Before the IEP Team Meeting

• Obtain as much information as you can before the IEP team meeting.  Talk with your child's teacher and people who evaluated your child.  Read their reports in advance, review the last IEP team report, and read your child's records.
   

• If possible, meet your child's teacher and observe your child in his/her present program
   

• Call the special education office for the location of specific programs under consideration as appropriate for your child.  Visit any proposed programs before the IEP team meeting is held.
   

• If possible, both parents should plan to attend the IEP team meeting.  You may also want to bring someone else with you (Child-care provider, grandparent, aunt, uncle, advocate, professional, etc.)
   

• Familiarize yourself with terminology used in the IEP team meeting.  If you do not understand the term used, ask to have it explained.
   

• Review the previous year's IEP form.  Have the goals been met?  Are the goals chosen last year still important, or have other needs become more important.
   

• Write down your questions and concerns to take to the meeting.  You may need a reminder of some of the issues as the meeting progresses.
   

• Make a list of suggestions that you may like to see written into your child's IEP.
   

• Think of some of the skills that your child may need in the coming year or that you would like to see addressed by the IEP team.
   

• Consider taking a tape recorder.  This might be a good idea id your spouse or other concerned adult cannot attend the meeting.  However, be aware that some IEP team participants may be uncomfortable about being taped, and have negative feelings about it.
   

• Ask what ancillary services are available for your child, i.e. Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Assistive Technology, Music Therapy, etc.
   

• Remember, if you need help, call your PAC Representative.

At the IEP Meeting

• Feel that you can participate fully in the meeting, share your opinions and ideas about the educational needs and programs for your child.  Remember that you do truly know your child the best, you spend more time with your child than any else at the meeting and you are an expert.
   

• Ask for an explanation of any terms that are new to you.
   

• Ask about the advantages and disadvantages of various programs or classes proposed.  Ask the reasoning behind a suggestion if you do not understand it.
   

• List the ancillary services your child needs in writing on the IEP.
   

• Remember, the IEP is a legal contract between you and the school district.

Before you sign the IEP. . .

• Be sure that you understand the contents!  If you are uncertain, ask for a copy of the IEP, take it home and think about it for a day or two before signing.  You do not need to sign it at the meeting.  If a spouse has been unable to attend the meeting, you might want to take it home and discuss what decisions have been made before signing.

After the IEP Meeting

• Keep the IEP report and all other pertinent special education records together and place them in a safe location.
   

• Keep some of your child's homework and extra curricular activity samples as a example to help you remember what has been accomplished through the year.
   

• You are an important part of your child's educational team.  Visit the school.  Get to know your child's teacher and principal.
   

• Keep positive communication channels open between school and home.  Share unexpected information that may affect your child's behavior (Late night, illness at home, conflicts).
   

• Keep in mind the goals of the IEP and a list of whether these are being addressed.
   

• Know that you can ask for another IEP team meeting at any time during the school year (if the program for your child isn't working, too many conflicts seem to occur, the IEP isn't being followed, etc).

If you have a dispute about the IEP. . .

• Discuss resolutions with your school district.
   

• Visit the Massachusetts Department of Education Special Education portion of their website.