Kim & Justin

IEPs

Individualized education plans.  Big or small, these are written plans that have specific goals and supports for children in their classrooms.  Many children need additional help with reading, speech, writing, or total one-on-one support.

Today I finished what I call “IEP season.”  We have two children with IEPs right now, and they are biiiiiig IEPs.  Luckily this year, we only have the 2.  Most foster children who come to us need an IEP, because the disruptions in their lives have caused them to be behind in educational goals.

Working with teachers, school districts, therapists, and supports can be overwhelming.  It becomes even more challenging when we as parents don’t agree with the school or district’s decisions.  We have had to change schools, advocate for additional supports, and modified plans over and over.

Now that our children with IEPs are older we are starting to make transition plans - what we will do after high school.  We want our children to have plans for what they would like to do after high school, whether that be college, vocational school, work study, or moving directly into the work force.  It is most important that are children are happy.

For now, we have plans for the next year.  Although it can be stressful, advocating for my children will always be a priority.  I want them to be have the best opportunities to learn and grow.  Hopefully I will have a reprieve from writing educational plans, but if we were to get a foster placement that needed support, I would jump through hoops to be sure they are given all the help they need and deserve.