How to Organize Your IEP File
For your next rainy-day project decide to organize your child’s IEP file. A well organized IEP file saves time and worry especially when a crisis occurs. When I am hired by families to advocate for their child’s educational needs, I often ask for a complete educational record. Sometimes parents spend valuable time tracking down evaluations or school records. Below are a few simple tricks to save time and effort.
- Buy a 2 inch binder with dividers and tabs along with a stack of Post-It-Notes.
- Organize your files into piles and 3 hole punch each document.
- Divide each section into categories. The following are suggestions of sections (always organizer your files beginning with the most recent document):
- IEP section
- Evaluations
- Report cards
- Communication with the school (letters and emails)
- Notes (IEP or team meeting)
- Progress Reports
Place all the appropriate information into each section.Use the Post-It-Notes to make notes on your documents. Never make notes directly on official evaluations or IEPs as you may need clean copies in the future.
After each meeting or evaluation place the document in the appropriate section. Then your documents will stay untethered, organized, and available.
Now, you are ready with all your information for your next team or IEP meeting. If you decide to hire an advocate you have your files ready!