You Have an IEP Meeting Coming Up
IEP meetings can feel overwhelming when you're sitting across the table from a room full of school staff. You don't have to go alone.
What's Happening
Your child has an upcoming IEP meeting — whether it's an annual review, a reevaluation, an initial eligibility meeting, or a meeting you requested to address a concern. These meetings determine the services, goals, and accommodations your child will receive for the coming year. The decisions made in that room directly shape your child's education, and many parents walk in feeling outnumbered and unprepared. That's where having an experienced advocate changes everything.
Your Child's Rights
- ✓ Under IDEA, parents are equal members of the IEP team. Your input carries the same weight as the school psychologist, the special education teacher, or any other team member. The school cannot make decisions without you.
- ✓ You have the right to bring anyone to the IEP meeting who has knowledge or special expertise about your child — including an attorney, advocate, or other professional. The school cannot refuse your guest.
- ✓ You can request specific assessments and evaluations before the meeting if you believe the school doesn't have a complete picture of your child's needs. This includes requesting evaluations in areas the school hasn't considered.
- ✓ You have the right to review all of your child's educational records before the meeting. The school must provide access within a reasonable time — and before any meeting where placement or services will be discussed.
- ✓ After the meeting, the school must provide Prior Written Notice (PWN) documenting any proposals or refusals — what was decided, what was rejected, and why. If you disagree, you can challenge these decisions.
How LegalAction Helps
Pre-Meeting Strategy Session
We review your child's records, current IEP, and evaluations to identify issues and develop a clear strategy for what to request at the meeting.
In-Person Meeting Attendance
We attend the IEP meeting with you — in person or virtually — to ensure the school follows proper procedures and your voice is heard.
Records and Evaluation Review
We request and analyze all relevant records before the meeting so nothing is overlooked and we can challenge incomplete or inaccurate data.
Goal and Service Recommendations
We help craft meaningful, measurable IEP goals and push for the level of services your child actually needs — not what the school finds convenient.
Don't Wait — Your Child's Education Is at Stake
The decisions made at an IEP meeting affect your child's entire school year. Contact us before the meeting so we can prepare together and make sure your child gets what they need.
