Being proactive is key when it comes to your child’s IEP

When summer arrives, many families breathe a sigh of relief. But for parents of children with IEPs or 504 Plans, this break can come with a ticking clock. Too often, we hear from families in late August who are suddenly scrambling to fix a broken plan or prepare for a high-stakes meeting just days before school begins.

Here’s why you shouldn’t wait—and what you can do now to protect your child’s progress and peace of mind.

The August Rush Is Real

By the time August rolls around, advocates’ calendars are often full. District staff are preparing for the new year, school offices are understaffed, and timelines are tight. It’s not the ideal time to begin an in-depth review of your child’s needs—or to fix issues that have been building for months.

Early summer gives you breathing room. It allows your advocate to review documents thoroughly, communicate with your school team, and prepare a plan that doesn’t feel rushed or reactive.

Small Problems Become Bigger Over Time

It’s common for families to postpone addressing school issues, especially after a tough year. But when concerns go unaddressed, they rarely resolve themselves. A vague IEP goal, missing service minutes, or communication breakdown in May can easily turn into a crisis by September.

Addressing those issues early ensures your child starts the school year with the right supports in place—and with a team that’s ready, not scrambling.

Advocates Can Help Over the Summer

Contrary to what many believe, summer is an ideal time to work with an advocate. With fewer school obligations on your plate, you have more time to gather documentation, reflect on your child’s needs, and clarify your goals for the year ahead.

At Education Advocations of America (EAA), we use this quieter season to:

Review files and identify gaps or red flags
Prepare for fall IEP or eligibility meetings
Coach families on communication strategies
Help rewrite weak goals or accommodations

Use Summer Strategically

Here are a few things you can do now to make fall smoother:

Gather report cards, teacher notes, evaluations, and work samples
Reflect on what worked (or didn’t) this year
Schedule time with an advocate for a file review or strategy session
Make sure any needed assessments are scheduled before the school year begins

We’re Here to Help—Before It’s Urgent

If you wait until the week before school, you may find that timelines are tight and options are limited. By reaching out now, you give your family the best chance of a successful fall.

At EAA, we know what to look for—and how to act on it. Let’s get ahead of the curve together.

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Sources:

The information in this article is grounded in trusted, evidence-based guidance from leading organizations in education and advocacy:

Center for Parent Information and Resources. (n.d.). IEP process overview. Retrieved from https://www.parentcenterhub.org

National Center for Learning Disabilities. (n.d.). Advocacy tips. Retrieved from https://www.ncld.org

U.S. Department of Education. (n.d.). Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Retrieved from https://sites.ed.gov/idea

Wright, P. D., & Wright, P. W. D. (n.d.). From emotions to advocacy. Wrightslaw. Retrieved from https://wrightslaw.com

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