A good IEP meeting is mostly won before it starts. When you have read the records, written down your concerns, and know who will be in the room, the hour goes differently.
This checklist is in three parts. The "before" list matters most, and the "after" list is the one parents skip.
Before the meeting
| When | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| As soon as you get the notice | Check that it names the purpose, time, place, and who will attend. Reply to confirm or ask to reschedule | The rule requires the notice to say those things, and to be sent early enough for you to attend |
| At least a week ahead | Ask in writing to review your child's records and the latest evaluation | The school must comply before an IEP meeting, and no later than 45 days after your request |
| At least a week ahead | Ask for any draft goals, reports, or summaries the school plans to present | Not a rule, but a reasonable request that gives you time to read |
| A few days ahead | Write down your concerns and what has worked at home | The team must consider your concerns for enhancing your child's education |
| A few days ahead | Tell the school if you are bringing someone, and whether you need an interpreter or a phone link | You may invite people with relevant knowledge. The school must act so that you understand the proceedings |
| The night before | Put everything in one folder and read the current IEP once more | You will be using it all in the room |
What goes in the folder
- The current IEP, with any amendments.
- The most recent evaluation report.
- Progress reports and report cards since the last meeting.
- Two or three work samples, such as a graded writing assignment.
- Your one-page list of concerns, in order of importance.
- A list of questions. Our guide on questions to ask at an IEP meeting has ideas.
- A notepad or a laptop for notes, and a name card or note of who is who.
During the meeting
- Start with names and roles. If you do not know who someone is, ask. Our guide to who is on the IEP team explains the roles.
- Say your top concern early. If it is on your page, point to it.
- Check the seven parts as you go. The IEP has to include present levels, measurable annual goals, how and when progress will be measured and reported, services and supports, the extent your child will not take part with peers without disabilities, test accommodations, and when services start and how often and how long.
- Ask for plain words. "Can you explain what that score means in a sentence?" is a fair question.
- Get specifics. If you hear "some support," ask how many minutes, how often, and who provides it.
- Write down what is decided and who will do what by when.
- It is fine to take a break or to ask for another meeting. You do not have to settle everything in one sitting.
A quick test for any goal
If you cannot be there in person
The school has to make it possible for you to take part. If neither parent can attend in person, the rule says it must use other methods, such as an individual or conference phone call. Ask early so a link or number is set up before the day. If a connection fails, say so right away and ask to pause or reschedule rather than letting the meeting go on without you.
A meeting can go ahead without a parent only if the school was unable to persuade you to attend, and it must keep records of its efforts, such as phone logs, letters, and replies. That is another reason to answer every notice, even to say "I need a different time."
If English is not your first language
You do not have to follow the meeting in a language you do not use at home. The school has to take whatever action is necessary to make sure you understand the proceedings, including arranging an interpreter for parents who are deaf or whose native language is not English. Ask for the interpreter when you reply to the notice, and ask for key documents in your language.
If the meeting runs out of time
Meetings are often booked for an hour and rarely cover everything. If your top concern has not come up with ten minutes left, say so. You can ask to continue at a second meeting, or to put your remaining questions in writing and receive written answers by a set date. Either way, note in your follow-up email what was left open.
After the meeting
| Within | Do this |
|---|---|
| The same day | Write down what you remember while it is fresh, including anything you were told out loud |
| 1 to 2 days | Send a short email that restates the decisions and asks for the written notice and the IEP |
| 1 week | Check that you have the IEP and the notice. You are entitled to a copy of the IEP at no cost |
| On the calendar | Mark when progress reports are due, and any dates the team set |
If a decision does not sit right
You are not obliged to accept a decision on the spot. Ask for it in writing, read the reasons, and then look at the options in your procedural safeguards notice. The written decision is called prior written notice, and it is what lets you answer a decision with specifics.
For more on the people at the table, read who is on the IEP team. The glossary explains the terms you may hear in the room.