit teaching of calming techniques like deep breathing and social scripts for conflict, when the child is calm and alert.  

• Modify tasks by chunking assignments into smaller steps, offering extended deadlines or reduced written work to prevent your child from feeling overwhelmed.  

• Create a calming plan that offers redirection strategies such as puzzles or coloring. Consider exemption from retraumatizing activities such as active-shooter drills. 

Advocacy Tips for Parents 

Integrating TBRI transforms an IEP from procedural document into living plans that address the needs behind your child’s behaviors and root causes of trauma-related barriers.  

As you advocate for your child, make sure to: 

1. Document the impact of your child’s trauma. Ensure the IEP “Present Levels” section details how trauma affects your child’s ability to learn (i.e. focus, social skills). 
2. Request Expertise. Include therapists or trauma specialists in IEP meetings to help you interpret needs. 
3. Prioritize TBRI Language. Frame the goals around teaching skills rather than compliance (i.e. using breaks to self-regulate). 

Most importantly, collaborate and communicate. Be an active participant in meetings, maintain open communication with teacher, guidance counselor, and staff and regularly review the plan to ensure accommodations are working or need to be tweaked.   

KEY TAKEAWAY 

Obtaining an IEP for your child can be a long process — but making this time investment into your child’s future can be vital for their success. Ask God to fill you with patience, wisdom and guidance as you navigate this road and advocate for your child.  

ACTIVITY 

Navigating the IEP process can be stressful for you and your child. During this time, remind your child how much they are loved by playing “Love Beyond Measure” the next time you’re preparing their school lunch. That way, they can remember to take your love — and Jesus’ — with them throughout the school day.  Find this game and more now in the Everyday Moments™ activities collection!

APPLICATION QUESTIONS 

1. What is your child’s school’s process for requesting IEP evaluations? Contact your school ESE (Exceptional Student Education) department for support.  
2. How does your child learn best? Ask them about the strategies that work for them in the classroom so you can support them on their learning journey.  

KEY VERSE

“Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble and keep on praying.” ~Romans 12:12 (NLT) 

PRAYER 

Dear Lord, please give me wisdom as I help my child navigate the confusing world of IEPs. Guide our steps this school year. In Jesus’ name, amen.