For many students, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan offers more than a set of guidelines—it serves as a lifeline for their learning and growth. For children in foster care, that lifeline becomes even more critical. These students often face unique challenges, ranging from frequent school changes to additional appointments, visitations, and therapies that disrupt their daily routines. Foster parents play a powerful role in bridging the gap between home and school, actively ensuring that educators understand, support, and meet their child’s needs.
Supporting a student’s IEP or 504 plan goes beyond attending the annual meeting. It involves building strong relationships, fostering self-advocacy, and working alongside a team that believes in the child’s potential. In the story below, one foster family’s preparation and encouragement empowered their child to navigate the meeting confidently and take an active role in shaping his own education.
An IEP Case Study
Sam’s special education teacher called the classroom and asked for him to be sent to the conference room. Sam was prepared. He grabbed his notebook, headed down the hall and entered the room. He was warmly greeted by his foster parents, special education teacher, math teacher, principal and legal guardian. All waiting on him. The principal gave him a high five. His foster mom pulled out the empty chair beside her and his case manager gave him a smile and nod as if to say, “You’ve got this!” After the introductions, Sam’s case manager asked if the family had any questions. The foster parent looked at Sam and asked, “Would you like to share your list of questions and ideas we went over at home?”. Sam took a deep breath, looked at the familiar faces of those who supported him. He then began to advocate for himself.
IEP Planning Tips
Whether you are the biological parent, legal guardian or foster parent of a student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan you can support the process in a meaningful way. You have valuable input in creating a well-crafted plan for your student’s success through collaboration and assisting your child with self-determination. How can you be a part of the process?
- Collaborate: Parents and educators must work together. Students in foster care often receive additional services or therapies outside of school, attend visitations with biological parents, or go to court and meet with their social worker. These commitments can affect their school schedule and learning, making collaboration essential.
- Connect: Build a strong relationship with your student’s special education teacher or case manager to help them fully understand your child’s needs and how those needs affect their education plan. When educators have the right information, they can better support your student. At the start of the school year, ask teachers to set up ongoing communication for regular progress updates. Depending on your child’s needs, these check-ins can happen weekly or monthly. Share your concerns openly and ask clarifying questions well before the annual meeting.
- Communicate: Keep the IEP/504 process student-focused so the student can voice what works and what doesn’t in their education. Parents can teach and nurture self-determination, guiding children toward independence and advocacy. Educators and parents share the goal of helping students learn to advocate for themselves. A valuable resource for building this skill is I’m Determined, which offers tools for students, educators, and families to participate in the IEP/504 process, promote autonomy, build competence, and create a sense of belonging.
What about you?
In the real-life scenario above, Sam’s foster parents took an active role in his IEP process. They collaborated with both community and school staff and supported him in speaking up for himself. The annual meeting marks just one day in the life of the IEP. Start the school year proactively to set your student up for success!
Want to plan a guide of your own? Use our downloadable:
ABC Model Data Collection Impact
Interested in fostering with Impact? Use the button below to learn more!