What to Expect in an IEP Meeting

If your child receives special education services, you’ll likely spend a lot of time in IEP meetings over the years. These meetings can feel overwhelming at first, especially if you’re new to the process. But at their core, IEP meetings are meant to bring people together to talk about your child’s needs, review progress, and make sure the supports in place are actually helping.

The Purpose of the Meeting

The main goal of an IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting is to discuss, develop, and review your child’s IEP. Every student who receives special education services has one, and it serves as a roadmap for how the school will support them.

Schools are required to hold at least one IEP meeting each year, often called the “annual review,” to look at how things are going and make adjustments if needed. But here’s something many families don’t always realize: you can request an IEP meeting at any time. If you have concerns, notice changes in your child’s needs, or think supports aren’t working, you don’t have to wait for the annual meeting to talk about it.

Before the Meeting

You’ll receive a written notice ahead of time with details about when and where the meeting will take place, what will be discussed, and who will be attending. The school must schedule it at a time that works for you, and meetings can happen in person, by phone, or virtually.

If this is your child’s first IEP, the meeting must be held within 30 days after your child is found eligible for special education services. This first meeting is important because it’s where the IEP is created, outlining goals, supports, and services based on your child’s unique needs.

Oftentimes schools bring a draft IEP to the meeting. That’s okay, as long as it’s truly a draft. The final plan should always reflect input from both the school team and you as the parent. I usually request the draft IEP to be sent to me a few days before the meeting so I have a chance to read and process the information as well as sort out my questions.

Who’s at the Table

Every IEP meeting includes a specific group of people, known as the IEP team:

• A parent or guardian

• At least one general education teacher

• At least one special education teacher

• A school district representative who can make decisions about services and resources

• Someone who can interpret evaluation results, often a school psychologist

Once your child begins planning for life after high school, usually at age 16, they’ll also be invited to join the meeting. Many students start attending earlier when they’re ready to have a voice in their plan.

You can also invite others, such as a health care provider, therapist, or advocate, if you think their perspective would help.

What Happens During the Meeting

The discussion will depend on where you are in the process. For annual IEP meetings, the team will review your child’s current levels of performance, looking at grades, test scores, and progress toward their goals. From there, the team decides whether to continue, modify, or add new supports.

Sometimes the meeting focuses on a specific concern, such as a service not being provided, behavioral challenges, or new needs that have emerged. In those cases, the conversation often leads to specific action steps or changes in the IEP.

Remember: You’re a Key Member of the Team

As a parent, your insights are just as important as anyone else’s in the room. You know your child best; how they learn, what motivates them, and what challenges they face. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, share examples from home, or request time to think things over before signing.

The IEP process can feel technical at times, but at its heart, it’s about collaboration. When schools and families work together, the plan that comes out of that meeting becomes more than just a document. It becomes a shared commitment to helping your child grow and succeed.

A Personal Note

As both a parent and a former educator, I’ve sat on both sides of the IEP table. I know how emotional and complex these meetings can be. But I also know the power that comes from using your voice and partnering with your child’s team. Every meeting is an opportunity to strengthen that partnership and make sure your child is truly being seen, supported, and understood.