I have an IEP meeting, now what?

It is that time of year. You have your annual IEP meeting, but now the question is what do you, the parent, need to do? During the IEP meeting the school team is going to share their goals, your child’s progress, and ideas for next steps. However, they are also going to ask you your thoughts! Look at this list below as a starting point for getting ready to meet the team and be part of the conversation.

• What is something exciting your child has been doing or has done at home recently? 

  1. A new skill or interest, a new word, a new relationship, etc.

• Are there any new concerns you have? 

• Is there anything new at home that the school should know about?

  1. A new therapy, any news from a doctor, new activities, etc. 

• Review your child’s most recent special education progress report, do you have any questions? 

• Look over your most recent information from your child’s classroom teacher, do you have any questions?

• Who are the professionals that work with your child?

  1. Special Education teacher (Early Childhood Special Education teacher if in preschool)

  2. Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP)

  3. Mental Health professional (MH)

  4. Occupational Therapist (OT)

  5. Physical Therapist (PT)

  6. Any other professionals that work with your child? (this can include a nurse) 

• Do you have any specific questions for any of the above providers?

The school IEP meeting is for you to hear progress at school. However, progress does not happen in isolation. The more you understand your child’s IEP the better you can support at home, which will only continue to help your child to be successful.