{"id":354959,"date":"2016-04-04T11:01:45","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:01:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/education\/special-education-and-disabilities\/how-to-prepare-for-iep-meetings.html"},"modified":"2023-10-13T23:18:26","modified_gmt":"2023-10-14T04:18:26","slug":"how-to-prepare-for-iep-meetings","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/special-education-and-disabilities\/how-to-prepare-for-iep-meetings.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Prepare for IEP Meetings"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Prepare for IEP Meetings<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last reviewed\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Individualized Education Program meetings, or IEP meetings, are a requirement under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Act<\/a> (IDEA). IDEA requires a child with disabilities’ school representatives to hold meetings with the child’s parent(s) to discuss the child’s changing needs and develop an educational plan reflecting the child’s needs and goals.<\/p>\n

IEP meetings can seem daunting. But, they are a fundamental part of the IEP process and a vital time for advocating for your child’s individual education<\/a>. Some schools and laws still use the term \u201cspecial education,\u201d which can be offensive and stigmatizing to students. The preferred term is "individual education" or "accessible education." These meetings provide a collaborative platform for school personnel, including the general education teacher and accessible education teacher, to meet with parents or guardians to plan for the child’s education services throughout the school year.<\/p>\n

These IEPs must contain details of your child’s individual educational accommodations, including things like extra time on tests, oral administration of exams and assignments, a seat in the front row of the class, an accompanying support or education services teacher, or anything within the school district’s ability that will better aid your child’s education.<\/p>\n

This article will help prepare you for your first IEP meeting.<\/p>\n

Tips To Know Your Rights and Options<\/h2>\n

Some parents grow anxious and stressed before their IEP meeting. Parents can be intimidated by school administrators and experts in this field. Additionally, many parents may encounter limited school resources for necessary accommodations. For instance, parents may face teacher shortages, insufficient funds, or inadequate education programs.<\/p>\n

Don’t let this deter you. Even in a school district with limited funds, you have viable options. And remember, you have a voice and final say in your child’s educational needs. Follow these tips to help you prepare and feel more confident attending your child’s IEP meetings.<\/p>\n

Familiarize Yourself With Your Child’s Legal Rights To Education Support and Services<\/h3>\n

IDEA requires your school district to provide information about education laws<\/a>, regulations, and policies. Often, schools organize this material in a parents’ rights booklet. Be sure to request one and read over it carefully well in advance of the IEP meeting.<\/p>\n

You should be familiar with the IEP process. The IEP process outlines a comprehensive approach to determining your child’s eligibility for individual education<\/a> programs. Due process safeguards in public schools regulate this process, ensuring parents have a say in their child’s education.<\/p>\n

Remember that as the parent, you are a decision-maker regarding your child’s needs. As your child’s teachers and aides gauge your child’s performance at school, you are the one who sees your child at home and in other settings. Therefore, yours is an essential voice at the meeting.<\/p>\n

It’s essential to understand key terms such as assessments, reevaluation, IEP goals, measurable annual goals, present academic achievement and functional performance levels, related service providers, and assistive technology. These terms may come up in an IEP team meeting. FindLaw’s Glossary for Learning Disabilities<\/a> can be a helpful resource to review.<\/p>\n

It’s also a good idea to know your rights as a parent. As a parent, you are entitled to receive a prior written notice detailing the school’s proposal or refusal to initiate changes in your child’s education program. Understanding these rights will empower you in the decision-making process.<\/p>\n

Talk To Other Parents and Parent Organizations
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Many parents form alliances and organizations to discuss issues and support one another. Check with your school to see if your district has such a group. If not, consider starting one.<\/p>\n

Also, ask your local learning disabilities association or your state’s parent training and information centers about other support they may offer. These avenues of additional support can give you some great ideas and learning tools and help build your confidence about IEP meetings.<\/p>\n

Determine Your Options<\/h3>\n

Collect information about different learning programs in your area that may be helpful to your child. You can ask your child’s teachers and school administrators or check with your local learning disabilities association for information on such programs. Before the IEP meeting, visit several of these programs to get an idea of what they’re all about. Take notes and organize them for the IEP meeting. For more information on eligibility, visit FindLaw’s IEP Requirements for Disabled Students<\/a> page.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tips To Be Prepared and Get Organized<\/h2>\n

Follow these steps to get organized and tackle the process ahead of time.<\/p>\n

Obtain a Copy of the School’s IEP Form<\/h3>\n

Reading through this before the IEP meeting will familiarize you with what you will be filling out at the IEP meeting. IEP forms typically ask you to fill in the following:<\/p>\n