How to Prepare for an IEP Meeting: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents and Caregivers

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting is an important opportunity to advocate for your child’s needs and ensure they receive the right support at school. Preparing ahead of time can help you feel more confident and ensure that the meeting is productive. Here are key steps to help you get ready:

1. Gather Your Student’s Records Ahead of Time

Start by collecting important documents related to your child’s education and progress. This includes past IEPs, formal evaluations, progress reports, teacher notes, and any correspondence with the school. Having these records readily available will make it easier to track changes and identify areas of concern. 

You may want to keep a binder of your child’s records to keep everything organized. Putting the documents in chronological order helps keep you organized.

To request your child's records, send an email to your child's case manager or principal with their name, birthdate, and the records you are requesting, such as IEPs, evaluations, report cards and progress reports, standardized testing scores, classroom tests and quizzes, classroom work, teacher and related service provider IEP tracking data, related service provider session notes, discipline records, and behavior tracking sheets.

2. Review Past Performance

Take a close look at both informal and formal assessments, including:

• Homework, quizzes, and tests

• Report cards and progress reports

• Teacher notes and classroom observations

• Benchmark and standardized test results

• Behavior tracking sheets

• Intervention notes

Reviewing these materials can help you identify patterns in your child’s strengths and challenges.

3. Review Past IEPs and Goals

Compare the goals from previous IEPs with your child’s actual progress. Ask yourself:

• Were last year’s goals met?

• If not, why? Was the goal misaligned with your child's present level of performance, or did your child not receive enough support?

• Are the goals still relevant, or do they need to be adjusted?

This review can help you advocate for new or revised goals that better reflect your child’s needs.

4. Review Past Formal Evaluations

If your child has had any formal evaluations (such as a psychoeducational evaluation, speech-language assessment, or occupational therapy assessment), review those reports carefully. Look for recommendations that haven’t been implemented yet and consider requesting an updated evaluation if needed.

5. Compare Grade-Level Standards with Your Child’s Performance

Look at the academic standards for your child’s current grade level and compare them to where your child is actually performing. This can help you determine whether the current supports are effective and whether new accommodations or modifications are necessary.

6. Request a Copy of the Draft IEP in Advance

Ask the school for a copy of the draft IEP before the meeting. Reviewing it ahead of time allows you to:

• Compare it to last year’s IEP

• Identify any changes or gaps

• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss during the meeting

This step can make the meeting more efficient and ensure that you’re fully prepared to advocate for your child.

7. Identify Areas of Concern

Write down specific concerns you have about your child’s education, including:

• Academic struggles

• Behavioral or emotional challenges

• Social skills or peer interactions

• Any regression or lack of progress

Bringing a clear list of concerns to the meeting can help ensure these issues are addressed.

8. Identify Additional Supports Your Child May Need

Think about whether your child would benefit from additional services, such as:

• Speech therapy

• Occupational therapy

• Social work or counseling

• Assistive technology

• Extra classroom accommodations (e.g., extended time on tests, preferential seating)

Advocating for these supports can help your child succeed in school.

9. Prepare Questions for Specific Service Providers

If your child receives special services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, or counseling, write down questions for those providers. Ask about progress, changes in services, and whether additional support is needed.

10. Write Down Any Questions You Have

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed during an IEP meeting, so having a list of questions can help keep you focused. Some questions to consider include:

• How is my child progressing toward their goals?

• Are there any new challenges that have come up?

• What additional strategies can be implemented to support my child?

• How will progress be measured and communicated to me?

Final Preparation

Preparing for an IEP meeting takes time, but it can make a huge difference in ensuring that your child gets the right support. By gathering records, reviewing progress, identifying concerns, and coming with questions, you’ll be in a strong position to collaborate with the IEP team and help your child succeed.