IEP Meeting Prep: How to Be Your Child’s Best Advocate.

Walking into a room full of school officials who hold the keys to your child’s education is intimidating.

Here is how you level the playing field.

First, get everything in writing.

If a teacher or administrator promises a support verbally but it isn’t documented in the IEP, it doesn’t exist.

Second, always request the draft goals before the meeting.

You should never be reading complex educational benchmarks for the first time while six people stare at you across a table.

Finally, bring a support person. Having someone there just to take notes allows you to focus entirely on listening and speaking up for your child’s needs.

Feeling overwhelmed by an upcoming IEP meeting? My advocacy services can help you prep or even accompany you.