Parents invited to ‘Understanding the IEP Process’ training | Education

Students are offered many services to help them learn, and sometimes it’s a lot to understand them all. Indian River School District parents are invited to a free training called “Understanding the IEP Process” on Thursday, Jan 22, 2026, from 6 to 7 p.m. It will be held at the new Sussex Central Middle School, 26026 Patriots Way, Georgetown.

This informative session designed to help parents understand the Individualized Education Program (IEP), the roadmap that guides many children’s educational journey. Guests will learn: what an IEP is and how it supports each child’s success; key components of the IEP and what they mean; how the IEP process works from start to finish; parents’ role as part of the IEP team; and how to advocate effectively for your child’s needs.

This is meant for parents, caregivers and family members of children with disabilities, plus educators and anyone else seeking a clearer understanding of the IEP process. This may include families of students with disabilities, eligible or already receiving services under an IEP or Section 504 Plan; and anyone interested in building stronger partnerships between home and school. They can ask questions, learn more about the IEP process, find resources and even network with other families in a similar situation.

The Indian River Parent Council hosts this training by the Parent Information Center (PIC) of Delaware, which aims to empower families and improve outcomes.

“We had them back in fall—they did a really great job. That one was more about knowing your rights and knowing how to advocate for yourself. So this one is going to be more about understanding the IEP process,” said Dr. Melissa Whisted, IRSD Director of Special Education.

An IEP could stem from academics or behavior, but it must be coded as a disability and meet the threshold of needing specially designated instruction. It would be documented in the IEP, along with goals for the student.

“It’s to level the playing field,” said Whisted. For instance, students at Howard T. Ennis School or in special education programs will have an IEP. However, a multi-lingual learner would not have an IEP simply because they’re learning English because that’s not considered a learning disability. Also, the IEP is different from a 504 Plan, in which students have a disability that requires some accommodations, but not special education services.

“We’re up to about 2,100” students receiving services, said Whisted. “We’re high as a district. We’re over 20 percent. I’ve been trying to dig into the data to understand that, so we’re trying to figure that out.”

When possible, the ultimate goal is to close the educational gap, so a student no longer needs an IEP or specially designed instruction.

Each student’s IEP team meets at least annually. Parents and guardians have a right to be part of the process—and in fact, they’re a required part of the decision-making team.

“I think the main thing we want them to understand is what their child’s rights are and ensuring that they are receiving the program as written in the IEP,” said Whisted. “I think that, at times, they don’t understand what it is. Schools do a really good job of implementing it, and they trust the schools, but there are times [parents] think it should be more than it is … we’ve had families on both sides of the spectrum.”

Guests to the Jan. 22 event may wish to bring a notebook or note-taking materials. A Spanish-language interpreter will be present. RSVP is helpful for the presenters to bring hand-outs ( Anyone with questions can contact the Parent Information Center of Delaware at (302) 999–7394, email [email protected], or visit the website www.picofdel.org.

This event is hosted by the Indian River Parent Council, which meets four times a year. The March 4 event will feature the Autism Resources Office of Delaware Department of Education. The May 12 event will discuss transition services and supports as student transition from public schools to the community.