Recently diagnosed? Start with our family roadmap → Questions? Call 209-806-9863
School & IEP

How to prepare for your child’s first IEP meeting

A plain-language checklist for organizing concerns, sharing strengths, and participating with confidence.

You are a member of your child’s education team. Begin with a one-page snapshot of strengths, interests, communication, and concerns.

Before the meeting

  • List the routines or parts of the school day that seem hardest.
  • Bring outside evaluations you want the team to consider.
  • Write your top three questions.

During the meeting

  • Ask for unfamiliar terms to be explained in plain language.
  • Connect each goal to an identified educational need.
  • Ask how progress will be measured.
Educational information This guide is general information, not medical, legal, or educational advice. Your child’s qualified professionals can help you apply information to your family’s circumstances.