How can parents prepare for IEP meetings?

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Preparing for an IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting can make a big difference in how well the meeting goes. Being organized and having systems in place helps you stay focused on what's important for your child. 

 

Here’s how to get ready:

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1. Know the Purpose of the Meeting

Ask the school why the meeting is being held. It could be for:

• Your child’s first IEP

• An annual review

• To talk about changes or concerns

Understanding the goal helps you focus your prep.

 

2. Review the Current IEP (if there is one)

• Read through your child’s current IEP.

• Highlight goals, services, or concerns you want to discuss.

• Note what’s working well and what’s not.

 

3. Gather Your Documents

Keep at least a 2 inch binder tabbed with: 

• IEP, IEP drafts and the previous IEP

• Discipline

• Meeting Notes

• Consents: Prior Written Notice (PWN), IEP Invitation

• Assessments, OT Reports, Speech Reports

• Accommodations/ Positive Behavior Supports (PBS)

• Evaluations, Progress Notes

• Progress reports or report cards

• Medical or therapy records

• Emails or communication with school staff

• Notes about your concerns and goals

For clear view binders: Print a picture of your child with my vision statement for the insert in the front of the binder to stay focused on what you're building towards. Things that could go to the back of the binder could be accomplishments, certificates, your child's favorite things, etc. The whole point is to make it positive and meaningful to you.

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Attorney tip: Make an extra photocopy of your IEP and "in pencil" write original copy on your original IEP. That way you can easily distinguish the original from the copies. Write your notes on the copy version on your IEP.

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4. Write Down Your Concerns & Questions

Make a list of:

• What’s going well

• What’s challenging (at school, at home, socially)

• What support you think your child needs

• Questions you have about services, goals, or accommodations

Tip: Bring at least two copies—one for you and one to share with the team.

 

5. Know Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Be fully involved in decisions

• Ask questions and get answers

• Request changes to the IEP

• Bring someone with you (advocate, friend, or translator)

 

6. Bring Support If Needed

Consider bringing:

• An educational advocate

• A friend or family member

• Someone who knows your child well

They can help take notes, offer support, or speak up if needed.

 

7. Ask for Accommodations (if needed)

If you need materials in Braille, large print, a sign language interpreter, or a physically accessible location—let the school know in advance.

 

8. Take Notes During the Meeting

Bring a notebook or use your phone to:

• Write down decisions made

• Track what’s been promised

• Record next steps and who’s responsible

 

9. Follow Up After the Meeting

• Review the IEP draft or changes carefully

• Ask for a copy of the finalized IEP

• Keep all records organized in a safe place

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Long term: 

• Empty copy paper boxes to store old IEPs and paperwork. Use binding clips or rubber bands to bind them together. Keep them in the same order as your binder paperwork. Copy paper boxes stack well on top of each other, they are usually free, and you can label the outside by year (for ex. 2012-2014) to keep easy.

• Keep all your paperwork in case you have to go to due process so that the attorney can have a paper trail of your child's academic history. Hopefully you will never need it, but just in case, it will be organized to save time/money.