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Preparing for an IEP Meeting

In short: Getting ready ahead of time helps you share your ideas at the IEP meeting. Bring notes, ask questions, and take your time.

1 min read · Flutterli Editorial Team

A young woman with Down syndrome and her mother organize papers and sticky notes in a binder at the kitchen table to get ready for a school meeting.

Before the meeting

  1. Ask for a copy of the current IEP and any new reports. Read them before the meeting.
  2. Write down what is going well and what is hard.
  3. Write down your questions and ideas for goals.
  4. Decide if you want to bring someone, like a friend, relative, or advocate.
  5. If the student is attending, help them prepare what they want to say.

During the meeting

  • Bring your notes and a pen.
  • Ask people to explain words you don't know.
  • Ask how each goal will be measured.
  • Ask what services the student will get, how often, and who will give them.
  • You can ask for a short break at any time.

Can you tell me how we will know if this goal is working?

Example question

I'd like to take the plan home to read it before I decide.

Example request

After the meeting

  1. Get a copy of the final IEP.
  2. Check that it matches what was agreed.
  3. Keep all IEP papers in one folder or binder.
  4. Write down the dates of progress reports and the next meeting.
  5. Check in with the teacher during the year.