The Reality of IEP Meetings
IEP meetings can feel intimidating: you versus a table full of professionals. But here's the truth—you're an equal team member by law. You know your child better than anyone in that room.
Preparation equals confidence, and confidence leads to better outcomes for your child. Let's make sure you walk into that meeting ready.
2 Weeks Before: Start Gathering
Documents to collect:
- Current IEP (if child has one)
- Recent report cards
- Teacher notes/emails about concerns
- Any outside evaluations
- Work samples showing struggles
- Medical records if relevant
- Your own notes on child's progress/regression
Create a folder (physical or digital) with everything organized. You'll reference these during the meeting.
1 Week Before: Create Your Agenda
Sample Parent Agenda:
[CHILD'S NAME] IEP Meeting Agenda - Parent Input
Date: [Meeting Date]
I. Concerns and Priorities
- Reading remains 2 grade levels behind despite current services - Behavior has improved with current BIP - Organization skills still a major barrier
II. Strengths to Build On
- Excellent verbal skills - Strong in math - Motivated to learn
III. Questions for Team
1. What does progress monitoring show for current reading goal? 2. Can we increase specialized reading instruction from 30 to 45 minutes daily? 3. What evidence-based program is being used?
IV. Services I'm Requesting
- Increase reading intervention to 45 min/day - Add OT consult for handwriting - Extended time on all written work
V. Goals I'd Like to Discuss
- [Bring draft goals you've written or want revised]
What to Bring to the Meeting
Essential items:
- Current IEP
- Your written agenda
- Questions list
- Notebook for notes (if no note-taker)
- All documentation
- Procedural safeguards (parent rights)
- Calculator (for calculating service minutes)
- Water bottle and snacks
- Phone (to audio record if permitted in your state)
Pro tip: Bring copies of your agenda for everyone at the table. This shows you're prepared and keeps the meeting focused on your priorities.
During the Meeting: Do's and Don'ts
**DO:** ✓ Take breaks if you need them ✓ Ask for clarification on jargon ✓ Request to see data backing their recommendations ✓ Share examples from home ✓ Take your time ✓ Ask to reconvene if you need more time
**DON'T:** ✗ Sign anything you're unsure about ✗ Agree to something because you feel pressured ✗ Let them rush you ✗ Accept "we don't do that" without asking why ✗ Leave without understanding every decision
Remember: You can always schedule another meeting. It's better to take time to think than to sign something you'll regret.
Questions to Ask
About Current Progress:
- "Can you show me the progress monitoring data?"
- "Is my child on track to meet the annual goals?"
- "What specific interventions are you using?"
About Proposed Services:
- "How was this amount of time determined?"
- "What does the research say about this intervention?"
- "How will we know if this is working?"
About Goals:
- "How is this goal measured?"
- "What's the baseline data?"
- "What will it look like when this goal is met?"
What If You Disagree?
You don't have to sign at the meeting!
Options if you disagree:
1. **Ask for time to review:** "I'd like to take this home and review it before signing."
2. **Request another meeting:** "I'd like to schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss [specific concern]."
3. **Sign with reservations:** You can sign indicating you attended but note disagreements.
4. **Request Prior Written Notice:** Ask for written explanation of any decision you disagree with.
5. **Request mediation or file complaint:** If you can't reach agreement.
Remember: The IEP isn't finalized until you consent to services. Take the time you need to make the right decision for your child.