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The IEP Handbook

Navigating Special Education, Services, and Advocacy

$47.97

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✓ Evidence-Based ✓ Written by Experts ✓ Practical & Ready to Use

Confident IEP Meetings Begin with Understanding.

The IEP Handbook is a practical, evidence-based guide designed to help families, educators, administrators, and related service providers confidently navigate every stage of the special education process.

Written by experienced educational leaders and specialists, this handbook explains complex laws, procedures, and educational practices in clear, accessible language while providing practical tools you can immediately apply.

Whether you're attending your first IEP meeting or have years of experience, this handbook helps you better understand the process, advocate effectively, and make informed decisions that support student success.

A comprehensive guide that walks you through every stage of the special education process, helping you make informed decisions and confidently advocate for students.

SECTION IV

Advocacy and Follow-Through

Prepare thoughtful questions and stay organized as you advocate throughout the IEP process.

Advocacy and planning worksheets
Ongoing reference throughout the IEP process

Understanding the purpose of special education and the IEP
Referral, assessment, and eligibility
Developing legally meaningful IEP goals
Related services and supports
Placement and Least Restrictive Environment
Behavior intervention and discipline
Accommodations, modifications, and specialized instruction
Transition planning
Mediation, complaints, and due process
Practical examples and planning tools
Legal references and case law

Parents and caregivers
Special education teachers
General education teachers
School administrators
Program specialists
School psychologists
Speech-language pathologists
Occupational therapists
Behavior specialists
Educational advocates
College and university students

Preparing for IEP meetings
Parent education
Staff professional development
University coursework
New teacher onboarding
Administrator reference
Advocate training
District professional learning
Ongoing educational reference

Practical planning tools
Meeting preparation resources
Legal references and case law citations
Real-world examples
Quick-reference charts
Easy-to-understand explanations of complex educational topics

Evidence-based educational guidance
Practical tools and templates
Real-world educational examples
Reflection activities
Professional resources
Clear explanations written in everyday language

Families
Educational advocates
Teachers
School psychologists
Speech-language pathologists
Occupational therapists
Behavior specialists
School administrators
College and university programs
Special education leadership teams

Written by Leaders in Special Education

Jeanine Leech M.A., M.S.

Former Director of Special Education and Student Services / Author

Jeanine Leech brings more than 25 years of experience supporting students with diverse learning needs across public education. Beginning her career as an instructional assistant, she went on to serve as a special education teacher, behavior specialist, program specialist, Director of Special Education, educational advocate, and author — giving her firsthand insight into every level of the special education system. Her practical, child-centered approach combines educational research and real-world experience, grounded in the belief that inclusion begins with understanding the whole child.

Areas of Expertise
Special education • IEP development • Inclusive practices • Behavior support • Educational leadership • Advocacy

Meg Dennison Psy.D., ABSNP

Pediatric Neuropsychologist

Meg Dennison is a licensed psychologist and board-certified pediatric neuropsychologist specializing in neurodevelopmental assessment, autism, ADHD, executive functioning, and learning differences. Her expertise provides readers with a deeper understanding of assessment, eligibility, and educational planning.

Areas of Expertise
Pediatric neuropsychology • Assessment • Autism • ADHD • Learning disabilities

Leann Schouten ClinScD, CCC-SLP, HLAC, ATACP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Leann Schouten is an experienced speech-language pathologist specializing in autism, augmentative communication, early intervention, and communication development. Her contributions strengthen the handbook's guidance regarding speech-language services and educational communication supports.

Areas of Expertise
Speech-language pathology • AAC • Autism • Early intervention

Why Readers Choose CE Press

CE Press publishes practical, research-informed resources that make complex educational systems easier to understand and apply. Our materials are designed to promote clarity, confidence, and meaningful collaboration across learning environments.