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IEP Meeting Preparation

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Overview

Preparing for an IEP meeting can seem daunting, which is why we've gathered all these resources to help parents keep documents organized, understand all the components of an IEP, and know how to review an IEP document before signing it.

When and how often can I request an IEP meeting?

Although an IEP team typically meets at least once a year, you may find that you need to meet sooner. As a parent, you can call an IEP meeting at any time to discuss your child’s IEP.

Contents

Overview
When and how often can I request an IEP meeting?
Who can attend an IEP meeting with me?
What documents should I bring to the IEP meeting?
Why should I record the IEP meeting or take notes?
How can I best prepare for my child’s IEP?

IEP Meeting Basics

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IEP Meeting Team Players and Their Roles
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How to Request an IEP Meeting
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Prepping for Triennial IEPs

Tips and Resources for IEP Prep

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The Ultimate Checklist for IEP Prep
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IEP Meeting Tips for Parents
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The Paper Chase...Gone Digital: How to Organize IEP Documents
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Undivided's Education and IEP Template Library
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The 5 Most Important Things to Remember When Advocating in an IEP
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Unite and Conquer: 3 Tips for Parents Jumping into the IEP Process

Top Parent Questions

Parent Question
How do I request a draft of the IEP?
Write to the program specialist (or the administrator in charge of the IEP), the teacher, and/or the case worker to request a draft of the IEP at least two weeks in advance of the meeting; you can request that the district provide the draft no less than three days before the meeting.
Parent Question
How long should the district take to hold an IEP meeting?
In California, once the school receives your meeting request, the meeting must be held within 30 calendar days.
Parent Question
What do I need to include in my request for an IEP meeting?
Be specific as to why you are requesting the IEP meeting. Examples include discussing new accommodations for the classroom, a change in service minutes, etc. If there are certain team members that you feel need to be in attendance, make sure you request their attendance ahead of time.
Parent Question
What rights do parents have in IEP meetings?
Parents have the right to participate in all meetings related to the identification, assessment, and placement of their child as well as the provision of FAPE. They have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation for their child if they disagree with the school district’s assessment.
Parent Question
Who should be present at an IEP meeting?
By law, the people who must participate in an IEP meeting include the parents, general education teacher and/or special education teacher, a representative of the school district, a therapist who can interpret assessments, and other invited third parties such as advocates or attorneys.
Parent Question
What should I include in a letter of parent concerns before an IEP?
List what you perceive are your child’s areas of need that have and have not been addressed in their IEP. Highlight your child’s areas of strength and point out strategies that have not worked and how they might be altered.

Top Video Clips

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What to Know About Parent Rights in an IEP
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Addressing Safety Concerns In Your Child’s IEP
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Writing IEP Goals

Latest Resources

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Author

Brittany OlsenUndivided Editor

An editor and cartoonist who loves using words and images to simplify and share ideas. She has ten years of experience as a copy editor and lives near Portland, Oregon. She often spends her free time going on nature walks with her dog or trying new bread recipes.

Reviewed by

Jennifer Drew, Undivided Senior Editor

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