The Parent's Guide to IEP Meetings: What to Know, Ask, and Advocate For

If you're a parent of a child with an IEP (Individualized Education Program), you've probably sat in at least one meeting that felt like everyone else was speaking a different language. Acronyms flying, evaluations being summarized quickly, and a stack of papers to sign by the end.

You are your child's most important advocate in that room. Here's how to show up ready.

Before the meeting

• Request all documents in advance. You are legally entitled to receive evaluation reports and draft IEP documents before the meeting — not the day of.
• Review last year's goals. Were they met? Partially met? If a goal wasn't met, ask why and what will change.
• Write down your concerns and priorities. The IEP should reflect what matters to your family, not just what's easy for the school to provide.
• Consider bringing a support person. A spouse, advocate, or therapist can help you process information and ask questions you might forget.

Questions to ask in the meeting

• "How was this goal measured, and how often?"
• "What does a typical day look like for my child in the classroom?"
• "What accommodations are currently in place, and are they being consistently implemented?"
• "How does my child's sensory profile affect their learning?"
• "What related services are you recommending, and why?"
• "If I disagree with this evaluation, what are my rights?"

Know your rights

Under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), you have the right to:

• Participate as an equal member of the IEP team
• Request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) if you disagree with the school's assessment
• Refuse to sign if you need more time to review
• Request mediation or a due process hearing if there's a dispute

How OT can help with IEP advocacy

An occupational therapist can attend your IEP meeting, help you understand your child's evaluation results, advocate for specific OT services, and write functional goals that are meaningful and measurable. At Ocean Tide Therapy, IEP consultation is one of our core services — we've helped many families walk into those meetings feeling confident.