Are you frustrated watching your child’s unique learning needs go unmet in traditional school? As a parent who’s been there, I understand the disappointment of seeing an IEP that exists on paper but doesn’t translate into real progress. Here’s the good news: you can create and implement an educational plan that actually works for your child.
Why Create Your Own Educational Plan?
When you’re homeschooling a child with learning differences, having a well-designed educational plan isn’t just helpful—it’s transformative. Here’s why:
- For Children with Dyslexia: Create a structured approach that incorporates multi-sensory learning and builds reading confidence
- For Children with ADHD: Design flexible schedules that accommodate attention spans and energy levels
- For Children on the Autism Spectrum: Develop routines that provide both structure and sensory-appropriate learning experiences
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Creating an Individualized Educational Plan
Essential Tools to Get Started
First, you’ll need to create your planning binder. Here’s what I recommend:
🔍 Required Materials:
- A durable 3-inch, 3-ring binder (View recommended binders on Amazon)
- 6-8 sturdy divider tabs (View recommended dividers on Amazon)
- Sheet protectors for frequently used pages (optional but helpful)
Setting Up Your Educational Planning Binder
Create these essential sections in your binder:
- Learner Analysis
- Student strengths and challenges
- Learning style assessments
- Current skill levels
- Task Analysis (Parts A & B)
- Academic goals
- Skill development targets
- Breaking down complex tasks
- Designed Solutions
- Chosen curriculum and programs
- Assistive technology options
- Teaching strategies
- Planning/Development
- Daily schedules
- Lesson plans
- Resource lists
- Implementation
- Progress notes
- Adjustment ideas
- Success stories
- Evaluation
- Short-term checkpoints
- Mid-term assessments
- Long-term progress tracking
The Educational Design Process: Your Roadmap to Success
Phase 1: Information Gathering
The Learner Analysis and Task Analysis sections form your foundation. Here you’ll:
- Document your child’s learning style
- Identify specific challenges
- Set realistic goals
- Break down complex skills into manageable steps
Phase 2: Strategy Development
In the Designed Solutions and Planning sections, you’ll:
- Research effective teaching methods
- Select appropriate curriculum
- Choose helpful technology tools
- Create customized learning approaches
Phase 3: Action and Assessment
The Implementation and Evaluation sections help you:
- Put your plan into action
- Track progress
- Make necessary adjustments
- Celebrate successes
Recommended Resources for Different Learning Needs
For Dyslexia Support:
- Orton-Gillingham based programs
- Text-to-speech software
- Audiobook subscriptions
- The Dyslexia Help Handbook for Parents
For ADHD Support:
- Timer tools for focused work periods
- Movement-based learning materials
- Organization systems
- ADHD learning strategies
For Autism Spectrum Support:
- Visual schedule creators
- Sensory learning tools
- Social skills resources
- Autism Learning Strategies
Ready to Get Started?
Begin your journey with these steps:
-
- Visit Step 1: Learner Analysis to understand your child’s unique learning profile
- Explore Step 2: Task Analysis Parts A & B to set appropriate goals
- Watch for upcoming steps in our comprehensive guide series:
- Designed Solutions
- Planning / Development
- Implementation
- Evaluation
Pro Tips for Success
- 📝 Update your binder regularly as you learn what works
- 🎯 Start with small, achievable goals
- 📊 Track progress in ways that make sense for your child
- 🔄 Be ready to adjust your approach as needed
- 💪 Remember: you know your child best
A Personal Note
Creating an individualized educational plan might seem daunting, but you don’t have to figure it all out at once. Many families, including mine, have successfully used this approach to help their children thrive. The key is taking it one step at a time and remembering that you’re building a customized path to success for your unique child.
Ready to take the first step? Click here to begin your Learner Analysis
Looking for additional support? Join our community of parents creating successful learning plans for their children with learning differences.
Check out our story of how we were highly successful in homeschooling to overcome learning disabilities using individualized education plans.
Provide an effective learning environment, and use assistive technology to help your child to learn.