TOP 10 IEP MEETING TIPS
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BE PREPARED
BE PREPARED
Know the purpose of the IEP meeting, is it an annual review, or did the parent or district request a meeting, if so why? Request a DRAFT copy of the entire IEP in advance. Know what your child’s disability is, know why the child is on an IEP. If you don't understand this, it will be hard to advocate for your child. The IEP is a roadmap for services, does the IEP reflect the need?
GET ORGANIZED
GET ORGANIZED
Decide how to organize your IEP records. You must prepare before the IEP meeting, review all progress reports (have past goals been met?). Review assessments, review child’s schoolwork, review grades, review state testing. Have a clear plan of where your child is currently and what supports are necessary to move the needle.
PARENT CONCERNS
PARENT CONCERNS
Send your Parent Concerns in advance in writing and ask they be captured on the IEP document. Your concerns should be specific, clear and simple, make them easy to understand. At the meeting make sure each concern is addressed and discussed.
NOTICE TO RECORD
NOTICE TO RECORD
Send an email in advance of the IEP meeting and give proper notice you plan to record, 24hr notice is reasonable. You don’t need anything fancy, a simple cell phone will work. Record every meeting, its your right!
BRING A FRIEND
BRING A FRIEND
Plan to bring a friend or advocate who can support you at the IEP meeting. If you’re a Regional Center client consider asking your coordinator or facilitator to attend. Do not underestimate the value and importance of support.
TAKE NOTES
TAKE NOTES
Bring notes and take notes during the IEP meeting. A lot of information is shared, taking notes will help you have a working list of what was said and what items might need additional follow up. Don’t anticipate the district notes will accurately reflect everything, take your own notes.
INCLUSION
INCLUSION
If your child is in a segregated program (SDC, County) ask your team why? What supports/services have been tried in General Education setting prior to removal? If you have mainstream minutes on the IEP make sure its clear (how many minutes per day and what subject). Think beyond lunch, recess, and P.E. and work towards meaningful academic inclusion.
REQUEST ASSESSMENT
REQUEST ASSESSMENT
Evaluation is required every 3 years; the evaluation must assess in “all areas of suspected disability,” Do not agree to a “review of records” in lieu of assessment. Is behavior a concern, do you need an FBA? Have sensory and fine motor skills been identified and supported, do you need an OT evaluation? Can the student read, write, and do math? Make all requests for assessment in writing. If you have a recent district assessment and disagree with it consider your right to Independent Assessment (IEE).
SIGN LATER
SIGN LATER
Do not agree to sign the IEP during the IEP meeting. Request all edits be made and copy of the entire final IEP sent via email for review and consent. Read it, make sure you understand the IEP (offer of FAPE) before you sign.
THANK YOU EMAIL
THANK YOU EMAIL
Send a follow up email after the meeting, recap anything oustanding. Take time to thank the team, even if you are at impasse a thank you email is good way to close out the meeting.
Know your rights, have a clear objective and plan for success!
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