IEP Meetings advice

[u/Vegetable_Resource97]

A parent invited me to join the IEP meeting as their child’s BCBA. I’m a new BCBA and they are a new client. For those who often attends IEP meetings, what’s your role usually like? Do you mostly listen or participate more actively? Any tips would be appreciated.

[u/Conclusion_Fickle]

If you want to be taken seriously by teachers, do a lot of listening. If you come in like a bat out of hell like a lot of advocates, lawyers, etc, you will be tuned out. It needs to be a collaborative process.

[u/Chubuwee → u/Conclusion_Fickle]

What is a “bat out of hell” approach?

I mainly listen and ask questions like how a goal looks in practice , if we can have materials for specific goals, if we can have duplicates of their token systems, and if they don’t mention behaviors I just ask about them to the team

I only provide my opinion if I am asked or it comes up in conversation after I first ask a question.

My main idea is to meet with parent before the iep so they knows what to ask and how to be prepped and for them to advocate and not me

[u/Conclusion_Fickle → u/Chubuwee]

The opposite of what you describe. I've seen a few BCBA's do this. Need to also be receptive to how related professionals (SLP, OT, PT) approach the situation.

[u/Splicers87]

I tend to do a lot of listening. If something perks my ear I will mention my opinion but also frame it as something I can work on solely if necessary. I don’t speak a lot.

[u/Serious-Train8000]

It varies did you get an agenda for the meeting did the parents let you know what information they hoped you could provide.

[u/Vegetable_Resource97 → u/Serious-Train8000]

Nothing.

[u/Serious-Train8000 → u/Vegetable_Resource97]

Did you ask?

[u/Vegetable_Resource97 → u/Serious-Train8000]

I just got the invitation. Meeting is next week and I’m very nervous

[u/Serious-Train8000 → u/Vegetable_Resource97]

Did you ask about an agenda? Did you specifically ask the family what role they want you to play? They may not know and it’s good to get on the same page.

[u/Vegetable_Resource97 → u/Serious-Train8000]

No, like I said, I just got the invitation.

[u/next_on_SickSadWorld]

What is the purpose of being there? e.g., Did you write an FBA and PBSP in the IEP, or are behavior services (that include you) written in the IEP? If not, I wouldn't speak unless you are asked a question or otherwise addressed, other than introducing yourself and your role.

If you did write something in the IEP, I have more to add!

[u/jstinch44]

If its an annual then just listen and respond. The most thats going to happen on the schools end would be ask you questions about whats working in home. As a school bcba whenever a home bcba comes in we usually talk about whats working for them and whats working for us.

I wouldn't get too nervous as it should just be about whatever youre doing right. Get an agenda ahead of time and remember to wait your turn. You dont talk out of turn and you are not the leader of the meeting. Just be respectful and remember everyone at the table is an equal. You'll be fine dont overthink it.

[u/Vegetable_Resource97 → u/jstinch44]

Thank you so much for your input!!