I still remember that first IEP meeting as a new special education teacher. It was a whirlwind of faces, paperwork, and a deep desire to make a difference in my student’s life. I wanted to be the best advocate I could, but I felt overwhelmed by everything. Over the years, I’ve learned that IEP meetings don’t have to be daunting. They can pave the way for meaningful collaboration and positive outcomes for our students. In this blog post, I’ll share 7 IEP meeting tips for parents to help you confidently navigate IEP meetings and ensure the best possible support for your students with special needs. We’ll cover everything from pre-meeting preparation to post-meeting follow-up.
Table of Contents
Tip #1: Preparation is Key
Preparing for an IEP meeting will make you feel more confident and able to focus on what matters most – your child’s success. Here are some ways to make the most of that preparation time:
- Write Down Your Questions & Concerns: Don’t just try to keep everything in your head! Start a list of your questions and concerns and add as you think. This will help you stay focused during the meeting and ensure you address every critical point.
- Develop Measurable Goals: The goals included in your child’s IEP are a big deal. They shouldn’t be vague or open-ended but clear and measurable. A good goal should pass the “What if everyone moves?” test. If your child’s teacher, therapist, or school suddenly changed, the new team could easily understand the goals and measure progress toward them.
- Gather Your Paperwork: Don’t scramble at the last minute! Get all those relevant reports, test scores, and notes from your observations organized and ready. Having it all in one place will help everyone reference the information without wasting valuable meeting time.
- Understand Your Rights: Knowing your rights is essential! It empowers you to be an active member of your child’s IEP team. If you need resources or help to understand a particular aspect of the process, contact your state’s Parent Training and Information Center.
Tip #2: Show Up with the Right Team
The best IEP meetings have all the right people involved. Consider who should be there:
- Parents/Guardians: You know your child better than anyone. Your input and insights are priceless!
- Teachers & Specialists: They have current insights into your child’s learning and behavior patterns at school.
- Therapists & Outside Providers: Professionals outside the school setting offer a broader perspective on your child’s needs and the support they need to be successful.
- Your Child (If Appropriate): Depending on their age and maturity level, having your child participate offers them self-advocacy opportunities.
Tip #3: Review & Understand the IEP
Don’t walk into the meeting without looking at the proposed IEP. Here’s why:
- Ensures Accuracy: Check if your child’s performance levels are accurate or if critical information is missing.
- Identifies Discrepancies: Are the accommodations and services proposed the right ones to address your child’s needs, especially those noted in their IEP evaluation?
- Saves Time: Reviewing the IEP in advance allows you to come to the meeting with specific questions and concerns, making the conversation more productive.
Read more: How To Get an IEP in Florida: Steps
Tip #4: Communication is Everything
Open and honest communication is crucial during an IEP meeting. Keep these points in mind:
- Ask Questions: There are no dumb questions! Ask about anything you don’t understand. Whether it’s educational jargon, service delivery details, or how goals are tracked, don’t leave feeling confused.
- Share Your Insights: You’re the expert on your child. Speak up about what you have seen at home, things that work well, and areas needing extra support.
- Listen Carefully. Take good notes and listen attentively to the perspectives of the other IEP team members. This helps build a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued.
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Tip #5: Advocate with Confidence
IEP meetings are where you step into your most important role – your child’s advocate. Remember:
- Don’t Be Afraid to Disagree: If a suggestion seems like something other than the right fit for your child, voice your concerns respectfully. Remember, it’s your right!
- Propose Solutions: Don’t just state your worries. Come prepared with potential solutions or alternative goals for discussion. This shows your proactive involvement.
- Find Common Ground: Work with the IEP team to arrive at compromises and decisions that put your child’s best interests first.
Tip #6: Focus on Follow-Through
The best IEP isn’t worth much unless its contents are implemented. Here’s how to ensure follow-through happens:
- Request Meeting Notes: Ask for a summary of everything discussed and agreed upon. This document serves as a reference for everyone on the team.
- Understand Timelines: Clarify when all those new services, accommodations, or goals will start being implemented for your child.
- Schedule Check-Ins: Don’t let your IEP gather dust! Request regular check-ins with your child’s teacher or case manager to track progress and discuss necessary adjustments.
Read more: Make sense of your kids IEP
Tip #7: Document Your Own Observations
IEP meetings can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to forget essential details afterward. That’s why keeping your own documentation is critical:
- Keep a Meeting Journal: Jot down critical decisions, notes on your child’s struggles, and even positive milestones.
- Track Progress: Note how your child responds to a new intervention or accommodation. This information will be helpful in future IEP meetings.
- Update Your Paper Trail: Keep all reports, teacher notes, and observations together in one place for easy reference.
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IEP meetings can be empowering and productive experiences. Remember, you’re not alone! You’re setting your child up for growth and opportunity by actively preparing, communicating, and advocating. Your commitment and involvement will go a long way in ensuring their extraordinary education journey is thriving.
Resources:
- Parent Center Hub: – Provides resources to help parents better understand the unique education process and their child’s rights.
- Wrightslaw– This site focuses on special education law and advocacy, with articles, books, and workshops available for families seeking further knowledge and support.
FAQ’s About IEP Meeting Tips for Parents
What is an IEP? An IEP (Individualized Education Program) is a legal document that outlines a child's special education needs, goals, and the services they'll receive in school. Why are IEP meetings important? IEP meetings are where parents, teachers, and specialists collaborate to create a personalized plan for a child's success in school. How can I prepare for my child's IEP meeting? Write down your questions, gather all relevant paperwork, and learn about your child's rights. What should I do if I disagree with something in the IEP? Voice your concerns respectfully and work with the team to find alternative solutions that best support your child. Where can I find more information about IEPs and my child's rights? Your state's Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) is a great resource for support and information.
This post was originally published on 12/01/2022. It was updated on 06/27/2023.
Emily is a seasoned blog writer for Goally, leveraging her extensive background in child psychology and special education to provide valuable insights and resources for parents. Her commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of these children, combined with her expertise in educational strategies, makes her a credible and empathetic voice for families.
