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Ten Questions Every Parent Should Ask at an IEP Meeting
Once you’re at the IEP meeting, here are 10 questions you should ask:
1. How can I contact you?
Ask each member of the IEP team (classroom teacher, resource teacher, speech therapist, occupational therapist, etc.)
the best way to contact them. Let them know you’ll be checking in regularly. Set progress reporting meetings.
2. When is a good time to have an informal conversation about my child’s progress?
A couple years back, I had a parent ask if they could come in the mornings before they started their work day. This mother
wanted to be able to get weekly feedback about her child’s progress. So she came in one morning a week and helped me pass out papers
before the children started their day. She sharpened pencils with me, and we got a protected time to chat. It was an amazing experience.
I was more than happy to talk to her, and her assistance while we chatted was a wonderful way for her to give back to our classroom.
3. What do you see as my child’s strengths? How can I support and encourage them?
An IEP meeting shouldn’t be all about weaknesses or discrepancies. Ask how you can support your child’s strengths and passions.
Those things are what will make your kiddo successful as an adult.
4. What type of progress can I expect to see? What will this look like?
The great thing about an IEP meeting is that you get the input of specialists. But it can also be tough at times. There are acronyms, teacher
speak, developmental milestones — it can be very overwhelming. After each IEP section, ask the team: What should this look like?
How long will it be before I see progress? What are the signs that we are moving in the right directions? What should I watch out for?
5. What can I do at home to support our goals?
For students to make the most progress (emotionally or academically), goals need to be fluid between school and home. Ask the team:
What can I do at home? Ask for specific suggestions. If it doesn’t make sense, ask for more information.