This 90-minute course is designed to train IEP team members how to facilitate meetings that ensure effective communication, remain focused on the student’s needs and avoid delays in providing services.

You learn communication strategies for working with parents, who often struggle with coming to terms with a child who has a disability and experience frustration in working with a system based on numerous policies and state and federal laws. Plus, you find out how to communicate with everyone involved in the IEP meeting -- to ensure the process moves along smoothly.

You also gain facilitation strategies that help you expedite IEP meetings without sacrificing quality, outcomes and services.

Chapters include:

1. The Basics and Requirements of an IEP Meeting
2. Organization: Paying Attention to Detail
3. Communicating Effectively
4. Managing a Contentious Meeting

After successfully completing this course, you will be able to:

• Recognize why IEP meetings are needed, and the rights and responsibilities of all team members.
• Explain the organizational details needed to prepare for a meeting.
• Identify strategies to ensure collaborative and productive communication before, during and after the meeting.
• Recognize potential difficulties and turn an adversarial meeting into a positive one.