School's almost out. But before you close the binder and breathe,
summer is actually your best window to get ahead.
This Month's Focus
How to Use Summer to Set Your Child Up for a Stronger Year
Most families pack up, exhale, and don't think about the IEP again until September. That's completely understandable. The school year is exhausting.
But here's the thing: summer is actually the easiest time to review what happened, figure out what needs to change, and walk into the fall ready to push for something better. Nobody's in crisis mode. You have time to think.
You don't need to spend your whole summer on this. A few focused hours can make a real difference in how next year goes.
Where to Start
5 Things to Do This Summer Before School Starts
Read Through the Current IEP Cover to Cover
Most parents sign the IEP without reading the whole thing. Summer is the time to actually sit with it. Look at the goals, the services, the accommodations. Does any of it feel like it actually describes your child? If not, write that down.
Compare What Was Written to What Actually Happened
Pull out any progress reports or emails from the past year. Did your child receive every service listed in the IEP? Were the goals tracked? If there are gaps, document them now while things are still fresh. You'll want that record in the fall.
Make a List of What Didn't Work
Think back on the year. What kept coming up? What did your child struggle with that the IEP didn't seem to touch? What did teachers keep flagging? Write it all down in plain language. This becomes your starting point for the next IEP meeting.
Request Any Evaluations You've Been Putting Off
If you've been wondering whether your child needs a new evaluation or re-evaluation, summer is a good time to submit that request in writing. The clock starts when the school receives it, not when the school year starts.
Write Down Your Goals for Next Year Before Anyone Else Does
Before the school hands you a pre-written IEP draft in September, know what you want. What does progress actually look like for your child? What support do they need that they didn't get this year? Having that clarity changes how you show up in the room.
A Few Things Worth Knowing This Summer
These come up a lot in June. Worth keeping on your radar.
Every fall I hear from parents who wish they had done something different over the summer. Not because they were lazy. Because nobody told them summer was an option.
You don't have to overhaul everything. Even just reading your child's current IEP and writing down three things you want to change is more than most families go in with. That alone shifts the dynamic in the room.
If you want help figuring out where to focus, that's exactly what a strategy call is for.
Stay Connected
Let's Connect
If this was helpful, pass it along to a parent who could use it. And if you want to actually work through your child's IEP this summer before the chaos of fall hits, let's talk.
Reply to this email. Tell me what's been the hardest part of this past year. I read every message and I'll write back.
Pass this along. If you know a parent heading into a tough IEP year, share this with them. It matters.
Let's get you ready before September. Visit theiepcoach.com
Have a good summer. You earned it.