Meeting Prep · What You Need

What to Bring to Your Child’s IEP Meeting

Walking into an IEP meeting prepared means having the right documents in front of you, the right questions written down, and a clear sense of what outcome you’re working toward. This guide covers everything to bring, and a few things to know before you sit down.

The Documents to Bring

The Current IEP (Annotated)

Print a copy of the existing IEP and read it before the meeting. Mark sections you have questions about, highlight goals where progress has been inconsistent, and note anything that doesn’t match what you’re seeing at home. Having your own marked-up copy lets you reference specific page numbers and sections when you ask questions.

Progress Reports

Bring the most recent progress reports on IEP goals. Compare what they say to what you’re observing. If the progress report says “making good progress” but your child still struggles significantly, that discrepancy is a conversation to have at the meeting.

The Most Recent Evaluation Report

The evaluation report is the foundation of everything in the IEP. If you haven’t read it carefully, do so before the meeting. Note scores that seem significantly below average, recommendations the evaluator made that aren’t reflected in the current IEP, and areas of need that weren’t assessed.

Any Private Evaluation Reports

If your child sees a private speech therapist, occupational therapist, neuropsychologist, or other specialist, bring their reports and submit them formally. The IEP team must consider this information. If your private provider’s findings differ significantly from the school’s evaluation, that’s a point to raise directly: “The school’s evaluation found X, but [private provider]’s evaluation found Y. How do we reconcile that?”

Prior Written Notices (PWNs) from Previous Meetings

If you’ve formally requested services or changes in the past and been denied, bring those PWNs. They document the history of your requests and the school’s responses, useful context if you’re revisiting the same issues at this meeting.

Your Procedural Safeguards Notice

The school is required to give you this at least annually. Having it with you gives you a reference if any question arises about your rights during the meeting. See our guide to IEP parent rights under IDEA.

Written Preparation to Bring

Your Questions List

Write your questions down before the meeting and bring the list. You will not remember them in the moment, the room is full of professionals, the pace is fast, and it’s emotionally loaded. A written list keeps you on track. See: 20 questions to ask at your child’s IEP meeting.

Your Concerns Statement

Write a brief paragraph describing your biggest concerns about your child’s education. Be specific: not “I’m worried about reading” but “She reads 40 words per minute at the beginning of third grade; her classmates read 80–100. Despite two years of IEP services, the gap is wider than it was in first grade.” This becomes your opening statement when the team asks for parent input.

A List of What You’re Asking For

Be clear about what outcome you want from this meeting. Are you requesting more services? A new goal area? A different placement? A change in service delivery? Walking in with a specific ask, not just concerns, makes it harder for the meeting to end without directly addressing your request.

Other Things to Bring

• ✓Notepad or tablet for notes, document what’s said at the meeting; written notes are more useful than memory
• ✓A support person if helpful, a family member, private therapist, or IEP advocate. You don’t need permission. See: what an IEP advocate does.
• ✓A recording device if you intend to record, check North Carolina’s rules; you must notify the school in advance
• ✓Pen, you may need to sign documents, but remember: you can decline to sign at the meeting and take the document home

What Not to Bring

• An assumption that you have to sign today. You don’t.
• An expectation that the team will volunteer everything your child needs. They offer what they determine is appropriate. Your job is to ask the questions that surface what they haven’t mentioned.
• A plan to record without notifying the school. Follow your state’s rules.