Takeaways
- Individualized education plans (IEPs) are crucial for students with disabilities to receive tailored educational support under IDEA.
- Parents play a vital role in the IEP process through preparation, active participation, and advocacy for their child's needs.
Many parents raising a child with special needs may feel that they are on their own and that few others understand their situation. However, during the 2022-2023 school year, about 7.5 million students ages 3 to 21 across the United States benefited from special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). That makes up about 15 percent of all public school students.
To ensure that each child with a disability receives a free and appropriate public education, school districts are required to provide an educational program and related services to all eligible children. To that end, each child in the public school system who receives special education or related services must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP), also referred to as an Individualized Education Plan. Creating an IEP involves multiple meetings to not only create an appropriate plan but also to establish a collaborative effort for the child’s benefit.
For parents of children with special needs, the first IEP meeting can feel overwhelming and emotional, but this legally mandated meeting is an important step in ensuring a child receives the educational support they need. Preparation can empower parents to be effective advocates for their child and work collaboratively with educators.
What Is an Individualized Education Program?
An Individualized Education Program is a written plan developed for students eligible for special education under IDEA. Under IDEA, public schools must create an IEP for each child who qualifies, ensuring they receive bespoke educational support and services. Creating an IEP allows the parents of a child with disabilities to work with their child’s teachers, school administrators, and related parties to build a unique framework for the best possible educational experience for their child.
Steps to Prepare for Your First IEP Meeting
Review Relevant Documents
Before your first IEP meeting, gather and review your child’s:
- Evaluation or assessment reports
- Report cards, relevant schoolwork, and previous teacher reports
- Any correspondence with the school
- Medical or developmental evaluations, if applicable
These documents will help you understand your child’s strengths, challenges, and needs from multiple perspectives.
Understand Your Child’s Evaluations
Make sure you have received and reviewed the results of any evaluations on your child’s performance in school, which may include academic testing, cognitive assessments, and observations. If anything is unclear, request clarification before or during the meeting.
Document Your Concerns and Questions
No one knows your child like you do. Make a list of the following, along with any other important points you think of:
- Your child’s strengths and talents
- Challenges you’ve observed at home or in the community
- What strategies work and don’t work for your child
- What goals you’d like your child to work toward
- Any services you believe might help, for example, speech therapy or occupational therapy
Bringing a written list to the meeting ensures you don’t forget anything during the meeting.
Learn About Your Rights
Understanding your rights under IDEA can help you feel more confident. Parents have the right to be involved throughout the IEP process, starting with the point of identifying the possibility of the child having a disability. Parents have the right to participate in meetings related to the evaluation, identification, and educational placement of their child. Parents also have the right to dispute decisions through mediation or due process.
Resources like Wrightslaw, Parent Training and Information Centers, or a special needs planning attorney in your state can provide helpful guidance.
Bring a Support Person
You are allowed to bring someone with you to the IEP meeting. This person could be a spouse or partner, a friend or relative who knows your child, or an advocate or special education professional. This support person can help take notes, ask questions, and provide emotional support.
Be Ready to Collaborate
The best IEPs are built through collaboration. While you bring deep knowledge of your child, educators contribute professional insight and experience. Aim to build a team relationship rooted in trust and open communication.
What Happens During the IEP Meeting
Though each first IEP meeting will be unique, you and your IEP team should:
- Review your child’s evaluation results
- Discuss how your child’s disability affects learning
- Determine if your child is eligible for special education
- Identify your child’s strengths and needs
- Develop measurable annual goals
- Decide on the services and supports the school will provide
- Determine how and where services will be delivered (including time in general education classes)
- Discuss how progress will be tracked and reported
You do not have to sign the IEP at the meeting. If you need time to review the plan, you can take a copy home and sign it later.
After the IEP Meeting
After the IEP meeting, review the plan carefully and make sure it reflects what was discussed. If you agreed to provide or receive additional information, follow up in writing. Stay involved by monitoring your child’s progress and maintaining regular communication with teachers and service providers. Schedule regular IEP reviews (at least annually) and request a new meeting if your child’s needs change.
Additional Resources
Your first IEP meeting marks the beginning of an ongoing partnership with your child’s school. Though the process can be complex, you don’t have to go through it alone. Seek support from local disability organizations, special education advocates, and parent groups. With preparation and persistence, you can help ensure your child receives the education and support they need to thrive.
Additional resources can be found at Understood.org, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, and the U.S. Department of Education’s IDEA page. You can find information and resources specific to your state on your state’s department of education website.
For additional reading about special needs education, check out the following articles: