Paraprofessional in IEP Not Provided: What to Do Next

What's happening

You've noticed that the paraprofessional support written into your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) isn't being provided. This can be worrisome because such support is usually specified to help your child meet their educational goals. Whether it’s due to staffing shortages, budget constraints, or administrative oversights, the absence of this service can impact your child's learning and ability to access meaningful educational experiences.

Why it happens

At times, schools face challenges like staffing shortages or budget cuts, affecting their ability to provide the services outlined in an IEP. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), schools are responsible for offering Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), which may include paraprofessional support when it's deemed necessary in the IEP. However, logistical issues or misunderstandings can sometimes lead to these services not being delivered as planned. Understanding the school's constraints and practices can help in effectively addressing the issue.

What parents should know

• The IEP is a legally binding document, which generally holds schools accountable for delivering the services outlined within it.
• Schools are generally expected to inform parents of any changes in service provision and seek their consent if a service needs to be altered.
• A paraprofessional's role can vary, from providing direct instructional support to assisting with mobility or behavior management.
• If a service is not provided, it may not be consistent with IDEA, and it's worth discussing this with your educational team.
• Document any instances of missing services and communications with the school as part of your advocacy efforts.

What you can do next

1. 1. Gather documentation: Keep a detailed record of dates and instances when the paraprofessional support was not provided.
2. 2. Contact your child's teacher: Schedule a meeting to express your concern about the lack of support and explore possible solutions.
3. 3. Request an IEP review: Submit a written request to conduct an IEP meeting, specifically noting the provision issue.
4. 4. Follow up in writing: After meetings, send a follow-up email summarizing what was discussed and any agreed-upon actions, retaining a copy for your records.
5. 5. Consider outside support: If the issue persists, it might be helpful to seek guidance from a special education advocate.

In summary

You're not alone in navigating these challenges. The first step is to document and communicate with your school about the missing support. Understanding the situation and advocating through documentation can help ensure your child receives the services they need. If you want to see how this shows up in your child’s IEP today, the free IEP Health Score tool gives you a 5-minute read.