Parent Tips for Attending IEP Meetings
Either the parent or school personnel may initiate an IEP meeting. Look over the information you have about your child and write down any questions or concerns you may have. The IEP conference is an excellent opportunity to ask these questions and to discuss any concerns. School staff can respond and also be provided any additional information you can share. The program being designed is based on the child's needs. If you don't agree with something, let the team know. If you feel the teachers are doing a nice job, let them know that also. Teachers who will be working with your child will be assessing his or her progress on a continuing basis. They will report this progress to you on a quarterly basis.
A child's progress must also be reviewed each year at a new IEP meeting. Parents are a part of that review team. At the review meeting, a new IEP will be developed for the next IEP year. Remember that even though the IEP review meeting typically occurs annually, parents have the right to request a new IEP meeting anytime they feel their child's educational needs are not being met. When you have concerns, talk to your teacher or principal. They can help you decide if the IEP team needs to be brought together again to discuss the need for programmatic changes.