Preparing for IEP/504 Meeting

Before the Meeting

  • Meet with the teacher and specialist to identify goals, current functioning levels, strengths, areas of need, for your child.
  • If you feel your child would benefit from a specific service you can request that the school completes an assessment. It is beneficial to make any requests in writing so you can easily track what has been requested, next steps, and the timeline for when assessments/meetings will occur.
  • Communicate with the meeting organizer to identify a mutually agreeable time to meet.  If you are unable to attend the meeting then contact the school ahead of time to reschedule.
  • Contact the school and request the IEP documents/ assessments that will be discussed at the meeting. This may include notes from any specialists at the school that have worked with your child. This will give you an opportunity to review your child’s progress as well as proposed goals and changes before the meeting.
  • Write down any questions you have for the IEP team as well as any goals for your child that you would like to discuss during the meeting.
  • If appropriate, speak with your child regarding their goals and desires for education.
  • Gather and bring relevant information from outside providers such as therapists, tutors, and doctors.

During the Meeting

  • Actively participate in the meeting and provide any information that you feel will benefit your child at school.
  • Ask questions! Make sure that if there is something you do not understand that it is clearly explained to you.
  • Take lots of notes or record the meeting so you can remember exactly what was discussed and what decisions were reached.
  • Make sure you receive a copy of the IEP at the end of the meeting.
  • Do not sign any documents unless you agree with the content/ any proposed changes.
  • Questions to Consider for a School Meeting Worksheet

After the Meeting

  • Create a file at home and keep all of the paperwork from the IEP in one place.
  • Review the IEP throughout the year to assess whether the goals continue to be a good fit for your child.
  • Continue to work on goals at home as well as at school.
  • Talk with the case manager if you believe revisions need to be considered/made.

*Remember you can call a meeting with the IEP team at any time if you feel your child’s goals need to be revised.

Remember

  • You know your child best and are a valuable member of the team at school meetings.
  • If you disagree with the school work through the disagreement through clarifying questions, listening, clearly expressing concerns, and being respectful. You have a right to due process when disagreements arise. This may involve mediation or new assessments from an outside party.
  • The school team is available to help support you and your child. Ask questions to ensure you understand everything that is being discussed and wait to sign documents until any concerns/ questions have been addressed.

Source: National Center for Learning Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, CHADD Parent to Parent: Children with Attention Deficit Disorders, Talk about Curing Autism