How to prepare for an IEP meeting: a parent checklist

Before the meeting

Read the current IEP and recent evaluations. Highlight areas where the child is progressing, where progress is limited and where needs have changed. Gather examples such as schoolwork, progress reports, attendance information and communications that show a pattern. Send important parent concerns in advance when that will help the team prepare.

Questions worth bringing

Ask what data show about progress, whether annual goals remain appropriately ambitious, what services will be delivered and how often, what accommodations or supplementary aids are needed, how the child will participate with nondisabled peers, and how the school will report progress to you.

During the meeting

Parents are members of the IEP Team. Ask for plain-language explanations when acronyms or data are unclear. If a proposal is important, ask for it to be reflected in the IEP or for the agency to explain its response through the appropriate notice process. Keep your own notes about agreements, unresolved questions and follow-up items.

After the meeting

Read the finalized paperwork carefully. Compare it with what the team discussed and make sure services, frequency, location, goals and accommodations are understandable. If something appears incorrect or a concern remains unresolved, contact the school promptly and use the procedural safeguards information to understand available next steps.