If you have a child with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), you know that IEP meetings can be overwhelming. You want to make sure your child gets the best education possible, but you may not know what questions to ask or where to start.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a list of questions parents should ask at an IEP meeting. These questions cover a range of topics, from your child’s educational goals to the effectiveness of the current program. By asking these questions, you can make sure your child’s IEP is meeting his or her needs and that he or she’s on track to reach his or her full potential.
58 Questions parents can ask at an IEP meeting:
- What are my child’s strengths and weaknesses?
- What academic goals has my child achieved so far?
- What are my child’s school goals for the rest of the year?
- What progress has my child made toward his or her goals?
- What does my child still need to work on?
- What adjustments or changes does my child need to be successful?
- What’s my child’s current educational plan?
- How often will my child receive specialized instruction?
- How will I know if my child is making progress?
- Who’s responsible for monitoring my child’s progress?
- How often will I be informed of my child’s progress?
- Who will be providing my child’s specialized instruction?
- Are there other professionals working with my child that I should know about?
- What kind of support can I expect from the school district?
- Are there after-school or summer programs available for my child?
- How will we transition my child from one grade level to the next?
- What should I do if I have concerns about my child’s progress?
- Who can I contact if I have questions or need more information?
- When is the next IEP meeting?
- How can I prepare for the next AIEP meeting?
- How often will my child receive services?
- What types of services will my child receive?
- Where will services be provided?
- Will my child be mainstreamed? If so, when and for how long each day?
- Is there a behavior plan? If so, what does it entail?
- What’s the school’s policy on bullying and harassment?
- How is transportation provided and what’s the district’s policy on safety and supervision during transportation?
- What school resources are available to my child?
- What provisions or accommodations will be made for my child in the classroom?
- What assessment tools are used to measure my child’s progress?
- How often will I be informed of my child’s progress? How will the progress be communicated (e.g., by email, text message, or phone)?
- Who do I contact if I’m not satisfied with the services provided to my child?
- Are there any extracurricular or enrichment activities for my child?
- What’s the school district’s policy on retention/social promotion?
- When does the IEP go into effect and how often is it reviewed/updated?
- What level is my child currently at?
- Who’s responsible for my child’s care and support?
- How will the school ensure that my child receives the quality education he or she deserves?
- How will the communication between home and school be maintained?
- What resources are available to me as a parent?
- How are my child’s social needs being met?
- What kind of behavioral supports are available for my child?
- How are my child’s physical needs being met?
- What types of assistive technology will be used to support my child’s learning?
- How often will the IEP team meet to review my child’s progress?
- When can I expect to see the results of the implementation of the IEP?
- What happens if my child doesn’t make progress on his/her goals?
- How will graduation requirements be addressed in my child’s IEP? 19. What are my child’s options for post-secondary education and training?
- How can I support my child at home?
- Who will be present at the IEP meeting?
- What’s the purpose of the meeting?
- What type of testing was done and what are the results?
- What kind of support or services does my child need to achieve his or her goals?
- How will my child’s classroom teachers implement the IEP in the classroom?
- Will my child spend some time outside of the regular classroom? If so, why and for how long?
- Are there any resources or groups in the community that you would recommend we connect with?
- What happens if my child’s needs change or if he/she’s not making progress on his/her goals?
- Is there anything else I should know or that we should discuss before we end this meeting?
Frequently Asked Questions
What should parents do before an IEP meeting?
Before an IEP meeting, parents should gather all relevant information about their child’s academic and behavioral progress. This may include report cards, assessment results, and anecdotal information from teachers. Parents should also be prepared to discuss their goals for their children and any concerns they have. The IEP team will use this information to develop a plan that meets the child’s needs.
What are some potential barriers for parents at IEP meetings?
One possible barrier for parents in IEP meetings is a lack of knowledge about what an IEP is and what it involves. Another barrier may be the lack of communication between parents and school staff. Parents may feel that their suggestions aren’t being considered or that their child’s education isn’t being prioritized. In addition, parents may feel overwhelmed and unprepared to participate in an IEP meeting. Finally, parents may not have the time or resources to attend meetings in person.
How can you prepare for and attend an IEP meeting?
Preparing for an IEP meeting can be difficult if you aren’t familiar with the process. The best way to prepare is to read through the IEP document and familiarize yourself with the language. The IEP team will likely ask you a series of questions about your child’s current situation and what you want to accomplish with the IEP process.
You should also be prepared to talk about your child’s strengths and weaknesses. You must come to the meeting with an open mind and be willing to work with the other members of the team. If you have any questions or concerns, you should bring them up at the meeting. Attending an IEP meeting is critical to making sure your child receives a good education.
Conclusion
An IEP can feel like a lot of paperwork and a lot of meetings, but ultimately it’s about making sure your child gets the education he or she needs to be successful. By asking questions at the IEP meeting, you can advocate for your student and ensure that their individual needs are met. We hope this list of questions gives you a starting point for what to ask at your next meeting.
