By Allison Lloyd, Parent Coach & Child Advocate

Let’s be real: Back-to-school season hits different when your child has an IEP. While other moms are labeling water bottles and comparing lunchbox hacks, you’re scanning a 27-page legal document, wondering if anyone at the school has actually read it.

I’ve been there: solo parenting, managing therapies, decoding edu-speak, and trying to remember if I’m supposed to send in gluten-free snacks or if that was last year’s classroom. Starting a new school year when your kid has an IEP can feel overwhelming, even paralyzing. But here’s the truth: the beginning of the school year is your golden window to set the tone.

As both a parent and a professional advocate, these are the five things I always do at the start of the school year to lay a strong foundation for the year ahead and make sure my child’s IEP isn’t just a dusty PDF in the school’s shared drive.

1. Actually Read the Goals and Objectives

Yes, even if it’s 16 pages long. Yes, even if you think you already know them. This is the heart of the IEP, it is the roadmap for your child’s progress. Ask yourself:

• Are the goals still relevant?

• Are they specific and measurable (not vague nonsense like “will improve reading”)?

• Does the plan reflect who your child is now; not who they were last year?

This is where you’ll catch things that need updating, tweaking, or outright rewriting. Don’t be afraid to flag anything that feels off.

2. Highlight the Accommodations (Literally)

Grab a highlighter. Go to the accommodation section. These supports are not optional; they’re legally required. Know exactly:

• What accommodations are listed (think: extra time, breaks, visual aids)

• Where and when they should be happening

• If they need to be adjusted based on your child’s growth or new challenges

This is also how I know when something slips through the cracks. If my child is supposed to get breaks and comes home exhausted every day, I know it’s time to ask questions.

3. Plan FaceTime with the Teacher(s)

You don’t have to schedule a big formal meeting, catch them at open house, drop a quick email, or say hello after school. What matters is that they see you, know your name, and understand that you’re involved.

Start from a place of collaboration: 

“Hi! I’m [Child’s Name]’s mom. We’re so excited for this year. I just wanted to connect and let you know I’m here if you ever want to touch base.”

That simple opening can set the tone for a year of teamwork instead of tension.

4. Introduce Yourself to the Service Providers

If your child gets speech, OT, PT, or anything else it’s time for some quick hellos. Shoot off a friendly email:

“Hi, I’m [Your Name], [Child’s Name]’s parent. I saw you’ll be working with them this year for [service]. I’m so glad! Please don’t hesitate to reach out. Collaboration means a lot to us.”

This isn’t just polite it builds accountability and connection. Now they know you’re engaged and paying attention.

5. Write a Simple Parent Statement

This one’s a game-changer. A short one-pager or bullet list that you give to the teacher(s) and providers. Include:

• What’s working at home

• What your child struggles with

• What motivates them

• Any fears or hopes you have this year

• A quick explanation of their disability (if needed)

• The accommodations that make the biggest difference

• Your contact info

You’re the expert on your kid. Don’t be afraid to share what you know this can help the teacher skip weeks of trial and error.

Bonus Tip from a Veteran IEP Mom:

Ask questions. Learn how the classroom works. If your child is in middle school/high school know the grading technique. 

The Bottom Line: You don’t have to do everything perfectly but these five steps can make a big difference. They help you stay ahead instead of scrambling when something goes sideways mid-year. Most importantly, they remind the school that you’re not just a “parent” you’re a partner. And a powerhouse one, at that.

You’ve got this. I’m in your corner. 

Allison