An IEP meeting is an ongoing evaluation that has three components: receiving information, providing information, and making decisions. The nature of an IEP meeting depends on why it was called. As a parent-advocate, you must know how your child's disability affects performance in an educational environment, assessments, and programs and services (past and present). Performing a records review before a meeting is a fundamental part of ensuring that you are well prepared for your child’s IEP meeting knowing what services you plan to ask for at your meeting.
How to Prepare
Review your child's educational records and identify your current concerns and objective(s). A record review is critical because the IEP team relies on the records. Be prepared to direct the team to helpful information and explain how records are lacking or why they've misinterpreted something. Categorize your list of concerns for easier reference during the meeting.
What to Bring
The three most important things to bring to an IEP meeting are:
Bringing an Advocate to an IEP Meeting
Bringing an advocate to your child’s IEP meetings can ensure that you have a knowledgeable support person "on your side," which may help make the team feel more balanced and less stressful for you as a parent-advocate. The law allows you to bring an advocate to your child’s IEP meetings. Who you bring as an advocate depends on what areas of support you can benefit the most from at the meeting. Some parents choose to bring another parent who is knowledgeable about the IEP process and terminology, while others prefer to bring someone knowledgeable about their child’s specific needs, such as the child’s therapist, medical professional, or a special education advocate who has reviewed your child’s records and worked with you in an IEP coaching capacity leading up to your meeting.
What If I Am Unable to Bring an Advocate to My IEP Meeting?
Sometimes, bringing an advocate to your child’s IEP meeting isn’t a feasible option for parents due to lack of availability, time constraints, affordability, or other reasons. However, a Special Education Advocate can also support you in becoming your child’s greatest advocate through coaching so that you arrive at your child’s next IEP meeting feeling knowledgeable and well-equipped to accomplish your objectives. Working with a Special Education Advocate in preparation for the IEP meeting is often a much more affordable and accessible option than paying an advocate to attend meetings with you.
Advocates May Also Play a Coaching Role
Special Education Advocates working with you in an IEP parent coaching role can support and prepare you to effectively advocate for your child’s educational needs leading up to and following an IEP meeting. This can be done in multiple ways, including:
Regardless of your current knowledge base or where you are in the IEP process, a Special Education Advocate can be a valuable resource in preparing you as your child’s greatest advocate and ensuring that your child’s support needs are appropriately addressed at your child’s next IEP meeting.
As a Board Certified Advocate in Special Education, I can assist you through an IEP Advocacy Coaching format or advocate for your child directly at your next IEP meeting.
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