I'm a special educator, and I'm a mom.

Hi, I'm Tiana Bourne. Working in special education, I've learned how much a child's success depends on their parents understanding the IEP process. When parents know what's supposed to happen, how it should happen and how often, they can speak up for their child. When they don't, it's easy to lose the path, and children can miss out on what they deserve.

As a parent, I've advocated for my own child. Knowing the process inside and out means I can ask the right questions and make sure things are done the right way.

I started The IEP Journey so every parent can feel that same confidence. The system isn't perfect, and it may never be. But informed parents make it better for every child. You don't have to walk this road alone. We'll take it together, one step at a time.

How we build every lesson

• Written by a special educator and checked against official sources: the federal special education law (IDEA), the U.S. Department of Education and state education agencies.
• When a rule can differ by state, we say so and show you where to check yours.
• All sample documents are fictional. No real student's information is ever used.