“Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” —Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln had it right. Would you want to be figuring out your thoughts when everyone is watching during the IEP meeting? That’s when I often find myself saying, “Sure… I guess,” even if I don’t truly mean it. Being well-prepared gives you a strategy and the confidence needed to ensure your voice is heard. It’s much easier to achieve your objective—whether it’s chopping down a tree or having a successful IEP meeting—if you organize your resources ahead of time.
Here’s your essential pre-IEP meeting checklist:
- Request a Draft Copy of the IEP
IEPs can be complicated legal documents. A quick glance while multiple professionals are speaking won’t suffice to guarantee your child is getting the right support. Ask for a copy, take it home, and analyze it thoroughly. Compare it to last year’s IEP: Are the goals building on one another, or has your child been stuck with the same goal with just minor tweaks for years? If that’s the case, does the new IEP introduce different strategies or interventions to ensure your child can make genuine progress? Familiarize yourself with the document as well as the individual who drafted it. - Document Your Concerns
You know that section where you can share your thoughts? Typically found on page two, make sure it articulates your concerns accurately. By typing them out, you can ensure they’re included verbatim in the IEP, preventing you from glossing over your true feelings (or forgetting something important!) during the meeting. This is crucial; if a concern—like reading fluency—isn’t addressed in the IEP through a specific goal, you can reference your documented concerns later to push for its inclusion next time. - Establish Your Priorities
Think of this as your agenda for the meeting. Identify which issues are non-negotiable and which are “nice to have.” Understand that your priorities might not align with the school team, who often focus primarily on academic perspectives. Is it vital for you that your child has stronger social/emotional goals? Make that known and explain how it could enhance your child’s performance in school. I’ve noticed that if you ask for more than you expect, you may end up with what you actually need. - Organize Your Documentation
Paperwork can pile up quickly! Sometimes I look at these binders filled with information and wonder if I accidentally entered a small, chaotic library instead of my office. You never know what you might need during an IEP meeting, so having everything in order will help you access information efficiently. The current IEP team may not be aware of what you already know about what has or hasn’t worked in the past. - Bring Supporting Examples and Documentation
Are you advocating for a particular goal, accommodation, or placement? Bring any relevant materials to support your request—this could include notes from doctors or therapists, samples of homework, evaluations, or even data you’ve collected at home. The IEP team usually sees your child in just one setting—at school—so providing evidence can help create a well-rounded view of your child’s academic needs, leading to better outcomes than anecdotes alone. - Invite Supportive Individuals
IEP meetings can already feel crowded with the school team, but if there’s someone on your “home team” who knows your child well, invite them to offer their insights. This could be an outside therapist or even a counselor from a vocational rehabilitation program, which provides job training and placement services. If you need extra support, consider inviting an educational advocate or a special education attorney. Be sure to inform the school of any guests, as they may need to prepare differently. - Prepare Questions and a Notepad
Treat this like a business meeting where the IEP team is trying to sell you an educational program tailored for your child. Use your Ws: Why was a specific approach chosen? Where will this intervention take place? Which assistive technology option is the least restrictive? This shows your investment and desire to collaborate, indicating that you take the process seriously and won’t simply nod along if something doesn’t sit well with you. Plus, you’ll gain new insights to add to your IEP knowledge for future meetings—win-win!
Navigating the IEP process can be challenging, but with the right preparation, you can make your meeting more productive and collaborative.
For more information related to home insemination, check out our blog post on Cryobaby Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit Combo. If you are looking for expert advice on at-home insemination kits, visit Intracervical Insemination. Also, for comprehensive information on pregnancy and home insemination, the CDC offers an excellent resource.
Summary
Preparing for an IEP meeting is crucial for ensuring your child’s educational needs are met. By requesting a draft IEP, documenting your concerns, organizing your paperwork, and bringing supporting documentation, you can advocate effectively. Inviting knowledgeable individuals for support and preparing questions will also enhance the collaboration process.