A Practical Framework For Creating IEP Goals (without the overwhelm!)

Step 1: Look at the main objectives of the grade your child will entering

Don’t over-complicate this.

Example: a child in first grade is going to focus on learning and strengthening their reading and writing skills. Build those math skills, like adding and subtracting. Socially, the goal is for the child to become a little more independent, practice conflict resolution and be positive and friendly. Right?

Get familiar with the typical skill set encouraged for the grade your child is going into. How does your kiddo stack up? Is he a happy, loves to play and shares with others easily? Great!, you’re nailing it Mama! Maybe he needs a little extra encouragement in the independence department though. That’s okay! Put that down as need.

Do this for every skill set and it will give you a good idea on where your child is and where you want them to be.

Step 2: Determine what goals are appropriate and attainable.

Now that you have a good picture of where you child is I encourage you to determine what you think is appropriate and can be acheived in a decent timeframe.

Example: My son was diagnosed with Chiari Malfomation when he was in first grade. *Think Dory from the movie Nemo* He struggles with short term memory so learning at the same pace as his peers wasn’t attainable or appropriate. Instead, we set a goal for him to learn one skill set within a certain amount of time with clarifying assesments before moving onto the next.

Schools move fast but your child is going to move at their pace…period. Look at where your kiddo could use some assistance and decide what is attainable and appropriate for a school setting.

*Remember — Some goals will be reached through therapies and home life.

Step 3: Use the help and guidance of a professional.

No parent wants to be told (or admit) that their child isn’t good at something. Professionals are trained to let us know the cold truth of the matter in accordance to their standards BUT it is not done in malice!

Always approach these meetings with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Working with someone who knows their stuff in their particular field is a gift. Ask your questions and be prepared for an information overload. It is all part of the process! They are there first and foremost, to be of assitance.

Disclaimer: it will ALWAYS be your job to take their information and weigh it against what you know to be true. You are your childs’ advocate which means you will always find a way to do what is best for them. (more on that topic in another post)

Step 4: Be Patient

None of this is easy, I know. Remember that you have never done this before so the learning curve is steep. That’s okay! The teachers, counselors, doctors, and therapists are there to support you. If that isn’t enough, I’m here too! So be patient, with yourself and others.

Step 5: Celebrate!

I think I just said this but let’s recap..from 2 seconds ago…You haven’t done this before. So, learning how to parent a child with special needs is going to challenge you. Guess what else happens! You handle it, your child continues to thrive, and you’ve built relationships that will move all of you forward! Take the win Mama!! Celebrate your tenacity, your determination, and your willingness to do this even though –fill in the blank-.

You are amazing, just know that!

That’s it. You’ve got this. If I could ask one thing?

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I’d love to know where you’re at right now. Drop a 🩷 in the comments or share some of your struggles with IEP Goals. I am here to help where I can, always!

Mama, you are courageous in compassion, brave in uncertainty, and fierce in faith—because you are an Unbreakable Mama.

With Love,

Casey