Collaborative Individualized Education Programs
(IEPs): An Overview of the Process

Presented by Dottie Handley-More

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The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the individualized education program (IEP) development process for occupational therapy practitioners working in school settings. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and occupational therapy practice guidelines stress the importance of collaborative teaming when developing programs for children and youth with disabilities. This course describes the components of an IEP as identified in IDEA and offers strategies for working with teachers, family, and other team members to develop collaborative programs of supports and services as part of the IEP process.

Meet your instructor

Dottie Handley-More

Dottie Handley-More, MS, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist with 30 years of experience in the school-based practice. She has published and presented on a variety of topics including leadership, best practices, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, occupational therapy decision-making, pediatric assessment, and…

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Chapters & learning objectives

Collaboration and the IEP Process

1. Collaboration and the IEP Process

Collaboration is an evidence-based practice that is an essential component of the IEP development process. This chapter will describe the IDEA mandates, practice guidelines and professional literature that support collaboration.

An Overview of the IEP

2. An Overview of the IEP

This chapter will describe the essential components of the IEP, including the different service delivery options defined in IDEA. The chapter will highlight factors that are most relevant to occupational therapy and the input that practitioners can provide as part of the collaborative team.

IEP Decision Making Process

3. IEP Decision Making Process

This chapter will describe the IEP decision making process and discuss the role of the occupational therapist.

Developing a Collaborative Team

4. Developing a Collaborative Team

This chapter will identify evidence-based practices related to collaboration and provide tips and strategies for developing a collaborative team.