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Tips for Navigating the IEP Process
Nathalie Deutsch
Nathalie Deutsch, MA, BCBA, serves as Academy Director at Chicago Pediatric Therapy & Wellness Center, where she leads the Chicago Therapeutic Children's Academy—the clinic's preschool readiness program designed to prepare young children with developmental needs for successful school transitions. Since assuming the Academy Director role in 2023, Nathalie has brought over 21 years of applied behavior analysis expertise, educational program leadership, and deep knowledge of school systems to the position. Nathalie's educational foundation began at Bradley University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2002. This undergraduate training provided grounding in human development, learning theory, and research methods. She continued immediately to Western Michigan University, one of the pioneering institutions in applied behavior analysis training, earning her Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2003. In 2004, following supervised fieldwork, Nathalie became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has maintained her BCBA credentials continuously for over two decades—a testament to her commitment to ongoing professional development and clinical excellence. Throughout her distinguished 21-year career, Nathalie has devoted herself exclusively to supporting children and adults on the autism spectrum. Her experience spans diverse settings and age ranges, including home-based early intervention services for young children, therapeutic day school programs serving school-age students, and transition services for young adults ages 18-21 preparing for post-secondary life. This breadth of experience across the developmental lifespan gives Nathalie unique perspective on how to prepare children in early childhood for the demands and opportunities they'll face throughout their educational journey. Nathalie is widely respected within the professional community for her clinical knowledge, leadership capabilities, and collaborative spirit. Team members value her mentorship, families trust her guidance, and fellow professionals seek her consultation on complex cases. She has developed particular expertise and passion for IEP (Individualized Education Program) navigation—helping parents understand their rights, prepare for meetings, advocate effectively for appropriate services, and ensure their child receives the educational support they deserve. As Academy Director, Nathalie oversees curriculum development, staff training and supervision, family partnership and communication, transition planning to kindergarten and beyond, and coordination with outside schools and service providers. Her vision for the Academy centers on creating a nurturing, structured environment where young children build readiness skills while families gain confidence navigating the educational system ahead.
Read Less →If your child needs an Individualized Education Program (IEP), you might feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start. You’re not alone—many parents feel this way! An IEP is a powerful tool to ensure your child gets the support they need to succeed in school. This guide breaks down the IEP process into simple, actionable steps to help you advocate for your child with confidence. Whether you’re new to IEPs or looking for clarity, these tips will empower you to navigate the process smoothly.
What Is an IEP and Who Qualifies?
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a customized plan designed to ensure a child with an identified disability has access to tailored supports and services throughout their school day. It’s a legally binding document that helps your child thrive in their learning environment.
Who can get an IEP?
Any child with a disability who needs additional support to meaningfully access their education may qualify. This includes children with learning disabilities, developmental delays, autism, speech or language impairments, or other conditions impacting their learning.
What’s included in an IEP?
An IEP outlines:
An IEP outlines:
- The classroom setting (e.g., general education, special education, or a mix).
- Specific services, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or social work.
- Goals tailored to your child’s unique needs.
- Accommodations to support their learning.
Pro Tip: Keep a notebook to track your child’s progress, challenges, and questions. This will help you stay organized and prepared for IEP meetings.
IEP vs. 504 Plan: What’s the Difference?
It’s common to confuse an IEP with a 504 Plan, but they serve different purposes:
- IEP: Provides direct services (e.g., speech therapy) and specialized classroom placements to meet your child’s needs.
- 504 Plan: Offers accommodations, like extended test time, preferential seating, or sensory breaks, for students who don’t need specialized instruction but require support to access the learning environment.
Not sure which is right for your child? Talk to your school’s special education team to discuss your child’s needs and determine the best option.
How to Start the IEP Process
If you suspect your child could benefit from an IEP, here’s how to take the first steps:
1. My Child Isn’t Enrolled in School Yet
If your child is not yet in school and you think they may need an IEP:
- Contact the Office of Diverse Learner Supports and Services (ODLSS) at odlss@cps.edu (mailto:odlss@cps.edu) to request an initial IEP evaluation.
- For children aged birth to 5, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) offers free early childhood screenings to assess whether your child could benefit from an IEP evaluation. Check the 2023-2024 screening schedule here.
Note: The screening link is for the 2023-2024 school year. Verify with CPS for updated schedules, as this information may be outdated.
2. My Child Is Enrolled in School
If your child is already in school:
- Email your child’s teacher and the school’s special education director (find their contact info on the school’s website) to request an IEP evaluation.
- Be specific about your concerns, such as academic struggles, behavioral challenges, or delays in speech or motor skills.
Parent Tip: Document your request in writing (email is best) to create a paper trail and ensure follow-up.
3. Transitioning from an IFSP to an IEP
If your child has an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) through Early Intervention (EI) and is nearing age 3:
- Contact your EI service coordinator when your child is around 2.5 years old to schedule a transition meeting.
- This meeting will help set up an IEP evaluation with your local school district to ensure a smooth transition to school-based services.
Preparing for the IEP Evaluation and Meeting
Once you’ve requested an evaluation, here’s how to prepare:
- Gather Documentation: Collect medical records, therapist reports, or teacher observations that highlight your child’s needs.
- Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Resources like Understood.org or Wrightslaw.com offer parent-friendly guides.
- Bring a Support Person: Consider inviting a trusted friend, family member, or advocate to the IEP meeting for emotional support and note-taking.
- Prepare Questions: Write down questions like, “What services will my child receive?” or “How will progress be measured?”
Engagement Tip: Download our free IEP Meeting Checklist (#) (link to a downloadable PDF you could create) to stay organized and confident during the meeting.
Advocating for Your Child During the IEP Process.
You are your child’s best advocate. Here are tips to ensure their needs are met:
- Be Collaborative: Approach the IEP team as partners, but don’t hesitate to share your insights about your child’s strengths and challenges.
- Ask for Clarification: If terms like “FAPE” (Free Appropriate Public Education) or “LRE” (Least Restrictive Environment) are unclear, ask for explanations.
- Review the IEP Draft: Request a draft before the meeting to review and suggest changes.
- Follow Up: After the IEP is in place, check in regularly with teachers and therapists to monitor progress and address concerns.
Take the Next Step
You’ve got this! Start by contacting your school or CPS to request an IEP evaluation or screening. Share this guide with other parents who might feel lost in the process—together, we can build a supportive community. Have questions or tips of your own? Leave a comment below or share your story. We’d love to hear it! For more information, give us a call at 773-687-9241 or check out the rest of our website!
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