When you have a child with an IEP, goal setting is going to be an essential (not to mention nerve-wracking) part of the process. We’ve all been there — staring down the list of goals in our kid’s IEP, wondering if they’re good, bad, or just a hot mess. Whether they’re academic, behavioral, functional, social, or communication-based, the right goals can be the key that opens the door to a great IEP for your child, and help them make meaningful progress in school, and into their futures.
“So, what’s the secret to a great IEP goal?” you may be asking. Well, just like the story “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” it has to be “just right” for your child. This week, we’re giving you a toolkit all about envisioning, writing, and reviewing IEP goals — from vision statements to goal formulas to progress reporting. Make sure you tune in to next week’s newsletter where we’ll teach you how to turn “bad” goals “good!”
Can friendship be an IEP goal? What about skills related to social media, Apple pay, texting, or a future environment, far, far away? Find the answer (and more!) in our article 10 Questions to Ask About Goals with Dr. Natalie Holdren and Dr. Andrew Fedders from USCB’s Gevirtz Graduate School of Education!
How to approach IEP goals
1. Start with your long-term vision
- Create a Vision Statement for your Child (bonus: a guided visualization).
- Learn how to use a strength-based perspective when writing goals in our article Strength-Based IEPs.
2. Look at the data you have
- Find out your child’s Present Levels / PLOP.
- Dive into the details of Progress Reporting for IEPs.
3. Understand what makes a good IEP goal
- Read our Parent’s Guide to IEP Goals with our printable goal writing templates.
- Ask the experts: 10 Questions to Ask About IEP Goals.
4. Review the school district’s draft goals and revise as needed
- Read our parent how-to: 4 Steps to Write Inclusion into Your IEP Goals.
- Coming next week: find out how to turn a “bad” goal into a “good” goal in our IEP goals workshop.
Mastering the art and science of goals can be stressful, but it may also help you to remember that nothing is unchangeable. Goals are dynamic and can be revised every year — just as our kids grow, goals are meant to grow with them.
If your child receives In-Home Support Services (IHSS) and you’re a paid parent provider, the IHSS Career Pathways program provides training opportunities to improve your skills. Until the end of 2023, you can qualify for extra incentives for completing training. See our article for details and tips to help you find classes!
“Getting Ready for Summer with Regional Center” Virtual Event with Public Benefits Specialist Lisa Concoff Kronbeck
Summer is right around the corner — do you have everything you need in place when school’s finally out? We’re hosting a Facebook Live event on Thursday, May 4th, at 12:00 p.m. PST with Undivided Public Benefits Specialist Lisa Concoff Kronbeck all about requesting extra support from Regional Center this summer. Lisa will be sharing tips and answering questions about respite hours, camp funding, and more! If you can’t attend the event live, RSVP here anyway to get a recap and link to the full replay!
Undivided on KTLA!
We’re excited to share that KTLA featured Undivided during a live segment last week! Two power moms, Navigator Beth and Parent Mary-Jo, sat down with KTLA to talk about how they felt when their children were diagnosed with disabilities and how Undivided has empowered them with technology, expertise, and human connection. We’re grateful to Mary-Jo and Beth for sharing their truth, which gives a voice to millions of families raising kids with disabilities. Our Navigator/Parent relationships consistently inspire us, and we feel privileged to walk alongside our families in whatever way they need. Watch it on YouTube!
Office Hours for Undivided Members
Want more personalized support? While our Facebook Live event is open to everyone, Undivided members have private access to Lisa’s expertise during Undivided Office Hours, where they can ask her personal questions and get tailor-made tips, resources, and support. Our next Office Hours is on Wednesday, May 3rd at 3:00 p.m. PST, so if you’d like to attend this exclusive, virtual Q&A session, sign up here to begin your free Kickstart!
Undivided Conversations:
Autism Dietician Brittyn Coleman
Did you miss our conversation with autism dietician Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD, CLT last week? You can still watch the full video on our Facebook Page! In our new series, Undivided Conversations, Brittyn shares how we can get our picky eaters to explore more foods while respecting the deep aversions some of our kiddos can have around food!
- What are 3 red flags to watch for when reviewing IEP goals? Hear what to avoid from expert Dr. Caitlin Solone. Watch on YouTube→
- What are your tips for handling disagreements with the school? Share with other parents in our private Facebook group. Join the discussion→
- As Undivided families know, “Autism looks different on everyone.” Join us in celebrating Autism Acceptance Month! Check it out on Instagram→
- Connect with us to share the work we do for families raising kids with disabilities across California! Join us on LinkedIn→
This newsletter was originally sent to our subscribers on 4/20/23. Subscribe to our newsletter to get more resources like this in your inbox, or check out our full library of articles, templates, and videos at undivided.io/resources.
