Keeping a Good File - I

Recently I represented a family at an IEP meeting. A month previous, the parents showed up for their initial consult, and they had two three-inch binders filled with documents related to their son who was a special education student. In the end, things worked out for the family, but one of the reasons for this success was the collection of documents.
It can't be stressed enough that parents of special education students need to keep documentation from the school. There are many ways this can be done (binders, folders, etc.). But the main message here is to SAVE EVERYTHING.
There were a few documents I pulled out during the IEP meeting that seemed to surprise the school, who didn't think the parents would keep such pieces of paper.
As an attorney, I like binders. They require a sturdy three-hold punch, but in my opinion they are worth it.
If you are a parent of a special education student and do not have a detailed binder or folder, it would be in your best interest to get one organized.
I think it is helpful to start at the beginning and go in chronological order. Start with the very first referral or meeting notice and just keep adding to it. Put in everything, IEP's, evaluations and be sure to include any emails or work sent home by teachers. You may never know when a printed email communication helps turn an issue in your favor.
This way should someone else need to get an overview of the case, the timeline is right there in one handy binder. Or two, if your child has been under the IEP umbrella for a while.