Summary: Episode #36: Drowning in paperwork? Here’s what helps us<br> [Click to Listen to Podcast]<br> The Overwhelming Amount of Paperwork Required<br> When You Have a Child with Special Needs <br> In today’s podcast, we are talking with Michele Gianetti, another parent who “has been there and done that” about the amount of paperwork we ALL have and to find a way to stay organized.<br> <br> <br> <br> Being organized gives you a sense of power<br> – John Maxwell.<br> <br> Here’s how to create an effective system that works for you.<br> Effective Systems<br> <br> What is a system? Simply put, it’s a process for achieving a goal based on specific, orderly, repeatable principles and practices.<br> We adapted what organizingworks.com says:<br> <br> To create effective systems, use the three “P’s.”<br> <br> * Policy<br> <br> 2. Process<br> 3. Procedure<br> <br> A policy contains the rules, beliefs, and guidelines of a company or specific outcomes, and it drives processes and procedures.<br> (The reason WHY it’s important.)<br> <br> <br> A process will outline the main steps, the flow of how things or outcomes get done.<br> (The process explains “What” to do, not “How” to do it.)<br> <br> <br> Procedures contain the detailed steps of the actions that are needed to complete the process and comply with the policy. <br> (Procedures document the exact steps that someone (family member) can follow to complete the tasks (like a recipe)).<br> Developing effective systems eliminate mistakes, lost time, <br> and makes you feel more in control.<br> <br> System Example:<br> Policy: Keep all IEP records and relevant school documentation.<br> Process: Collect and gather all IEP documentation and store it in a safe, specific place.<br> Procedure:<br> <br> * I will create a space, either a bin or binder to store essential documents.<br> <br> 2. After each meeting, I will collect all the official documents.<br> 3. I will sort documents and put the most current IEP on top of the draft and any other paperwork involved.<br> 4. Three-hole punch documents and file it under the IEP tab.<br> <br> TIME FRAMES FOR KEEPING DOCUMENTS<br> Tax forms and investment records-7 years<br> Bank statements-1 yr<br> Bills -1 yr<br> Car/boat/vehicle- keep records until sold or gone<br> Shred:<br> anything with a name on it<br> paystubs<br> airline ticket stubs<br> luggage tags<br> sales receipts with a name and address on them<br> anything with social security information on them.<br> KEEP FOREVER<br> baptism/confirmation records <br> wedding license<br> wills <br> death certificates<br> licenses<br> social security cards<br> medical records<br> <br> Takeaways from this podcast:<br> • Different systems that work<br> • The importance of records and documents<br> • Refrigerator Hack (Amazon links)<br> <br> <br> <a href="https://amzn.to/2v61kKZ">Lazy Susan for refrigerator</a><br> <br> <a href="https://amzn.to/2S3eam5">Stackable Refridgerator Egg Holder</a><br> <br> Links or related articles to the podcast:<br> Related: <a href="https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/article/organizing-childs-special-education-file/">Organizing Your Child’s Special Education File: Do It Right</a><br> Related: <a href="https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/article/household-organization-child-behavior/">Household Organization & Your Child’s Behavior</a><br> Related: <a href="https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/article/tips-help-managing-papers/">Tips to Help Managing Papers!</a><br>
