Preparing for IEP Meetings: Tips for Parents

by Allison. Posted in Parent-Child Advice

Experts, advocates, and other parents agree that preparing for IEP meetings is the key to building a plan that will ensure your child’s success. Knowledge of your child, the school system, and federal and state laws and regulations will empower you to become the advocate your child deserves. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is the foundation of your child’s education. Many parents feel overwhelmed and anxious about IEP meetings, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Below, you will find tips on IEP meetings from the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates to help you successfully navigate the Special Education process.

1. Organize your child’s documents-can be organized in a binder with tabs for quick reference. e.g. IEPs, evaluations, progress reports, work samples, etc. Documents can also be stored and organized electronically using platforms such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or Box.

2. Use these tabs or sections when organizing your child’s documents:

  • Copy of your Vision/Parent Input Statement
  • Copy of last two IEPs including current IEP
  • Copy of current Full Individual Evaluation (FIE) & any evaluations from outside service providers
  • Copies of progress reports on IEP goals/objectives & general education report cards
  • Copies of student work samples
  • Goal tracker-can be created using a spreadsheet or table of the goals
  • Any data collection sheets or documentation of any data being collected if collecting data at home or in the community
  • Parent Contact Log & copy of any important emails-establish a separate email address for communicating with the district
  • Notes
  • Medical documentation-updated prescriptions & medical forms
  • Copy of your parental rights-Procedural Safeguards
  • Resources-informational guides, brochures, cheat sheets, list of acronyms, etc.

3. Make sure you understand why your child meets eligibility for an IEP. Review your child’s most current IEP, FIE, progress reports, work samples, etc.

4. Do research on your child’s area or areas of need.

5. Prepare or edit your Vision/Parent Input Statement to read at the IEP meeting. Your Vision/Parent Input Statement should be included in the present levels section of the IEP. Prioritize your child’s needs. Keep the focus on your child and not the district’s resources. If available include work samples done outside of school. Your Vision/Parent Input statement isn’t an official document. There is no special format you need to follow so it can be as simple as a letter or a list.

  • Use strength-based language
  • Be concise, be thorough
  • Stay child-focused
  • Don’t point out staff faults, only what affects your child
  • Gives a holistic picture of your child
  • Can include the following:
  • Strengths, accomplishments & interests
  • Successes outside of school
  • Areas of need
  • Strategies that are working & not working at home
  • Behavior concerns
  • What your child is saying about school
  • Plans for life after high school
  • Your parental concerns
  • Your requests & what data you have (summarize) to support your requests.

6. Request a copy of proposed goals/objectives, accommodations, placement recommendations, and evaluations before the meeting.

7. Request a copy of the updated progress report-IDEA mandates IEP goals/ objectives are to be updated & sent home at the same time as regular report cards. Before an annual IEP meeting ask for an updated progress report so you can review your child’s progress on his or her IEP goals/objectives that have taken place over the IEP year. Review which goals were mastered and not mastered. Non-mastered goals and skills should be addressed in the new, proposed goals.

8. Prepare your recommendations, proposed goals & accommodations, questions, etc.

9. Gather all needed items the night before to take and have at the meeting-binder, notepad, pens, charged cell phone, audio recorder, water, snacks, etc.

10. Be prepared to listen actively. This means preparing to listen, paying attention, and observing both verbal and non-verbal communication. The purpose of active listening in a meeting is to acquire information and understand people and situations before responding.

Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services