Preparing for an IEP Meeting in New Jersey

An IEP meeting can feel overwhelming, especially when several school professionals are discussing evaluations, goals, services and your child's progress. Preparing a few things ahead of time can make it easier to participate in the conversation and remember what you wanted to discuss.

You do not need to become a special-education expert before attending your child's meeting.

• Review your child's current IEP, if there is one.
• Review recent evaluations and progress reports.
• Write down your biggest concerns.
• Write down improvements you have noticed.
• Ask your child for input when appropriate.
• Make a list of questions you want answered.
• Gather relevant outside evaluations or provider information you want the team to consider.
• Identify your top 2–3 priorities for the meeting.

• How is my child progressing toward the current goals?
• What data is being used to measure progress?
• What are my child's current strengths?
• Where is my child having the most difficulty?
• Are the current supports and services working?
• Does anything need to be changed?
• How will new goals be measured?
• How and when will progress be communicated to me?
• Are there concerns occurring in particular classes, environments or times of day?
• What can we reinforce consistently between school and home?

Not every question applies to every student. Choose the ones that fit your child.

• Ask for unfamiliar terms to be explained.
• Ask questions any time something is unclear.
• Take notes.
• Share what you know about your child's strengths and needs.
• Ask how proposed goals will be measured.
• Make sure the concerns that matter most to you are discussed.
• Ask what the next step is when the team cannot resolve something during the meeting.

• Review the finalized documents.
• Make sure you understand the services, supports and goals discussed.
• Keep the IEP and related records together.
• Write down important follow-up dates.
• Monitor progress reports and communication from school.
• Contact the appropriate school team member if you later have questions.

IEP teams include parents or guardians along with appropriate school professionals. Depending on the student and the purpose of the meeting, that can include teachers, Child Study Team members, related-service professionals, and others with relevant knowledge about your child.

Official membership requirements are set by state and federal rules. For the current requirements, see the New Jersey Department of Education.

NJ Department of Education — Special Education Parent & Family Engagement

https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/parents/

SPAN Parent Advocacy Network is a New Jersey nonprofit that provides information, training and support to families navigating education and disability systems.

1-800-654-SPAN (7726)