Checklist: What to Do Before an Individualized Education Program (IEP) Meeting for Parents

A number of steps can help you prepare for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting:

• Watch your child during activities, including schoolwork, playing, social situations, eating out, and in the community. Make a note of the tasks and activities your child has mastered and those for which you believe they need support.
• Review records and reports from school that indicate your child’s progress.
• Visit your child’s class and observe them at work and play.
• Observe other classes at the school to get an idea about how children in other classes work and play.
• List the services you want to discuss, which you believe your child needs. Think about your reasons for wanting these services.
• Collect any current medical information that might be helpful to the IEP team in determining needed services.
• Collect any handouts or information you may have on the needs of children with blindness or low vision from parent groups or national organizations to share with team members.
• Familiarize yourself with the components of an IEP and be ready to provide your input on each aspect
• Firstly, talk to your child and make a note of their interests, likes, and dislikes. Then, begin discussions about ‘what you will be when you grow up’ early. This step is crucial. As your child becomes a teenager, these discussions become increasingly important, especially as they prepare to work on his or her transition Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Sign and return the form inviting you to the IEP meeting. This lets the school personnel know you have received the invitation and are coming to the meeting. If you wish to reschedule the meeting, please inform the school so that we can make arrangements to find a suitable time for all team members. The school must provide you with at least two invitations to the scheduled IEP meeting. If you have received these and do not respond to either invitation, school personnel can go ahead and conduct the IEP meeting without your being present.
• Read invitations and other materials that come to you from the school. If you have questions about them, call the school principal or guidance counselor.
• Ask for a copy of the IEP form so that you can be familiar with it.