Here are 4 tips for school OTs on how we can be active and effective members of our students’ IEP teams. 

<div>
  IEP meetings are an ideal opportunity for school occupational therapists to
  collaborate with our students&rsquo; IEP teams to ensure our kids have a
  successful year and achieve their goals. Here are four tips for school OTs on
  being active and effective members of our students&rsquo; IEP teams.&nbsp;
</div>

<h2>1. Be a team player.&nbsp;</h2>

<div>
  It is important to remember that as a member of the IEP team, there are many
  tasks we need to complete before and during IEP meetings to ensure we are
  successfully filling our roles. Communicating with all IEP team members
  (including parents, teachers, students, and other service providers) before
  the meeting will make for more successful IEP meetings. This will enable the
  other team members to have time to process the information and come prepared
  to the meeting with questions and discussion points.&nbsp;
</div>

<h2>2. Be prepared.&nbsp;</h2>

<div>
  It is essential to prepare thorough documentation before each IEP meeting,
  including
  <a href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/blogs/writing-plps"
    >present levels of performance</a
  >
  and updated
  <a href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/blogs/goal-writing"
    >OT IEP goals</a
  >. This should be based on data collection regarding the students&rsquo; goals
  throughout the year. It is helpful to bring this data and work samples to the
  IEP meeting to share with the team and to justify your recommendations. Having
  work samples present also helps ensure the conversation remains
  student-centered during the meeting.&nbsp;
</div>

<h2>3. Be professional.&nbsp;</h2>

<div>
  We can be professional during IEP meetings by listening to all suggestions and
  opinions of other team members. We must remain flexible and open to adjusting
  our occupational therapy recommendations based on the IEP meeting discussions.
  We can also show respect for the team by communicating our opinion and
  recommendations clearly. This includes using language that the entire team can
  understand. It is important to take the time to define acronyms and jargon.
</div>

<h2>4. Be Positive.&nbsp;</h2>

<div>
  It is helpful to focus on the student&rsquo;s strengths and growth toward
  their goals during IEP meetings. Although the IEP meeting is designed to
  address areas of need and set related goals, we should also focus on the
  positive strides the student has made. Focusing on this will help the IEP
  meeting remain positive and solution-focused.
</div>

<div>
  With these tips for a successful IEP paired with your
  <a
    href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/blogs/8-skills-you-will-need-to-be-a-ot"
    >strengths and skills as a school OT</a
  >, you&rsquo;ll play an active role in setting your students up for
  success!&nbsp;
</div>

<div>
  Bring your specialized occupational therapy skills to help kids who need you
  most in an exciting
  <a
    href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/job-search-results?what=ot&amp;where="
    >school OT job</a
  >
  with Cross Country Education.<br />
</div>


Successful IEPs – Tips for School OTs