Advocate Like A Mother

A Parent’s Guide to IEP Meeting Preparation

BY MARIA GIANCOTTI, M.EDSTUDENT ADVOCACY MICHIGAN

Navigating special education is challenging and emotional, especially when it comes to ensuring your child gets the support they need through an IEP. Parental involvement is crucial in developing an effective IEP that supports your child’s educational journey. Here’s a guide to help you prepare for an IEP meeting and advocate effectively for your child.

Understand the IEP Components Before the meeting, familiarize yourself with the IEP components.

• Present Levels of Performance

• Student Strengths and Weaknesses

• Goals and Objectives

• Special Education Services

• Accommodations and Modifications

• Placement

• Extended School Year (ESY)

Gather and Review Documents

Collect and review relevant documents prior to the meeting to identify all needs of your child. You can learn a lot about your child’s needs and performance from previous IEPs, assessment reports or feedback (from teachers, therapists, medical professionals), progress reports (the school should provide these at the end of every marking period), behavioral and medical records.

Set Goals for the Meeting

Identify your main objectives for the meeting. Consider what you want to accomplish. This may be discussing needs that are not being met, improving services, adding accommodations, increasing special education service time, adding behavioral interventions

or discussing placement options. Formulate your plan based on your meeting goals.

Write Parental Concerns

The IEP document includes a space for parental concerns. Present the team with a written copy of your parental concerns and be prepared to read the document to the team. Follow up by emailing the document and asking the IEP coordinator to copy and paste your concerns into the IEP or attach a copy to the IEP and place it in the permanent education file. This ensures your exact concerns are included in the IEP accurately. For more information on writing powerful parental concerns and a guide, visit the free downloads page on our website at www. studentadvocacymi.com.

Involve Your Child

If appropriate, include your child in the preparation process. Depending on their age and abilities, they may be able to express their own preferences and needs. Review accommodations and support services with them and ask how they can be improved. Take notes or have your child write down things they feel will help them succeed. Provide a copy of your notes or child’s feedback in the meeting and read it to the IEP team. After the meeting email a copy and request it be attached to the IEP and added to the permanent educational file.

Seek Support

If you are struggling or overwhelmed, consider enlisting the help of a special education advocate. Advocates help you understand the legal aspects of IEPs,ensure your child’s rights are upheld and help develop a comprehensive support plan for your child.

Practice Communication Skills

Effective communication is key during the meeting. Practice how you will present your concerns and suggestions clearly and assertively. The quickest way to get what your child needs is to work with the IEP team, not fight them. Stay focused and try to keep emotions to a minimum (this can be hard!). Be collaborative and be solution oriented. Offer ideas and feedback from your child and/or their outside providers.

Know Your Rights

Familiarize yourself with your rights and the rights of your child under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 and the ADA. Knowledge will empower you to advocate effectively and ensure that your child receives a free appropriate public education (FAPE).

Follow Up

After the meeting, review the finalized IEP document carefully. Ensure that all agreed-upon services, goals, and accommodations are accurately reflected. If you have any concerns or notice discrepancies, address them promptly with the school. By preparing thoroughly for the IEP meeting, you can help ensure that your child receives the support they need to thrive academically and socially. Remember, the IEP meeting is a collaborative process, and your input is invaluable in creating a plan that truly supports your child’s unique needs.