Parents: 5 Tips to Prepare for Your Next IEP Meeting

What is the purpose of the IEP Meeting?

This information is on the meeting notice. When the LEA or Case Manager contacts you (parent/guardian) to schedule the IEP Meeting, they should relay the purpose of the meeting. Some examples of IEP Meeting purposes are updating IEP Goals, Annual reviews, evaluations, etc. As the parent/guardian you should also receive a written meeting notice for the meeting. The meeting notice should also have the purpose of the meeting, date/time/location, and also attendees. As the parent/guardian, you are an integral member of the IEP team. Looking for more info on IEP Teams? See our previous blog: IEP Team Members.

Recommendations in Preparing for IEP

1. Write down the time and date of the meeting (add to your calendar).

   • This sounds very basic and general, but we are human and sometimes there is a typo on the meeting notice or you forgot you had a Dr.’s appointment on that day.

2. Review Meeting Notice and confirm attendees.

   • The purpose of the meeting should be stated on the meeting notice. Reviewed the proposed attendees. If there is an attendee you would like to attend the meeting but you do not see their name on the form, send this request in writing (via email) to the Case Manager or LEA.

   • After review, if there are no additional requests, sign the Meeting Notice and return it to the school team

3. Request a copy of Draft IEP

   • Why? This gives you the opportunity to review the IEP before the meeting. You can write down any questions you may have. Worst-case scenario, you attend the IEP meeting prepared and have an efficient meeting.

   • We recommend sending this request in writing via email. You can use text such as “Please send home a copy of the draft IEP with Taylor by Friday.” Pretty simple and direct.

   • We also recommend asking for a copy of any new assessment prior to the meeting.

4. Review Draft IEP

   • Take your time to review the draft. Write on it, circle areas of further clarification, etc. This is an opportunity to review the document in detail before the meeting.

   • Every part of the IEP is important. There is no detail too small to ignore.

5. Join our email list to receive the following documents:

   • 3 Things to do Before | During | After IEP Meeting

   • Preparing your parental concerns

   • IEP Meeting Note Template

Action Item: Use the tool above to Prepare your Parental Concerns for your next IEP meeting. Share this document with the school team.

Until Next time,

EI

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