It is important for you to feel prepared as you navigate your child’s IEP process. Consider the following tips in preparation for your child’s IEP meeting:
Before
- Familiarize yourself with special education processes and laws and know your rights!
- Find out about specific services your school system
- Review your child’s records and their most recent evaluation(s).
- Request copies of all documents that will be used at the meeting and those that you will be asked to sign.
- Find out who will be at the meeting by reviewing the invitation to the
- Organize and prioritize your thoughts and concerns on paper (bring your top 3 or 4 items).
During
- Bring your records and share your information and
- Ask questions; if you don’t understand, ask for an
- Ask for copies of anything being discussed during the
- Take
- Be sure to make all of your points (use your list).
After
The IEP is only as good as the way it is implemented. Be sure to follow up on your child’s progress toward thegoals and be actively involved in ensuring the IEP is being implemented as it was written!