Introduction
The Individualized Education Program (IEP) gets a lot of well-deserved attention—but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. True progress happens when school, home, and community work together. Here’s how to assemble a wraparound team that helps your child thrive on every front.

1. Start With the Core: You, Your Child & the Special-Ed Team

• Know your rights. Review your state’s parent-rights handbook and keep digital copies of all evaluations and meeting notes.
• Identify the “point guard.” This might be you, a case manager, or an advocate—someone who keeps everyone communicating between IEP meetings.
• Teach self-advocacy early. Even young children can learn to signal when they need a break or sensory tool.

2. Add Therapeutic Pros You Can Trust

• Occupational & Speech Therapists (OT/ST). Align home exercises with school-based goals so your child practices the same skill set in both places.
• Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). Ask them to write caregiver-friendly protocols (one-page visuals beat 20-page jargon).
• Mental-Health Clinicians. Anxiety and ADHD often travel with autism—an outside therapist offers coping tools that classrooms can’t.

3. Bring in the Community

• Recreation & sports programs that offer sensory-aware coaching build confidence and peer friendships.
• Faith or cultural groups can supply mentors who “get” your family’s background and values.
• Parent support circles. Even a monthly coffee can recharge you and spark idea-sharing.

4. Use Technology to Keep Everyone in Sync

• One shared Google Drive folder for IEPs, therapy notes, and communication logs.
• A private family Slack or WhatsApp thread so grandma knows today’s reward chart points.
• Calendar apps with color-coded therapies, school events, and self-care breaks for parents.

5. Hold Quarterly “Whole-Child Check-Ins”

Set a calendar reminder every three months: gather school staff, therapists (even via Zoom), and key family members to review what’s working, tweak goals, and celebrate wins.

Conclusion
When you weave each stakeholder into an intentional team, progress accelerates—and you won’t feel like you’re juggling eleven separate plans. Remember: the IEP is your foundation, but the village you build around it is what truly lets your child soar.