Preparing for Your Next IEP Meeting? Start Here.
By Sara Rainey, Program Manager of Education & School Age Services, DSACO
Navigating the IEP process is an important part of supporting a student's educational journey, but we know firsthand how stressful and time-consuming the IEP process can be. Individualized Education Programs, or IEPs, serve as the foundation for a student's educational experience and play a critical role in their success.
The process of obtaining, developing, and continually updating a student's IEP can place significant demands on families. That's why DSACO provides resources to help make the process more manageable and transparent.
With registration for this year's DSACO IEP Kit now open, we wanted to share a few practical tips to help families prepare for productive conversations with their school teams. Whether you're attending your first IEP meeting or preparing for an annual review, these strategies can help you feel more confident before, during, and after the meeting.
Before the Meeting
Review the IEP meeting notice and understand who will be attending and the goals for the meeting.
Meeting goals may include:
Completing the annual review requirement
Discussing new questions or concerns
Reviewing evaluations or progress reports
Considering recommendations from previous meetings
Consider where your student is currently, including:
Progress toward current goals
Strengths, interests, and preferences
Future plans, goals, and aspirations
Request written copies of your student's current IEP, along with any updated progress reports or evaluations.
Review these materials and identify opportunities for improvements, changes, or additional supports.
Write down any priorities, questions, or concerns you would like to discuss. You may choose to share these with the school team ahead of time and ask that they be added to the meeting agenda.
If it feels appropriate:
Invite your student to attend and practice self-advocacy skills.
Invite a support person, such as a family member, friend, or representative from a local support organization.
Invite an advocate or attorney if there are significant concerns that need to be addressed.
Whenever inviting additional attendees, be sure to notify the school team in advance.
During the Meeting
Share the thoughts, questions, and concerns you identified while preparing.
Ask for clarification if any information, terminology, or recommendations are unclear to you or your student.
Use information from school reports and your experiences at home to inform decisions about services, supports, and goals.
Consider requesting a follow-up meeting if:
There is not enough time to discuss all agenda items.
You need additional information before making a decision.
Key attendees must leave early or miss part of the discussion.
After the Meeting
Take time to carefully review the updated IEP and any proposed changes.
You may choose to sign your agreement with the proposed IEP, or you may note areas where you disagree.
Schools will continue providing services even if you have not yet signed the proposed IEP.
Remember, you do not have to wait until your student's annual review to request another IEP meeting. If concerns arise or circumstances change, families can request a meeting at any point during the school year.
If additional concerns remain, you may choose to seek support from an advocate, attorney, or the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
Continue documenting your student's progress throughout the year, including information from school staff and outside service providers. These records can be valuable as you prepare for future IEP meetings.
You Are Not Alone
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. The support network you've built around your family, including other families, friends, DSACO staff, and your student's school team, is there to help.
DSACO's annual IEP Kit is designed to help families feel more prepared and confident heading into meetings with their school team. The kit includes tools, resources, and guidance to help you organize information, identify priorities, and advocate effectively for your student.
If you're interested in receiving this year's IEP Kit, be sure to register through the DSACO website before the July 1 deadline. If you're feeling stuck or need additional guidance, DSACO also offers IEP Meeting Support. Contact DSACO's Program Manager of Education and School Age Services, Sara Rainey, at srainey@dsaco.net to learn more.
Families looking for additional educational support outside of school can also explore Learning Aid Ohio. Through individualized tutoring, educational coaching, and grant-funded learning opportunities, Learning Aid Ohio helps students with developmental disabilities build skills, increase confidence, and work toward their educational goals. These services can complement the supports outlined in a student's IEP and provide additional opportunities for growth throughout the year.
Additional Resources
Ohio Department of Education and Workforce A Guide to Parent Rights in Special Education https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Special-Education/A-Guide-to-Parent-Rights-in-Special-Education
Disability Rights Ohio Getting a School to Follow Your Child's IEP https://www.disabilityrightsohio.org/faq-special-education-getting-school-to-follow-iep
Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities Parent Toolkits https://www.ocecd.org/forparents.aspx
The Special Education Legal Clinic
https://lawyers4students.com/legalclinic
Every student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed in an educational environment that recognizes their unique strengths and supports their individual needs. As you prepare for your next IEP meeting, remember that you are your child's most important advocate, and you don't have to do it alone. DSACO, Learning Aid Ohio, and many other community partners are here to support you as you work toward meaningful educational opportunities for your student.
