How often do you find that when you are in an IEP meeting, the parents have questions about what is included in the IEP or have questions regarding the goals, data, or maybe they just need a bit more clarity. Probably more than you would think, right?
One way to help alleviate that stress and confusion for the parents is to send home a draft of the IEP ahead of time for the parents to look over. This allows for time to read through it and write down any questions or concerns they may have. Some districts require this, but if yours does not, it is still helpful in blindsiding the parents with any new or unknown information.
Let’s take a look at some of the things you can do when sending home a draft IEP to parents.
All IEP writing systems have the option for you to create a draft IEP. Go through the whole IEP, input any special factors, any assessments (formal or informal) that were done, write your present levels, annual goals, and put in the service delivery (for both you and for any related service providers).
When you are done, click create draft, and print. Simple as that.
Now is the time for you to go through the IEP and find the parts that are the most important and that you want the parents to be the most aware of. To draw attention to these main parts of the IEP, you can use a highlighter, sticky arrows, or even both. You can also write any notes next to these areas if you think the parent is going to be unsure of something that is written and you can alleviate any confusion prior to the meeting.
You can send the draft IEP home in the student’s backpack but in order to practice confidentiality of the student and their information, I recommend using an envelope or a folder that can be sealed shut.
I like to use a Draft IEP Stamp, but if you don’t have those available, you can just write the information on the front. The information you should make sure to include is the students name, the IEP due date, and the IEP meeting date as a reminder to the parents.
When this is done, you can put it in the students backpack, or even hand it to the parent if you will see them at drop off or dismissal.
Now the draft is sent home, and you can hold your IEP meeting with, hopefully, less confusion and questions about upcoming plans and goals for the student.
Some states and school districts require teachers to send home a proposed draft a minimum number of days prior to the upcoming IEP meeting. Best practice tells us that 3 school days minimum is best. Regardless of when you send home the proposed draft IEP, nothing is as important as you sending it home to level the playing field and give parents all of the same information the IEP team has coming into the IEP meeting.
Writing IEPs doesn’t have to be overwhelming! The Intentional IEP gives you the tools, training, and resources to turn IEP chaos into clarity. With access to 10,000+ data-backed, standards-aligned goals, expert-led trainings, and ready-to-use data collection tools, you’ll save time, reduce stress, and feel confident in every IEP you write. Join today and transform your IEP process!
© The Intentional IEP. 2025. All rights reserved.
