What is a Facilitated IEP (FIEP)?

A Facilitated IEP (FIEP) is an option available at the request of schools and parents for conflict prevention and resolution. This service is provided at no cost to parents or schools.  A trained impartial professional (facilitator) helps the case conference committee with the IEP process by:

  • Keeping the meeting focused on the student
  • Ensuring everyone at the table has a voice
  • Encouraging active listening by all participants
  • Helping keep team members on task and within the time allotted for the meeting
  • Participating as a non-committee member, which does not impose decisions on the group

 

The Benefits of FIEP include:

  • Builds & improves relationships between parents and schools
  • Keeps the case conference focused on the student
  • Models effective communication and listening
  • Identifies agreements and clarifies and seeks to resolved disagreements
  • Supports better follow through and follow-up, as roles and responsibilities are discussed and planned

Consider FIEP if. . .

  • The case conference committee is spending more time trying to resolve conflicts than working on activities that promote student achievement and success
  • Multiple case conferences have been convened with little or no resolution
  • One or more case conference committee members believes their voice is not being heard
  • There is a lot of new information to be processed or the student's situation is particularly complex
  • Team members would like to create better understanding
  • Team members want to help staying focused on the IEP process
  • There is a particular disagreement that the team wants to make progress on

An Overview of the FIEP Process

  • An intake coordinator will contact the requestor by phone.
  • If approved, it will be assigned to a trained facilitator.
  • The facilitator will contact both the school and the parent.
  • The facilitator will attend/faciliate your scheduled FIEP meeting.
  • The facilitator will gather feedback regarding the FIEP process from the parent and school staff.

How should I prepare for an FIEP Meeting?

Prior to the meeting, consider the following to help make sure the FIEP is a postitive experience:

  • Please come to the IEP meeting ready to work cooperatively.  This means that participants keep and open mind and show a willingness to listen to the information shared by others.
  • Give yourself permission to be creative.
  • Distribute documents to all members of the team prior to the meeting for review
  • Remember that the student is the focus of every meeting.

Request FIEP Services

1. Download the request form or call the IEPRC office at 317-757-8297 to have the form sent to you

2. Complete the form, with signatures from both the parent and school.

3. Submit the form via fax (317-672-2839) or by mailing to:

  • FIEP Services
    Indiana IEP Resource Center
    7916 Zionsville Road
    Indianapolis, IN 46268

Downloads/Forms: