Special Education: Preparing for Your Child’s IEP Meeting – A How-To Guide

1. Collect and Review Key Documents

Before the meeting, gather these documents:

Current IEP – Review your child’s goals and the services they’ve been receiving. Are they making progress?
Special Education Eligibility Report – This report shows the tests done to determine eligibility and the disability category. Ask for any new testing data if it’s not included.
Progress Reports – Schools must provide updates on how well your child is meeting IEP goals, often with report cards. Note areas where progress is slow.
Report Cards – Look for subjects where your child may need extra support.
State Testing Results – Compare your child’s performance to grade-level expectations.
Work Samples – Collect samples that show how your child is doing in class and with IEP goals.
Behavior Records – If your child has behavioral challenges, gather behavior data or disciplinary notices.
Attendance Records – Check if attendance issues are affecting learning.
Outside Providers – If your child sees therapists or clinicians, collect their reports or feedback.

Talk to your child – Ask what they like, dislike, find easy, or find hard at school.
Talk to school staff – Teachers, counselors, and other school personnel can provide insights into your child’s progress.
Talk to outside providers – Therapists or mental health clinicians can offer valuable observations about your child’s skills and needs.

Check your state’s courses of study / education standards – These outline what students are expected to learn in each grade and subject.
Compare your child’s abilities to these standards. Identify gaps and think about how the IEP can address them.

Work with a non-attorney advocate to learn more about student rights.

Special education is not just academics. It covers all your child’s disability-related needs, including:

Mobility or accessibility needs
Behavioral supports
Access to the regular curriculum – Your child should learn the same topics as their peers.

Prioritize your concerns – Focus on the 2–3 most important issues you want to address. Avoid long, unfocused lists.
Take notes – Consider bringing a friend to take notes or recording the meeting (even if the school prefers not to).
Stay focused – Keep the discussion on your child’s needs, even if disagreements arise.
Check the IEP document – Make sure it accurately reflects the team’s decisions. Request copies of any documents discussed.
Understand your signature – Signing the IEP means you attended the meeting, not that you agree with everything. You can note disagreements.
Request Prior Written Notice – Schools must give written notice before proposing or refusing to make changes to evaluation, placement, or services.
Follow up after the meeting – Review the IEP regularly, track your child’s progress, and request meetings if services aren’t being provided.

To learn more about IEPs, follow these links to our resources on IEPs under IDEA and 504 & IEP Accommodations.

To connect with one of our special education advocates, please reach out to Disability Advocacy Solutions.