5 things to bring to your IEP meeting
As a parent, attending your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting can be overwhelming and intimidating. It's important to remember that the goal of the IEP meeting is to come up with a plan that will help your child succeed in school. In order to make the most of the meeting, it's important to come prepared. Here are five things that parents should bring to an IEP meeting:
Your child's current Individualized Education Program (IEP): It's important to review your child's current IEP before the meeting so that you can understand what goals and accommodations are currently in place. This will help you identify any areas that may need to be updated or changed.
Any recent evaluations or assessments: If your child has undergone any recent evaluations or assessments, it's important to bring those with you to the meeting. This information can help the IEP team understand your child's current abilities and needs.
Notes or questions: It's a good idea to write down any questions or concerns that you have before the meeting. This will ensure that you don't forget anything important, and it will help the team understand your perspective.
Information about your child's strengths and interests: The IEP should be individualized to your child's unique needs and abilities. To help the team create an effective plan, it's important to provide information about your child's strengths and interests. This could include things like your child's favorite activities or subjects in school.
Extra support: It's not always easy to advocate for your child on your own. If you have a supportive family member, friend, or even an advocate who can attend the meeting with you, it can be helpful to have them there for support and to provide additional perspective.
Overall, the most important thing to remember is that the IEP team wants to work with you to create a plan that will help your child succeed in school. By coming prepared and advocating for your child's needs, you can play a crucial role in ensuring that your child receives the support they need.
