IEP meetings

Who's in the room

IDEA specifies who must be present at an IEP meeting: you (the parent), at least one of your child's regular education teachers, at least one special education teacher, a representative of the school district, someone who can interpret the evaluation results, and — when appropriate — the student. Related service providers may also attend.

You have the right to bring anyone you choose — a spouse, a trusted friend, an advocate, or an attorney. You don't need to notify the school in advance, though it can be helpful to do so.

Your rights in the meeting

You are an equal member of the IEP team. Your input on your child's strengths, needs, and goals must be considered. You can ask questions, request clarification, and express disagreement during the meeting. Whether you can record the meeting depends on your state's laws — check with your state PTI. You can also request a postponement if you need more time to prepare.

Before you sign

You are not required to sign the IEP at the meeting. You can take the draft home and review it carefully. If you have concerns, you can request changes before signing. If you disagree with the IEP and cannot reach agreement, see When you disagree for your options.