Preparing For Your Child's ARD Meeting

Hey friend!

I’ve been sharing the process of how to prepare for an ARD meeting on my Instagram stories. My oldest had her annual ARD at the end of April and beginning of May so I shared that journey for anyone who could benefit from knowing it. 

First, I’d like to share what an ARD is. ARD stands for: Admission, Review, & Dismissal. Its a special education meeting held once a year with a child's impactful people in their lives, their team (special education teachers, general education teachers, administrators, LSSP, speech therapist, occupational therapist, counselors, the child, parents, and anyone else asked to participate).

Things that are covered at an annual ARD are the child's IEP (individual education program), PLAAFP(present levels of academic achievement & functional performance), strengths, current and future goals, concerns, make any updates, discuss state testing or any other testing, and anything else either the school or family would like to discuss. 

It truly is a collaboration between the school and family to best support the child and their needs. 

The steps that have worked well for my family are the following:

Step 1: PRAY (vent, cry, breathe) 

Seriously, do what ever you feel you need to do. Sometimes dealing with all the things with our children can feel a bit much and its important as their advocates and parents to take care of ourselves. Many times, our families go through things that we may not openly share, and we walk around with those things, sometimes the best way to not feel burden is to let it go – give it to God. That’s one thing that you can count on me to consistently do, point you back to Christ. There is no way I could go through life without Him and that’s why I share about Him so much. 

All through my oldest daughter’s life and her academic career, many times I would cry about the upcoming meetings. Now the first thing I do, that works well for my family, is pray. While having a conversation with God, I lay it all at His feet. All the worries, hopes, concerns, joys, everything, I give it over to Him and ask Him to take over and guide. After much prayer and worship comes peace that only comes from Him. 

Step 2: Read and drink coffee. 

Here’s the thing, as you and I advocate for our children whether that’s in a doctor’s office or school, we must do our due diligence, research, and put in the work. One of the ways to do that is by reading through all the documents the school shares with you and I about our children. I personally like doing this with an iced caramel coffee, how about you what’s your favorite beverage? Some of the documents that are important to read ahead of time if possible are your child's most recent IEP, progress reports, and any recent assessments, and print them out or read them virtually. While reading through documents, write down any questions, comments, or concerns and hold onto your notes for future meetings. 

Also, read the IDEA manual (this can be accessed from TEA's website) and procedurals and safeguards (the school will either give you a printed copy or it can be accessed online). Ask for anything else you think you might need to look over prior to the meeting. 

Step 3: Reach out (to teachers and anyone else who works with your child at school)

One thing that I have learned over the years is that the school and my family have a partnership in educating and doing what is best for my child. This perspective has really changed how I interact and communicate with my children’s school and anyone who works with my girls. 

For my oldest, there have been not-so-good experiences with some teachers and schools and those are experiences that I can share later. 

But for the most part, educators genuinely want the best for you and my children. After reading through all the documents, reach out to the main person who works with your child and who is considered their case manager. Usually, that’ll be their special education teacher. Ask any questions you may have regarding the ARD or anything else regarding your child. If you would like to speak with anyone else on your child’s team prior to the ARD, contact them directly and initiate a meeting. A good place to find contact information is through the school’s website listed under staff or call the school directly and ask to speak with them. 

Step 4: Make notes (of comments, concerns, reread) 

A good idea is to have a notebook for your personal notes that can include any notes about the ARD, comments, questions, concerns. Whenever you email or speak with someone from the school, jot it down quick with the date and a sentence or two of what was shared. 

Step 5: Attend ARD meeting 

The day before, take it easy, do some self-care and rest. Like any day before a big exam or meeting, rest and know that you’ve done everything you could possibly have done to prepare well and advocate for your child. Make sure that the night before everything is ready and good to go for the next day. Have all the lunches, clothes, bags laid out (if things can be put in the car overnight or early morning that works too), IEP binder, water, whatever else you need have it ready. 

Get the kids to their respective classes and attend the meeting. Show up 5-10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time but not too early though. If meeting online, log on 15-20 minutes before to test and make sure you can log on (you and I know how technology can be). Officially log in 5 minutes before the scheduled time online. If any technical difficulties come up contact the case manager asap (speaking from experience 😊). 

A typical ARD consist of: Greetings and introductions, eligibility, PLAFFS, proposed goals for the upcoming school year, accommodations and modifications, behavior intervention plans, state testing, results from recent testing, rights, signing, conclusion. 

Step 6: Take notes (during and voice record notes after the meeting), send thank you and follow-ups. 

Reach out if I can assist you in any way regarding ARD meetings or any questions about special education. Email me at minerva.adame@yahoo.com 

With Love,

Minerva 

P.S.: I know that some years there may not be much time to prepare and sometimes we as parents must wing it in meetings. We are human and sometimes this happens, know that if that’s you right now, you are doing your best and will advocate for your child the best way that only you can.