Post-Permanency Newsletter

We adopted a sibling group of 3 from foster care and they each came with an IEP. I heard that you only have an IEP if you have a disability. My kids don’t look disabled. I mean, I know about their trauma background and all, but they can read and they can see and all that. But now I am worried and it’s all so daunting.

Within your child’s IEP or 504 plan, there will be a section listing very specific educational, behavioral, academic, and sensory strategies for your child. These are called accommodations, modifications, services, and specially designed instructions. Read on so you have a good understanding of which of these particular accommodations may best serve your student. Feel free to borrow and use any of the following list of strategies!

Once your student qualifies for special education services in their public school, they gain a written plan that follows them through their schooling. This document is either an IEP, which stands for an Individualized Education Plan ,or a 504 Plan. Keep reading to learn about each of these wonderful ways to support your child in school. 

It all starts with IDEA: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Basically IDEA makes sure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living. Now that’s a mouthful. Keep reading so you can help your child get what they need and deserve in school.

In today’s modern society, it is so easy to forget that we are truly social creatures who need each other. We are hardwired to depend on others to survive. As busy as our world is, it’s helpful to be reminded of the value in having meaningful connections with others outside of one’s immediate family. It takes work to develop and maintain these connections to others. Adoptive families especially can benefit from knowing others who are in the same boat as them. Learn why sharing your unique lives with others in similar circumstances creates healthier, happier families.