How EmbraceIEP® transformed Sycamore CUSD #427 IEP compliance

“I didn’t feel it was friendly to parents, and I like our parents to have a clear understanding of IEP paperwork,” said Lynn Reilley, Director of Student Services.

“When we looked at the other systems, they were complicated and cumbersome," Lynn elaborated.

Sycamore wanted an easy-to-use system that staff could get trained on fast. 

It was important for the training program to be flexible, inclusive, and molded to the users' needs to ensure the maximum adoption and satisfaction with the new provider across the district's staff.

Intuitive system
"Embrace® had all the things I was looking for in a system.” Lynn elaborated. “I felt it was easy to use. We always talk about fewer clicks, which is super important to a Special Education teacher or related service providers, to get the job done quickly and efficiently and still have a really defendable IEP. Even before the trainings, I could look around and find where everything [for the IEP] was.”

Easy training and flexibility

Embrace's training model was another 'pro' for the district. 

“We did in-person training across the district, and I joined every training, because we can take the system of Embrace®, but also put in ‘this is how we do it in Sycamore or how we’ve used it in the past,” Lynn stated.

“Embrace® trainers are amazing, allowing me to interject and to explain to my staff what they need to remember about our district.”

Accessible knowledge base and regular educational tips
“I love all the webinars Embrace® puts together", said Lynn. "If anyone needs anything, I can guide staff to what [Embrace® has] already developed for webinars,” commented Lynn.

“I like all of Embrace®’s tips and tricks. Most of my staff have been teachers or providers for many years, but having the tips and tricks to save more time is the most beneficial.”

Compliance and regular updates

 “When everything changed with restraint and seclusion, I felt like Embrace® always kept up with ISBE changes. I barely have to look twice when I know a change is coming. I know within a few days Embrace® has already made the changes to those forms to meet the ISBE rules,” praised Lynn.

Keeping users informed on these changes is also critical. “I love the home page, that gives all the changes quickly, so I don't have to search through my emails for any changes,” Lynn exclaimed.

Form indicators

By providing powerful IEP tools, including form indicators, EmbraceIEP® improved district's compliance and helped with tracking deadlines.

“We’re more effective in the way we do our paperwork, it’s a pretty intuitive system so you don’t miss things. There are checkmarks that are green when things are done and red when something is missing,” Lynn described. “If [the staff] label the meeting as an Initial Eval, Reeval, or an Annual Review, the date pops up and there is a reminder that it's coming up.”