“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” —Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln knew what he was talking about. Do you really want to be figuring out your thoughts when everyone is focused on you during the IEP meeting? Often, I find myself saying, “Sure… I guess,” even if I don’t truly mean it. Being well-prepared gives you a strategy and the confidence to ensure your voice is heard. Achieving your objective (whether it’s chopping down a tree or having a productive IEP meeting) is much more feasible when you have your tools ready in advance.
Here’s your pre-IEP meeting checklist:
- Request a Draft of the IEP Ahead of Time.
IEPs are complex legal documents. A hasty glance while multiple professionals talk simultaneously won’t guarantee that your child gets the support they need. Obtain a copy, review it at home, and make notes. Compare it to last year’s IEP: Are the goals building upon each other, or has your child been stuck with the same goal, just slightly altered for years? If so, does the new IEP show new strategies, supports, or interventions to ensure your child can make genuine progress? Familiarize yourself with this document and its author before stepping into the meeting. - Write Down Your Concerns.
You know that section in the document for your thoughts? It’s usually on page two. Make sure it accurately reflects what you want to convey. By typing your concerns, you ensure they’re included word-for-word in the IEP, preventing you from watering down your feelings (or forgetting something crucial!) during discussions. This is vital because if a concern (like reading fluency) isn’t specifically addressed in the IEP with a dedicated goal, you can reference your concerns later to advocate for its inclusion next time. - Establish Your Priorities.
Think of this as your meeting agenda. Identify which issues are critical and which ideas are more of a “nice to have.” Realize that your priorities may not align with those of the school team, who often focus primarily on academics. Is it crucial for you that your child has enhanced social/emotional goals? Make that priority known and discuss how improved impulse control could enhance their performance in school. I’ve found that if you ask for more than you typically anticipate, you might just receive what you truly need. - Organize Your Documents.
Paperwork can pile up! Sometimes I look at binders overflowing with information and wonder if I’ve stumbled into a chaotic library instead of my office. You never know what you might need during an IEP meeting, so having your documents organized will help you access information swiftly (because nobody wants an IEP meeting dragging on longer than necessary). Remember, the current IEP team may not be aware of your past successes or challenges, especially from previous schools. - Bring Supporting Evidence and Documentation.
Are you advocating for a specific goal, accommodation, or placement? Bring any supporting materials you have. Doctor or therapist notes, examples of homework, evaluations, audio or video clips, and even data you’ve collected at home are all useful. The IEP team only sees your child in a school context, so providing evidence can help create a more comprehensive understanding of your child’s academic needs. Evidence is far more persuasive than anecdotes. - Invite Supportive Individuals.
While IEP meetings can already be crowded with school personnel, a member of your “home team” who knows your child well can add valuable insight. This could be a therapist, behavior analyst, or counselor. You might also consider inviting someone who can advise on your child’s future, like a vocational rehabilitation counselor. Inform the school of any additional attendees in advance, as they may want to prepare differently. - Prepare Questions and a Notepad.
Treat this like a business meeting where the IEP team is presenting a product—an educational program crafted for your child. Use your Ws: Why was a particular option chosen? Where will this intervention take place? What assistive technology is the least restrictive? This demonstrates your investment in the process and shows that you’re not just going to nod in agreement if something doesn’t feel right. Plus, you’ll gain valuable insights for future meetings.
The IEP process can be daunting, but with proper preparation, you can navigate it more effectively. For further insights on home insemination methods, check out this post. Also, this resource is excellent for understanding pregnancy and home insemination, and Make A Mom is an authority on the topic.
In summary, by following this checklist, you can approach your IEP meeting with confidence, ensuring that your child’s needs are adequately addressed and supported.