1.
What You Should Know Before Your Child’s IEP Meeting
You are sitting at a table with your child’s teacher and a handful of school personnel. The
conversation is peppered with acronyms and specialized language, and you do not want
to miss one word because you know how much hinges on what happens at that table. You
are at your child’s IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting. This is your chance
to be heard.
What exactly is an IEP?
Any public school child who receives special education and related services must have an
IEP, and each IEP must be a truly individualized document. The IEP ensures that teachers
and school administrators come together with parents to maximize educational results for
children with special needs. ​A meeting to write the IEP must be held within 30 calendar
days of determining that the child is eligible for services.
In order for an IEP to be successful, parents, teachers, and school staff must meet to
closely examine the student’s needs. Each attendee brings experience, knowledge and an
investment in the student to the table. But before the school can put a plan for special
education or related services in motion, the student’s parents must give their written
permission.
What can parents do to prepare for an IEP meeting?
It never hurts to lay some groundwork before the meeting takes place, says Brandelyn
Hall, a national certified counselor employed by Guilford County Schools, who offers
these essential tips for a successful outcome:
● “​Write down your thoughts and don't be afraid to speak up for what you think
would be helpful. I would suggest meeting with your child’s teacher and perhaps
EC (Exceptional Children) teacher at least one week preceding the meeting.”
● “Be open. Be honest. Be ready to share non­observable information about your
child such as strong likes and dislikes, hobbies, special interests and special
people in their life.”
● “Be realistic about your child's current level of performance and what is expected
of him/her at the grade level. The gap between current and expected is the bulk
what will be discussed at the meeting.”
● “Be ready to listen.”
● “Express your goals for your child’s progress. The professionals at the IEP
meeting are very specialized in their function and position at the school. However,
this shouldn't deter a parent from advocating for their child”

2. After you sign the IEP
The services and supports that an IEP team agrees upon are put in place when the parent
signs their consent. Everyone present at the IEP meeting, parents included, then monitors
the student’s progress. A reevaluation does not need to occur more than once a year,
unless the parent, teacher or school staff deems it necessary.
Parents should feel empowered to ask questions about how their child’s plan is working,
and also take seriously their own commitment to the IEP. Academic support does not end
when the bell rings.
“Know that Special Education is not a cure­all,” says Hall. “It will take consistent effort
at home to help with the academic progress of your student. So parents need to make a
commitment to assist their child every day as a partner in education​.
Originally published in Piedmont Parent’s ​Exceptional Child 2014
http://issuu.com/piedmontparent/docs/piedmontparent_exceptionalchild2014