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How to Prepare for Your Child’s IEP Meeting

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           An individualized education plan (IEP) is a key component of your child’s special education plan. By law, schools are required to provide services to kids who qualify.  An IEP meeting is where educators and a child’s guardians set goals and identify which services will be provided. Although the meeting may intimidate parents, some preparation and research ahead of time can help you feel more informed and confident. After all, being informed will help you be a better advocate for your child as everyone involved develops a plan that will help your youngster have more success in school while keeping everyone happy. Here are six steps to help prepare you for your child’s IEP meeting.

            Talk to the teacher

            Have a conversation with your child’s teacher to determine how things are going at school. The teacher can help identify your child’s strengths and challenges and may suggest what services would be helpful to him. If possible, observe your child in the classroom to get a feel for how social interactions and classroom learning are going. Knowing this information, as well as your student’s current math and reading levels, will help you assist in setting goals during the IEP meeting.

            Read up

            The school should send home a notice of meeting that states who will attend the IEP meeting, the reason for meeting and, if applicable, goals set in the previous IEP meetings. Carefully read the information sent home so you understand what to expect. You may also consider studying special education laws that pertain to your child’s needs so you know what services you can legally ask for. Many websites and books can help parents prepare for IEP meetings as well. The more knowledge you have, the more confident and comfortable you will feel during the meeting.

            Set goals

            Beforehand, write down questions you would like to ask at the meeting. This is also a great time to consider what visions and goals you have for your child and make note of them. Bring your notes with you to the meeting so you can refer to them throughout the process. Having a list of questions and an idea of goals you would like to see your child reach will help you make sure you cover everything you had hoped for, even if the emotions of the meeting make it more difficult to remember your questions and concerns. Don’t be afraid to ask for additional services for your child. The school may not provide everything you had in mind, but it never hurts to ask.

            Get organized

            Collect any paperwork you need or would like to bring to the meeting and gather it in one place so it is neat and organized for the meeting. Bring your notes from your observation, your list of questions and goals you would like to set, and any medical paperwork that pertains to the IEP meeting. If you have had any private evaluations done, bring copies of those as well.

            Bring an advocate

            Because IEP meetings can be intimidating, you might find it helpful to bring an advocate to the meeting with you. This could be a lawyer or simply a spouse or co-parent. Having a person there both for support and to be another advocate for your child can be a good boost of confidence for the parent to help ensure you meet the goals you would like for your child. Be sure to let your school know, in advance, who will be attending the meeting with you.

            Be confident

            You know your child best and are the best person to represent her needs, challenges and successes. Although addressing issues your child faces in learning can be overwhelming and emotional, setting goals and securing the proper services are the best things you can do for your child’s success in school. Dress appropriately for the meeting, bring the documents and notes you prepared, and speak confidently and lovingly about your child. Your preparation and concerns will be apparent to everyone at the meeting, and you will have the reassurance that you were prepared and did your best to help your child be successful in school.

Books to Help Prepare for Your Child’s IEP Meeting

            Here are a few books to help you understand and prepare for your child’s IEP meeting.

Sarah Lyons is a part-time freelance writer and full-time mom. She lives in Olathe with her family.

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