Involving and Engaging Parents and Families in the IEP Process

Abstract

Parent involvement and engagement is critical to the individualized education plan (IEP) process and a requirement of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Yet, this process presents several barriers to parents, particularly those from culturally, linguistically, and socio-economically diverse backgrounds. This chapter identifies common barriers and offers actions both school professionals and parents can take to overcome these barriers. Indeed, school professionals are well positioned to help parents navigate the special education process provided they receive the necessary training and recognize their own implicit biases about working with families and children who are different from them.