Develop a list of questions that you would like to discuss at your child’s IEP team meeting. Do you have new information or reports that should be shared with the school staff? Clinical reports, medication updates, changes in the child’s home environment.

Who would you like to be present during the meeting? If you are bringing someone new define the persons role in the IEP meeting. Get clarification on staff roles if need be. Who will be the note taker? Take your own notes as well and send to entire team as follow up to the IEP meeting so everyone knows what your perceptions were from the meeting.

Help the school develop an agenda that addresses both the interests of the school and home.

Help the school identify specific meeting outcomes, “The objective of today’s meeting is to develop an agreed upon educational plan that meets the needs of your child.” Demonstrate active listening skills through paraphrasing and asking for clarification.

When recommendations are being made, make sure that effective follow through will occur. What are the conditions or satisfaction that should be met? What specific action needs to be taken? Who is responsible for each step of the action plan?

Send an e-mail with your summary of the meeting and who was responsible for each action plan.