We Adjusted the Plan: Why Advocacy Doesn’t Stop After the IEP Is Signed
There’s this idea that once the IEP is written and signed, things are set. But what I’ve learned, through both my role as a parent and as an educator, is that the IEP is not carved in stone. It’s a plan. A working document. And sometimes… it needs to change.
Progress Isn’t Always Predictable
Our son was receiving services, working with a great team, and making progress—but after a while, we noticed something: His growth began to slow.
Some strategies weren’t working as well anymore. Certain goals needed to be adjusted. He was getting older, and his needs were shifting. That’s when we realized we couldn’t wait until the next annual review. We needed to talk now.
We Called an IEP Meeting – And That Was Okay
We reached out to the case manager and requested a meeting. There was no drama, no big crisis, just a need to adjust. And thankfully, the team was responsive and willing to listen.
We looked at everything again:
- Were his goals still appropriate?
- Were the services enough?
- Did he need new accommodations?
As a result, we made some changes. We added support in the areas he was struggling with more deeply. We shifted some goals to better match where he really was, not just what was on paper.
The IEP Is a Living Document
This was a big moment for us. It reminded me that advocacy doesn’t end once you sign on the dotted line.
It’s ongoing.
It’s checking in.
It’s speaking up when something isn’t working and being open to trying something new.
That’s not being difficult, that’s being a parent.
You’re Allowed to Revisit the Plan
If something doesn’t feel right…
If your child is struggling more than usual…
If progress has slowed or stopped…
You are allowed to ask for another meeting!
You don’t have to wait a full year. You don’t have to wait for someone else to bring it up. You can say, “Can we take another look?”
Signs It Might Be Time to Revisit the IEP:
- Your child is not meeting their IEP goals
- There’s been a change in diagnosis, behavior, or academic performance
- Your child is frustrated, anxious, or avoiding schoolwork
- Services or accommodations don’t seem to be helping anymore
Have you ever had to adjust your child’s IEP mid-year? Share your experience, I’d love to know what helped you make that decision.
