By: Hinkle, Prior & Fischer, P.C., Attorneys at Law
- Review your child’s current IEP and progress reports, paying close attention to the goals and objectives section. You may be provided a copy of the proposed IEP before your IEP meeting. Be sure to read it carefully and compare it to the current IEP.
- Consider whether anything has changed and whether your child needs new assessments or evaluations.
- Make a list of items you want to discuss at the meeting. You might ask:
- Have the goals in the current IEP been met?
- Are goals for related services – speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, social skills groups, behavioral supports, and vocational training – described in measurable terms in the IEP?
- Are there certain classes your child would like to take, or needs to take if he or she plans to attend college?
- How are life skills, self-direction, and prevocational skills addressed in the IEP?
- Does your child need support to participate in extra-curricular activities, clubs, and sports?
- Does your child need ESY (Extended School Year)?
- Consider whether you want to bring a friend to take notes and offer moral support. You also have the right to tape record the meeting. It is a good idea, though not required, to tell the child study team ahead of time if you plan to do either.
- Be prepared to discuss IEP changes, and, if necessary, take action. For example, if your district proposes a new placement, a change in related services, or an early graduation date and you do not agree, DO NOT sign the IEP. If this occurs you must IMMEDIATELY prepare to file a due process petition in order to preserve your “stay put” rights, which requires filing of the due process petition within 15 days in New Jersey and 10 days in Pennsylvania.
Or 
Hinkle, Prior, Fischer & Oberweis attorneys are available to speak to your organization or constituents on a wide variety of relevant disability topics. 