A better IEP is possible

An Individualized Education Program (a.k.a. IEP) is a legally binding document that outlines the services and supports your child needs to access a free and appropriate public education so they can thrive in school. Families and schools meet together to develop the plan, then use it to create a program that’s specifically tailored to your child. Check out our IEP decoder to learn all about who develops an IEP, what it contains, and how it can help your child get the most out of their education.

To get the most out of Undivided, we recommend contacting us at least two weeks before your IEP meeting so we can really get to know your needs and your family. Don’t have that much time? That’s OK — we may still be able to help.

To help you prep for your IEP meeting, Undivided can help you instantly summarize and organize your paperwork, know your child’s rights, and get up-to-date on the latest and most common services available to your child.

But before we do all that, one of the most powerful ways we boost your confidence and help you prepare is to guide you in creating an "All About Me" to share with the IEP team. This helps the team get to know your whole child, including their strengths and loves, what you’ve found works (and what doesn’t), and how you and your child imagine their ideal future. Most importantly, Undivided families have found that by sharing their All About Me at the start of their IEP meeting, they nurture a shared sense of purpose that has a positive impact on the entire meeting and, ultimately, the IEP.

Undivided is a trusted partner that supports parents raising kids with disabilities so you can dream bigger and achieve more. Before you head into your IEP, you’ll work 1-on-1 with a dedicated Navigator to help you understand your rights and learn to effectively advocate for the services your child needs to succeed. If desired, we can also provide onsite support during the meeting (inquire for pricing of add-on services). As an Undivided member, you’ll also have access to essential resources including your new digital Binder, our library of collective knowledge, live events with experts, and peer support from the Undivided parent community. And you can try all of it FREE with a Kickstart.

Special education advocates (sometimes known simply as “advocates”) are special education experts who teach and advise parents seeking support for their children. Advocates typically charge $100-$300 per hour for tasks such as getting to know you and your child, interpreting test results, writing letters on your behalf, helping you understand your rights, and attending your IEP meeting to provide in-the-moment advocacy and advice. 

Special education attorneys are lawyers who specialize in special education law. They typically charge $300 and above per hour (although lawyer fees are sometimes recoverable in a settlement or if you win in court), and provide you with legal advice, assist you in preparing and filing due process complaints, and represent you at your IEP meeting, mediation, and/or hearing.

Part of being your trusted partner means that Undivided can help you figure out whether an advocate or attorney would be right for you. And if it is, we can help you find a qualified, vetted professional to support your family’s needs. Either way, we’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure you get the most out of your IEP and beyond.

Undivided is designed for parents or guardians of kids (0–18 years old) with any type of disability. Currently, we are exclusively available to California residents, but we’re growing fast. Sign up now to be the first to know when we’re in your region.