What is the advocates role at the IEP or IFSP (IPP) meeting?
We do many different things during the IEP meeting, but one of the most important things is to ensure that the child’s needs are reflected accurately in the IEP document, that appropriate, specific, measurable goals will be written to address these needs (quite technical) which then will force the District or Regional Center to address reaching these goals through substantial services. In other words: if there is a need identified, there is a goal. If there is a goal, an intervention is required. We know how to push for certain goals that lead to certain services. We also ensure that if a District/Regional Center does not co-operate, the lack of cooperation is documented accurately, so services can be pursued beyond the IEP/IFSP process.
