How to Prepare for an IEP Meeting?

How to Prepare for an IEP Meeting: A Parent’s Guide from the EmpowerKidz Perspective.

Preparation for anything can work to alleviate a lot of stress; however, preparing for an IEP meeting can sometimes feel overwhelming. It doesn’t matter if it is your first meeting or your thirtieth meeting. Being prepared guarantees you to advocate more effectively for your child’s needs. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for a successful IEP meeting.

1. Know Your Child’s Rights and IEP Process Learn about the IEP process under the IDEA by accessing information such as:
   1. A timeline for the IEP process and when meetings must occur
   2. What it means for your child to receive a free appropriate public education
   3. Services and accommodations available through an IEP.
   4. Knowing your rights will make you a better advocate for your child during the meeting.
   5. Collect and Study Documents

2. Gather all the documents that you need to bring into the meeting. The necessary papers include:

1. 1. Assessment reports: Recent assessments or tests conducted by the school or independent specialists such as speech, occupational therapy, or psychoeducational evaluation.
   2. Previous IEPs, if available: Review your child’s current IEP and report on progress.
   3. Teacher report: Reports from your child’s present teachers on his/her performance, strengths and challenges
   4. Medical reports: Reports from doctors or therapists providing information regarding your child’s diagnosis or treatment plan.
   5. At EmpowerKidz we will decode those documents for you so that you can make sense of the data and be able to speak confidently about your child’s needs

1. Identify Your Child’s Strengths and Needs

It is essential to come into the meeting with an understanding of your child’s strengths, areas of concern, and what you hope to gain through the IEP. Here is an excellent place to begin with a list of:

1. 1. Strengths: Social skills, problem-solving, creativity, or other skills/abilities your child demonstrates.
   2. Needs: Academic challenges, behavior concerns, or emotional support needed within the classroom.
   3. Objectives: Short-term and long-term goals you want to be included in the IEP, such as reading better, attending better in class, or social interaction activities.

EmpowerKidz approaches with a strengths focus and encourages parents not only to focus on problems but also on the potential and progress of their child.

1. Know What Services and Accommodations to Request:

Consider what services and accommodations your child would need to be successful. Some of the most commonly requested services are:

1. 1. Speech therapy, occupational therapy, or physical therapy.
   2. Reading interventions such as Fast ForWord or perceptual-motor training.
   3. Some accommodations may include extended time on tests, preferential seating, or assistive technology in the classroom.

EmpowerKidz offers you the opportunity to learn some of the names of cognitive skills training programs, such as SOI systems, ReadON, and Fast ForWord, which can be ordered in support of your child’s learning. Knowing what programs or services are available can help you make specific, informed requests at the meeting.

1. Prepare Questions and Concerns:

Write out a list of questions or concerns you want to present at the meeting. Some ideas are:

1. 1. How will progress be measured and reported to me?
   2. Are there additional resources or services my child could benefit from?
   3. What can I do at home to support my child’s IEP goals?
   4. How will the accommodations be implemented in the classroom?

EmpowerKidz coaches supports parents in creating those questions so that their issues are heard at the IEP meeting.

1. Be Supported During the Meeting:

You don’t have to do this meeting alone. You can take someone with you, like:

1. 1. A family member or a friend to give you some morale.
   2. An advocate or an educational therapist, such as those found at EmpowerKidz. They may provide professional observations and insight into the process.

Advocacy support by one-on-one consultation at the IEP meeting may be provided by EmpowerKidz either as an accompaniment with you or simply for preparation, so you feel ready and are prepared.

1. Stay Focused and Take Notes:

Throughout the IEP meeting, keep your mind focused on the needs and goals of your child. Many details can easily overwhelm you as you attend to them, so:

1. 1. Note what is being said in the meeting.
   2. Ask for clarification whenever something is unclear.
   3. Make sure that your concerns and requests are addressed in the formal IEP.

EmpowerKidz encourages parents to be active and participate throughout the conference, speaking their own voice and advocating for their child’s unique needs.

1. Understand the IEP Before Signing:

You will be given a chance to review the IEP before signing it. Ensure that the

1. 1. Goals are specific, measurable, and appropriate for your child
   2. Services and accommodations agreed upon are accurately reflected on
   3. A plan for progress monitoring is outlined.

If you do have some concerns, do not feel compelled to sign today. Take time to discuss the IEP with someone at EmpowerKidz or another professional to ensure it meets the needs of your child.




EmpowerKidz has your back from start to finish regarding the IEP process. We offer:

1. Workshops on understanding IEPs, evaluations, and legal rights of children with disabilities.
2. One-on-one coaching in reviewing assessments, preparing for meetings, and advocating on behalf of your child’s services.
3. Access to cognitive skills training programs and complementary approaches that can be included in your child’s IEP.

Prepare better. With knowledge of IEPs and the process, you will guarantee that your child’s IEP meeting results in a plan that actually supports his growth and success. EmpowerKidz wants to be there every step of the way.