As a behavior analyst, you know your role inside and out. But when it comes to IEP meetings, it's easy to feel uncertain. After all, your training likely didn’t cover the nuances of special education policies and practices, how to collaborate with school teams, or how to advocate effectively for your clients in these meetings. You’re not alone – most behavior analysts face this challenge.

IEP meetings are critical for your clients. They’re where key decisions are made that will impact their educational experience, support, and progress. But without the right guidance, it can be hard to know:

• What to prepare before the meeting
• How to articulate your client’s needs in a way that the team understands
• How to effectively collaborate with educators, therapists, and parents
• What your role as a behavior analyst truly entails in this context

That’s why we’ve created this IEP Checklist specifically for behavior analysts. It’s not just a generic guide – it’s tailored to your expertise and helps bridge the gap between behavior analysis and special education advocacy.

Who Am I?

I’m Dr. Annie!

As both a behavior analyst and special education teacher, I thought I was well-prepared for IEP meetings. I knew the language, behavior analysis, the special education laws, and how to support my clients. But stepping into those meetings as an 'outsider' – not as part of the school team but as an advocate for families – was a completely different experience.

Suddenly, I was reliant on others to give me drafts of IEPs. I had to carefully review what the school was proposing, providing feedback that balanced their expertise with the student's needs. On top of that, I needed to help parents identify their priorities, ensuring they felt empowered to advocate for their children. It wasn’t just about knowing what to do in the meeting; it was about navigating the entire process from a new perspective, bridging the gap between the school and the family.

This experience is exactly why I created the IEP Checklist – to give behavior analysts the tools they need to confidently step into this role, prepared to guide both schools and families toward the best outcomes for their students.

And now I have made it my mission to help other behavior analysts and direct service providers support families at the next level.