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Planning · IEPs

Walk into your next IEP meeting prepared.

You know your child best. These talking points, questions, and requests help you turn that knowledge into the supports they're entitled to at school.

Open the meeting on your terms

  • Share a one-page "about my child" snapshot — strengths, sensory profile, what calms vs. dysregulates them.
  • Ask each team member to briefly introduce their role so you know who owns what.
  • Confirm the agenda and request that parent concerns be heard early, not at the end.

Get clarity on present levels (PLAAFP)

  • "Where in the school day is my child most successful? Most dysregulated?"
  • "Which data sources support these baselines — observations, work samples, formal assessments?"
  • "Have we evaluated for sensory processing, communication, executive function, and social pragmatics?"

Push for measurable, meaningful goals

  • "How will we measure progress — frequency, percentage, prompt level — and how often will I see data?"
  • "What does mastery look like, and how will the team generalize the skill across settings?"
  • "Can we add a self-advocacy or self-regulation goal?"

Ask for the right services and supports

  • Request specific service minutes (e.g., 30 minutes of speech-language therapy 2×/week) rather than vague "consultation."
  • Ask about an FBA and BIP if behavior is impeding learning, before considering removal from class.
  • Request AT (assistive technology) evaluation if your child has communication or writing needs.
  • Ask about extended school year (ESY) eligibility to prevent regression over breaks.

Accommodations that actually help

  • Sensory breaks, fidgets, noise-reducing headphones, and access to a quiet space.
  • Visual schedules, written instructions in addition to verbal, and extra processing time.
  • Movement breaks, alternative seating, and reduced homework load when appropriate.
  • Advance notice for transitions, fire drills, and assemblies.

When you disagree

  • "Can we note that as a parent concern in the IEP, even if we don't resolve it today?"
  • "I'd like to sign indicating attendance only and review the document before agreeing."
  • Know your rights: prior written notice (PWN), independent educational evaluation (IEE), mediation, and due process.

Close the meeting strong

  • Recap agreed-upon action items, owners, and deadlines.
  • Schedule the next check-in (don't wait a full year).
  • Request the draft IEP and meeting notes in writing within a week.

This page is educational and not legal advice. For escalating disputes, consider a parent advocate or special education attorney. See also our Future planning guide.