How to Prepare for the IEP Meeting: 5 Tips for Parents

Preparing for Norrin’s IEP (Individualized Educational Plan) meetings used to throw me in a tizzy. But it’s been almost a decade of meetings and goals and related services, that I’ve learned to not worry as much. It also helps that Norrin is an appropriate school environment and that I love his teachers and therapists. They want what’s best for Norrin and I trust them. I don’t even attend his meetings in person, I feel comfortable enough to just call in.

While IEPs no longer stress me out, that wasn’t always the case. I had to learn how to advocate for my child. And even though I feel like an IEP veteran, I still prepare as if it’s my first time (minus the stress).

Individualized Educational Plan or IEP refers to the document developed at an IEP meeting which sets the standard by which subsequent special education services are usually determined appropriate. It is a written statement, developed, reviewed, and revised, that includes the components to be provided and the annual goals to meet the unique educational needs of a student with a disability.

Related: Autism 101

“…the IEP guides how the child will be educated and outlines goals for the child, interventions, and any accommodations and services that will be provided,” says Dodd White, president and CEO of the Episcopal Center for Children (ECC), a nonprofit organization providing therapeutic and special education services to children ages 5-14 in the greater Washington, DC area.

White offers tips to help parents or guardians preparing for an IEP meeting. They were all things I’ve done before and they’ve helped.

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5 Simple Tips to Help Parents Prepare for the IEP Meeting

Tip #1 – Confirm meeting attendance.

At least 10 days before an IEP meeting, you should receive a letter of invitation. As soon as possible, RSVP for the meeting in writing. Inform the school if you will attend the meeting in person or by phone. If you are not available to attend the meeting at all, propose alternative dates and times, even locations.

Tip #2 – Review draft documents before the meeting.

At least 5 business days before the meeting, you should receive drafts of the documents (e.g., IEP, Behavior Intervention Plan, evaluations) to be discussed during the IEP meeting. Take time to review these documents before the meeting.

Tip #3 – Carefully review draft documents and write down your questions and notes.

Make sure you understand your child’s diagnosis. Ask for clarification of education or treatment jargon if needed. Goals and objectives should be clear. Make sure you understand start date(s), how long services are offered, and the procedures involved. If your child is not progressing toward a goal as you had hoped, ask how this will be addressed, or if a goal should be revised. If you want more frequent updates on progress during the school year, you can request additional updates. If you think something else might help your child, come prepared to discuss it. Write down any proposed changes to the IEP and any information you would like to add.

Tip #4 – Invite additional people to the IEP meeting if you want them there and think they can contribute.

An IEP meeting takes a “team” approach to helping your child. Take the initiative to invite individuals who have relevant knowledge or expertise regarding your child (such as, family members, coaches, community support workers, social workers, attorneys, advocates, etc.). Let the school team know additional people will attend the meeting.

Tip #5 – Strive to build a healthy working relationship with the school, treatment providers, and the entire IEP team.

Developing healthy and professional relationships with the school and treatment providers can help your child. Be open to discussing issues promptly, directly, honestly and courteously. Ask questions and listen carefully to answers. This will allow you to respond appropriately and avoid misunderstandings.