Three families consulted me this week to prepare for their IEP meetings.  In each case, we emphasized the importance of preparing for the meeting.  Preparation can help you better advocate for your child to obtain special education services.

Here are some of the ways you can prepare for your child’s next IEP meeting:

• Designate in writing additional members of your IEP team.  Parents can designate members of the IEP team who have knowledge of your child or expertise regarding your child’s disabilities.
• Prepare a statement of parental concerns.  Bring copies for everyone at the IEP meeting.  Request your statement to be included with the IEP and the conference notes from the meeting.
• Review your child’s most recent educational evaluation.  If your evaluation is inadequate or out of date, make a written request for a re-evaluation.  If the re-evaluation is inadequate, you might be entitled to an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense.

These are just a few of the many other ways you may prepare for your child’s IEP meeting.  Use the resource box at the right to contact me about your specific situation.