How do I support a friend who invites me to their IEP meeting?

If another parent invites you to their IEP meeting for support, you may wonder how best to help them. Non-attorney Education Advocate Lisa Carey recommends that you help your friend keep track of their priorities and their concerns, generally before the meeting. Parents might want a lot of things changed or fixed, so focus on the priorities and dealbreakers. You can help your friend remember to bring them up in the meeting.

You can also help facilitate your friend’s participation in the meeting. Some districts might rush through the presentation of information. If you see your friend looking confused or lost, you can prompt them to speak up if they have questions.

Keeping notes for them can be helpful as well, especially if your friend has been told that they will be sent certain documents or information.

For more IEP meeting prep tips for a friend or yourself, see our ultimate IEP prep checklist.