What is an

IEP Coach?

@Jamie.Mccartney.iep

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IEP Coach

Jamie McCartney

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I am a special education teacher and I have been for eight ​years. I am currently working as in a Kindergarten-2nd ​grade self-contained classroom with Kindergarten-2nd ​resource students coming into my room as well. I have ​worked with students with mild to severe disabilities (AUT, ​OHI, SLD, ID, and ED).


I have written over 100 IEPs and consulted with co-​workers to help improve theirs.


My goal is to help as many elementary school parents as I ​can, be confident about their child's IEP. I aim to achieve ​this by constantly collaborating and providing exceptional ​services that exceed my clients' expectations.


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As an IEP Coach:

My role is to support and empower parents and ​caregivers throughout the entire process of developing, ​implementing, and revising Individualized Education ​Programs (IEPs) for their children. Here's how I ​approach this important role:

  1. Education and Guidance
  2. Preparation for Meetings
  3. Active Participation in Meetings
  4. Advocacy and Collaboration
  5. Fo​llow-up and Support
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Ed​ucation and Guidance

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  • Understanding the Process:
    • I begin by explaining the IEP process in clear and ​understandable terms. Many parents may find ​the process daunting or confusing, so I break ​down each step, from initial evaluations to ​annual reviews, ensuring they understand their ​rights and responsibilities.
  • Roles and Responsibilities:
    • I clarify the roles of all team members involved in ​the IEP process, including educators, therapists, ​and administrators. This helps parents ​understand who to approach for specific ​concerns or questions.


Preparation for Meetings

  • Reviewing Documents:
    • I assist parents in reviewing current and past ​IEPs, evaluations, progress reports, and any ​other relevant documents. This helps them ​identify strengths, areas for improvement, and ​potential goals for their child.
  • Developing Goals:
    • Together, we outline specific, measurable, ​achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) ​goals for the upcoming IEP meeting. I help ​parents articulate their child's needs and ​advocate for appropriate supports and ​accommodations.


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Active Participation in Meetings

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  • Strategizing:
    • Before meetings, I coach parents on effective ​communication strategies and how to express ​concerns or observations constructively. This ​ensures they feel confident and prepared to ​actively participate in discussions.
  • Taking Notes:
    • During meetings, I take detailed notes to help ​parents keep track of decisions made, action ​items assigned, and any recommendations or ​suggestions discussed. These notes serve as a ​reference for future planning and follow-up.


Advocacy and Collaboration

  • Empowering Advocacy:
    • I empower parents to advocate for their child's ​needs confidently and effectively. This includes ​encouraging them to ask questions, seek ​clarification, and request changes or additions to ​the IEP that align with their child's educational ​goals.
  • Collaboration:
    • I facilitate positive collaboration between ​parents and the IEP team, emphasizing the ​importance of teamwork and shared decision-​making. By fostering open communication and ​mutual respect, we work towards creating an IEP ​that meets the unique needs of the child.


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Follow-up and Support

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  • Post-Meeting Guidance:
    • After meetings, I debrief with parents, reviewing ​outcomes, and discussing next steps. I help them ​prioritize action items and ensure they ​understand their responsibilities in ​implementing the IEP at home.
  • Monitoring Progress:
    • Throughout the year, I check in with parents ​regularly to monitor progress, address concerns, ​and make adjustments to the IEP as needed. I ​provide ongoing support and guidance to ensure ​continuity and success in their child's ​educational journey.


Overall

As an IEP coach, my goal is to ​empower parents with knowledge, ​skills, and confidence to navigate ​the complexities of the IEP process ​effectively. By providing education, ​preparation, advocacy, and ongoing ​support, I strive to ensure that ​every child receives the support ​they need to thrive academically, ​socially, and emotionally within the ​educational system.

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Instagram: @jamie.mccartney.iep

Facebook: @jamie,mccartney.iep

Facebook Group: Collaborating for ​the Success in the IEP Process.

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