Dear Friends and Family Caregivers,

This month's Special EDition focuses on how to PREPARE for an IEP meeting. Our next edition will consider ways to participate DURING the meeting.

Your participation is very important. As the IDEA notes:

"Almost 30 years of research and experience has demonstrated that the education of children with disabilities can be made more effective by... strengthening the role and responsibility of parents and ensuring that families ... have meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their children at school and at home."

But to participate effectively, it is important for you to prepare ahead of time. So how can you prepare for what can be anxiety provoking, stressful meetings? Here are some ideas:

•Attend an IEP training or call your PTI (see below) and learn as much as you can about the IEP process and your child's rights ahead of time.

•Get organized. Gather copies of the recent progress reports, annual testing, attendance and discipline records, work samples and any notes or logs you have kept regarding your child's progress. Some parents find it useful to request a copy of the student file from the school district before a meeting.

Sample letter to use to request records. (PDF)

•Check in with your child's teachers, preferably in a way that documents the conversation. Don't forget to check in with the yard attendant, lunchroom staff, or PE teacher if you have concerns about non-academic progress (behavior, bullying or social skills).

•Create an agenda of issues you want to make sure the team discusses and bring it with you to the meeting. Talking points are hard to remember in the actual meeting.

•Request any accommodations or support you need. Meetings must be held at a mutually agreeable time, so if the meeting is scheduled at a time that doesn't work for you, write the scheduler immediately to ask for another time, and offer a few options. If you need a translator or have disability–related needs, let the District know as soon as possible.

•Let the District know if you plan to bring someone with you. They can then ensure that the meeting space is large enough, bring enough copies of reports, etc.

•If you are bringing an attorney, or planning on recording the meeting, you MUST give the District at least 24 hours notice.

•If you are bringing outside information to the meeting, try to get it to the team ahead of time. Mark out any information that does not specifically relate to your child's educational needs.

•If the District will be presenting new assessments or reports, request copies at least two business days ahead of time. It is hard to participate if you have not had enough time to read and process information. Let the scheduler know if you prefer to delay the meeting if the reports are not given to you prior to the meeting.

•Let the District know that you expect all team members to be in attendance for the entire meeting. The District must ask for your written permission to excuse someone. Think carefully before agreeing to do excuse team members—remember the IEP meeting is a collaborative process where the program is developed by the entire team.

•Arrive early, dress as you would for any important meeting, and don't hesitate to bring treats or thank you cards to someone who has been particularly helpful to create a sense of good will and collaboration.

If you have specific questions about education and students with disabilities ages 0–22, call your local Parent Training and Information Center (PTI).

Specific legal code on parent participation:
Top 10 Reasons why Parent Involvement is Crucial for IEP Success

A great summary of your rights around participation can be found at NICHCY:
Questions and Answers about IDEA: Parent Participation

Other resources on effective participation:
Your Child's IEP: Practical and Legal Guidance for Parents

Disability Rights California's 18 Tips