As a special education advocate and special education attorney, I am frequently asked for advice on how to prepare for an IEP. Preparation is key even if parental assistance includes the presence of an advocate.

Here is a top 10 list to consider when preparing for your IEP:

1. Notice – Make sure you have received extensive notice from the school district about who will be attending the IEP and make sure you have provided notice about who you are inviting. Also, notify the District of your intent to audio record the IEP meeting at least 24 hours in advance.

2. Document preparation: Prepare a list of documents in chronological order from the oldest year to the most recent year of all relevant documents in a folder that you will bring. Behind the list, include the documents. These documents must be at least 3 years old and include previous IEPs, class assignments, notes from teachers and other educators, previous evaluations, and other relevant information for the IEP team to know. This will help you keep track of progress and make sure your team has all the information they need. Ask the school district for a copy of any and all pertinent documents before the IEP team meeting and add them to your list.

3. Prepare Agenda Items – It’s never a good idea to surprise the IEP team with ideas at the meeting itself. Prepare a short list of items you would like the team to review and send it to the appropriate school district representative prior to the meeting. This must be done in writing.

4. Advocates: Consider bringing an advocate even if it is someone like a family member. Often this person can be seen as less antagonistic and can help take the emotion out of the process so that the focus is on your child. However, if there has been an impasse on an issue, consider whether you need a special education attorney or special education advocate.

5. Ask for a draft IEP if possible: Often, members of the District’s IEP team have come before the IEP to discuss a draft IEP. It is often a good idea to ask for a copy of this draft IEP ahead of time so that you can review it before the IEP team meeting and prepare your input.

6. Change the way you think about the IEP: Parents of special education students often feel that the IEP is a de-escalation session. A good IEP is really a listening session. Be prepared to listen to District team members even if you disagree. You can always provide your comments to the IEP even after the meeting is over and have these written comments attached to the IEP document.

7. Review: If the placement or other services, such as behavioral therapy, speech therapy, or occupational therapy, are to be considered in your child’s IEP, you should have the opportunity to talk with providers and/or review the proposed placement with anticipation. of the IEP meeting. This will give you a much better idea of ​​whether placement offers or services are suitable. This also contributes to her ability as a parent to give informed consent.

8. The Law: It’s always helpful to familiarize yourself with the key phrases of the law, but don’t come across as a legal bully. IDEA, the federal law that governs special education and especially the IEP process, is supposed to be accessible to parents, but the reality is that it is a complex set of laws affected by too many laws, cases, rules, and opinions. Guidance for the layman to understand.

9. Be sure to prepare questions: Come with questions that have been prepared.

10. Know your child and respect the fact that others also know your child: Knowing that you may have a point of view about your child that is critical to the IEP team is important. However, teachers and other educators also have something useful to offer the IEP team besides spending time with your child. Considering their views doesn’t mean you have to agree.

The above list is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice, but it is an important list to consider when preparing for an IEP.