If It’s Not in Writing…

Then it wasn't said.

This is one of the many gems that I took away from a training recently. What does it mean? What does it have to do with IEPs?

I means to make sure that you have a written record of any and all encounters with members of your child's team. When it comes to IEPs, this is even more important than for children without an IEP. You want everything the school agrees to or refuses in writing.

Imagine there is a dispute and you have no voice. All you have is your paper trail for evidence.

After any and all meetings, type up your notes and email them to all members of your child's team. Include anything they agreed to or refused and who is responsible for implementing each thing. Follow up any phone conversation with an email reviewing what was said to confirm that you understood everything.

Save copies of everything in your child's binder. Make sure you write the date in pencil on the paper.

Send me a message if you need help putting together a binder or sorting through information.