The first IEP meeting can be an intimidating experience for parents. It is important to remember that you know your child best and have valuable insight into their needs. Here are some tips for attending your first IEP meeting.
Attending Your First IEP Meeting
Gather Information
Before the meeting, take some time to understand what an IEP is, what is included in an IEP, and the process of developing one. Knowing the terminology and understanding the process will make you feel better prepared when it comes to advocating for your child’s needs.
It will also help you understand more of what is being discussed. Special education jargon can be confusing!
Understand Your Child’s Disability
When you have a firm understanding of your child’s disability – not just how it impacts your child but the science behind it – you’re better able to advocate for what they need.
For example, if your child has dyslexia, research it and methods of intervention that work for students with it. Not everyone on the IEP team may have in-depth knowledge about your child’s disability, and if you do, you can educate them while advocating.
Request a Draft IEP
Requesting a draft of the IEP prior to the meeting gives you a chance to look it over, make notes, and come to the meeting with a better understanding of what you will be facing in terms of the school’s willingness to provide services for your child.
Our recommendation and best practice is to send the proposed draft IEP a minimum of 3 school days prior to the IEP meeting. This gives the family time to look over the proposed draft, and then also talk about the draft IEP prior to the IEP meeting. To learn more about the benefits of sending home a draft IEP, read on here.
Bring a Picture of Your Child
Many parents bring a photo of their child to place on the table during an IEP meeting if their child isn’t attending the meeting. Ideally, the child should attend the IEP meeting if they are old enough and able to participate. Having a photo there will remind the IEP team who is being discussed and that there is a child behind the data and goals.
Ask Questions
Do not be afraid to ask questions at an IEP meeting. It is important that you understand what is being discussed so that you can make an informed decision about your child’s education plan.
Sometimes, there will be a question and answer period at the end of the meeting, so just be aware of when that time is so that you can save your questions for the end (the IEP meeting agenda should outline timeframes). However, do not hesitate to speak up throughout the meeting if you disagree or have concerns about what is being proposed.
Write Down the Answers
It’s great that you have questions and ask them, but don’t forget to write down the answers. It’s surprisingly easy to forget this step because you get caught up in the conversation and move on to the next question. However, taking the time to write things down means that you have something to refer to later at home when you’re reviewing how the meeting went in your head.
Communicate
It is essential that you communicate what is important to you and your child. Speak up about any concerns or issues that arise during the meeting, such as how accommodations will be implemented in the classroom, service minutes, and other issues that might impact your child’s education.
Listen
Do not forget to listen carefully and respectfully to feedback from teachers, administrators, and other professionals at the IEP meeting. They may have valuable insight into your child’s educational needs and development.
Listening and being respectful does not mean you have to agree with what they are saying, but it does help to create a productive relationship that will help your child get the services he or she needs. You do not have to be friends with the IEP team, but it does help if everyone is working toward the same goal in a respectful manner.
Take a Calm Family Member or Friend with You
It’s always helpful to have someone with you to support you. If possible, bring along a calm family member or friend who can help take notes, step in if you need them to, and just be there to advocate for your child.
If Needed, Bring a Professional Advocate Familiar with Special Ed Law
If you anticipate pushback on services and do not feel comfortable advocating on your own, bring a professional advocate with you. Advocates can help bridge the gap between parents and schools to ensure that children get the support they need. Make sure that any advocate you hire is well-versed in special education laws and regulations that apply to your student’s situation.
Take Notes
Taking notes can help ensure that you remember all of the details discussed during the IEP meeting. If handwriting notes is too distracting for you, ask the team if you can record the meeting. Sometimes, you will need to make this request prior to the meeting, so when you get the meeting invitation, be sure to ask at that time. Writing down questions ahead of time can also help guide the conversation in a constructive way and ensure that you get all of your questions answered.
Pay Attention to the Data
Whatever services, modifications, or accommodations the school proposes or denies should be backed by data. IEPs are not written on feelings or hopes; they are always backed by data gathered about the child’s needs. Without data, it will be hard to make a case for a certain service.
Expect the Best, Prepare for the Worst
Until you know how the school will handle your child’s IEP, expect them to provide the best services for your student. Always go into the meeting with a positive, optimistic, team-player attitude. If you go into the meeting with a negative attitude and are aggressive, the IEP team will naturally be defensive. Expect them to do their best and to do right by your child. However, make sure that you have all of your information and data so that you are prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Know Your State Laws in Regards to Signing an IEP
Some states require a signature on the IEP in order for it to be implemented, so many people will tell you not to sign the IEP until you’re completely satisfied with it. However, there are other states that can implement the IEP without your signature. So, even if you hold off on signing the document, the school still has the right to begin implementing the IEP. Know what the laws are in your state.
Trust Your Instincts
You know your child better than anyone else. Trust your instincts and be sure to advocate for them in the best way possible. If something does not seem right, chances are it is not. Investigate further. Ask more questions. Keep going until your concerns have been alleviated.
Remember, parents know their children best. By being prepared and advocating for your child’s needs, you can help make sure he gets the best services possible. At the end of the day, attending an IEP meeting can be a daunting experience, but it is also a great opportunity to help ensure that your child has access to the best educational opportunities available.
By gathering information, asking questions, communicating concerns, listening attentively, taking notes, paying attention to the data, and trusting your instincts, you can have confidence in yourself and your ability to advocate for your child’s needs at an IEP meeting.
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