5 Reasons Not to Skip Your Next IEP Meeting

Being present at IEP Meetings will help ensure that your child’s educational needs are met and that they have access to the services and resources they need to succeed. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to have your voice heard! Doing so can make all the difference in their educational journey.

Table of Contents

1. It’s a time to Collaborate

2. You Are the Expert

3. It’s Your Right

4. Developing Goals and Services

5. Understanding Your Child’s Current Status
   

It is a time for Collaboration

An IEP meeting is an opportunity to have meaningful conversations with the professionals working with your child and their team members.

This allows everyone to come together and work towards common goals to help your child’s educational success. By attending IEP meetings, you can have a say in determining appropriate goals and services for your child.

The agenda for IEP meetings should include the following:

• Introduction of IEP Team Members

• Review Purpose of the meeting

• Offer Parent Rights to Parent/Guardian

• Review of current IEP

• Discussion of evaluation results/ present levels

• Review Parental Concerns

• Review IEP Goals for the upcoming year

• Determination of services, accommodations, and modifications (if applicable)

• Review Least Restrictive Environment

• Review transition plan (if applicable)

Note: This IEP Agenda is not comprehensive

Typically, the LEA will lead IEP meetings, but other professionals who have been working with the child should also be in attendance. If you are not sure, who should attend your meeting, read our blog post on IEP Team Members.

You Are The Expert

As a parent, you are the expert on your child, and no one knows them better than you do. As a result, you bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the IEP meeting that helps guide decisions that will benefit your child. As a result, your opinion and input are valuable to the team making decisions about your child’s education.

IEP meetings are important for both parents and educators. An IEP meeting aims to develop a plan that will help the student succeed in school.

It’s Your Right

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) outlines parents’ rights in the special education process, including attending IEP meetings.

By law, you have the right to be involved in IEP meetings, so it is essential not to skip them. If you are not available at the date/time, the team proposed you should request an additional date/time (we recommend doing so in writing).

Developing Goals

IEP meetings are an opportunity to develop measurable goals that will be used to track your child’s progress and create an individualized plan for services.

Having input into these important decisions is critical for your child’s success in school. We recommend using our Preparing your Parental Concerns (free download). Share this information with the school team.

Here are a few tips to help you prepare for the meeting:

Read all the documents that have been sent to you, including the IEP and any evaluation reports.

Write down any questions or concerns you have about your child's education.

Arrive at the meeting on time and prepared to discuss your child's progress and needs.

Read more about how to prepare on our blog here.

Understand Your Child’s Current Status

Attending an IEP meeting allows you to better understand your child’s current educational status.

You can ask questions, get clarification on services, and review reports that will help you further understand your child’s unique needs and abilities. These meetings are also an additional opportunity to provide valuable information about your child that can be incorporated into their IEP.

This is your chance to hear from the core IEP team members. Ask ALL the questions you may have. No question is too small.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or frustrated, take a break and come back to the table later. Most importantly, remember that you're all working towards the same goal- helping your child succeed in school.

The bottom line is that IEP meetings are an important part of special education and should not be skipped. Your presence and input are essential for your child’s success. So, don’t miss out! Make sure you attend the next IEP meeting so that you are a part of the discussion and ensure your child receives the best education possible.

Effective IEP Annual IEP Guide

Are you gearing up for your child's IEP meeting?

Make sure you have everything you need and purchase our Annual IEP Guide!

This guide includes action items related to things to do before, during, and after the meeting, as well as helpful links to resources like the IEP Meeting Note Template and a step-by-step guide in preparing your parental concerns.

Purchase now for a comprehensive companion that will empower you through every step of the process!

Action Item:

If you haven’t already, review our Free Annual IEP Companion. It’s a great tool to have.

PS- Don’t forget to use the Preparing Your Parental Concerns and IEP Meeting Note Template.

Until next time,

EI