Resources
IEP Meeting Checklist
An IEP meeting can shape a full year of your child's education. Walking in prepared changes the conversation — from reacting to recommendations to partnering on a plan. Use this checklist to organize what to review, what to bring, and what to ask.
2–3 weeks before the meeting
- Request the current IEP, recent evaluations, and progress reports in writing.
- Ask for the draft IEP and any assessment reports at least 5 school days before the meeting.
- Gather work samples, report cards, outside evaluations, and medical notes that show how your child is doing.
- Talk with your child — what's working, what's hard, what they want adults to know.
- List the people who should attend (general ed teacher, specialists, related service providers, advocate, interpreter).
1 week before — set your goals
- Write your top 3 priorities for this meeting in one sentence each.
- For each current goal, note: is progress real, measurable, and meaningful?
- Identify any services that look right on paper but aren't being delivered consistently.
- Decide what an acceptable outcome looks like — and what would prompt you to ask for a follow-up meeting.
Questions to bring
- How is my child progressing toward each goal, with data?
- Are the current services and minutes still appropriate? Why or why not?
- What accommodations are being used in the classroom, and how do we know they help?
- How does the team measure social, emotional, and behavioral progress?
- What does transition planning look like for the next grade, school, or program?
- What happens if my child doesn't make expected progress this year?
What to bring to the meeting
- A printed or digital copy of the current IEP and draft IEP.
- Your written list of priorities and questions.
- A notebook (or a note-taker) to capture decisions and action items.
- Any independent evaluations or outside reports you want considered.
- A support person — partner, friend, advocate, or consultant.
During the meeting
- Ask for introductions and confirm everyone's role.
- Request that the team walk through present levels, goals, services, and placement in order.
- Pause to ask clarifying questions before the team moves on.
- If you need time to think, you can request to review the final IEP before signing.
- Confirm action items, owners, and due dates out loud before the meeting ends.
After the meeting
- Read the final IEP carefully — compare it to what was discussed.
- Sign only the parts you agree with; you can consent in part.
- Send a thank-you email that restates the agreed action items in writing.
- Calendar progress check-ins (typically every reporting period).
- If something isn't working, request an IEP amendment or addendum meeting in writing.
Want a second set of eyes before your IEP?
Unique Pathways helps families review IEPs, prepare for meetings, and follow up afterward — in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
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