IEP Preparation Checklist

What to Review & Bring Before Your Child's IEP or ARD Meeting

Response commitment: submissions during business hours get a reply within 2 hours. Outside business hours or on weekends, expect a response within 24 hours.

Review Key Documents

Most recent IEP
Progress reports or goal updates
Evaluation reports (FIE, speech, OT, etc.)
Report cards or teacher emails
Behavior logs or incident reports
504 Plan, if applicable

Write Down What You're Seeing at Home

Academic struggles or successes
Social/emotional concerns
Behavior or attention challenges
Strengths to highlight
Services that are (or aren't) working

Prepare Questions to Ask the Team

Are we on track with this year's goals?
What's working well?
What happens when my child struggles?
Is assistive technology on the table?
How is progress documented?

Know What You Want from the Meeting

Requesting a new or updated service
Better goals
Accommodations that actually help
More frequent home-school updates
Reevaluation if needed

Gather Helpful Extras

Private evaluations or letters
Therapy notes or logs
Communication records
Work samples

Know Who's Attending Your IEP Meeting

Ask for a list of team members in advance. You can also invite someone:

A Special Education Advocate (like The IEP Coach)
A private therapist
A supportive friend or family member

Take Notes, Be Ready, Stay Grounded

Print or bring this page with you. Take notes. You are a key member of the team, and your voice matters.

A Note from The IEP Coach

"You know your child best. Don't be afraid to ask questions, take breaks, or speak up. You're not alone, and you're not asking for anything unreasonable."

Want Help Reviewing Your IEP Documents?

Let The IEP Coach guide you through the preparation process and attend your meeting with you.

Let's Talk