Why do IEP and 504 Meetings feel so stressful?

When I speak with parents about a 504 or IEP, I often get a lot of questions about what is going to happen next or what are all of the possible outcomes (of the meeting).  Uncertainty about your child's education and the support they (should or could) receive can be incredibly stressful.  And, going to these school meetings can be particularly stressful if there is mistrust, or a history of bad feelings.  This idea of not knowing what to expect I believe is a big part of the stress, even for families who have good relationships with the school. 

The more you know about the IEP and 504 process before the meeting, the more you will know what to expect, and that stress of unexpected outcomes is minimized.  While learning about these processes can feel overwhelming, putting in this time before your meetings will help you feel more confident and ready to talk through your child's needs in real time.  When I work with families, my goal is to turn parents into more effective and confident advocates for their children. I will give you information about both what to expect and the law, and point out of the IEP or 504 that may need a 'check-up.'

I cannot tell you these meetings will be easy. What I can tell you is that you will find value in learning about the IEP and/or 504 process, whether you educate yourself through ISBE, or other websites, or through a consultant or advocate.