Walking into an IEP meeting can be stressful and nerve wracking for anyone, but especially for a parent. When a parent has a student with an IEP, they are used to hearing about the things their child can’t do more than they hear what their child can do. Most of the time, they also don’t have the background in special education that we do and hearing some of the terms and verbiage that we use can be very intimidating not knowing what it means.
Let’s take a look at a list of a 10+ ways parents can prep for an IEP meeting.
Ways Parents Can Prep for an IEP Meeting
Organize Ahead of Time
Organize your records or your thoughts. This can look like a mental note or list of questions to ask, or it can look like a brain dump on a piece of paper or digital document.
Gather Your Copies
Get copies of items that are not in your files – such as missing evaluations or more information on the law. Every parent should keep a record of their child’s paperwork, even if it’s from outside sources. Something in that record may be important if it is not already added to your child’s paperwork at school.
Every parent should also have a copy of the Parent’s Rights Handbook. If you don’t already have one, please ask for one from your child’s teacher or case manager. If there is a law you are not sure of, don’t be afraid to do your research and ask questions.
Make a List of Things to Address
Make a list of your concerns, questions, and recommendations that you want considered in the development of the IEP. Put them in order of importance. As the parent, you are an important member of the IEP team and your input is valued greatly in creating the path of success for your student over the time frame of the IEP.
Talk with Your Advocate
If you have a personal advocate, talk to them about what the meeting will be like and plan what his or her role will be. If you don’t have a personal advocate, they may be helpful in better understanding the ways of special education and all that comes with it, especially the intimidating side of the IEP meeting and paperwork.
Positive Self-Talk
Write self-statements you will make to yourself for personal support. Everyone needs some good self-care, self-manifesting statements. You will do what’s best for your child. You will work with a supportive team. You will have a successful meeting to have success for your child over the course of the new IEP.
Rehearse What You Want to Say
Rehearse your role in the IEP process, including management of any difficulties you think could arise and rehearse again.
Get a Copy of the Draft IEP
If provided – go over the draft of the IEP given ahead of the meeting. If you are not sure if this will be provided, don’t be afraid to ask. Let your student’s teacher, therapist or case manager know that you would like a copy of the documents ahead of time so that you can review them to see if you’ll have any questions or concerns.
Talk with Others Who Have Been Through the Process
If this is your first IEP meeting, talk to other parents who have been through this to learn about their experiences. It may also help to connect with some support groups on social media.
Know Your Child
Know your child. Prepare a sample parent vision statement that describes your child. Provide a list of her strengths, challenges, preferences, learning styles, and what she needs to succeed across curricula and environments. Offer samples of her work and recent evaluations done outside of school.
Include Your Child
Consider including your child if appropriate. Just as you are an important team member, your child is even more important. If it is appropriate (meaning your child can advocate for him or herself, and can understand what is being discussed), please make sure your child is there to give their opinion. After all, this is all about them and their schooling and future.
Ask to Record the Meeting
Some school districts and states are hesitant to allow the meeting to be recorded, but it’s an important piece for parents. Make sure to download any appropriate apps on your phone for recording or bring in a separate recording device. Being able to refer back to what was said when you’re going over the IEP later is incredibly helpful.
Bring a Notepad and Pen
Take notes throughout the meeting or have a trusted person with you who can jot down notes during the meeting. It’s always a good idea to have a separate IEP/special education notebook where you can keep all of the notes related to your child’s education together.
Ask for a List of Attendees
Mentally preparing yourself for who will be at the meeting can go a long way to helping ease anxiety and putting you in a more positive mindset. Ask for a list of who will be attending the meeting.
Are you a parent of a child with an IEP? If so, what is something you like to do in order to prepare for any IEP meeting you have?
As a teacher, what is something you do or tell your parents so they feel comfortable and can be prepared?
Want to be a better advocate for your students? It starts with knowing what’s possible. The Intentional IEP gives you the tools and training your school should’ve provided—because when you’re confident in your IEPs, you can speak up, stand firm, and support students like never before.