Your child’s IEP team is made up of a group of individuals who contribute a different aspect of the Special Ed community. Each person brings something valuable and different to your team. There are at least 6 categories of people who must be included in your child’s IEP team, unless you waive their mandatory attendance.

1.One or both parents. In case a parent cannot attend a representative selected by the parent or both can attend in their place. Make sure to put it in writing that you give authorization for a representative to take your place and speak on your behalf. There are occasions were a district may attempt to hold a meeting without parent participation, this is a violation (unless district is unable to get a parent to attend) and you should put in writing that you do not agree that a meeting is held without you.

2. One general education teacher at minimum, even if your child does not participate in general education at the current time it is always the goal. In the case that your child has more than one general ed teacher the school can pick which one to attend.

3. Minimum of 1 special education teacher

4. Service providers (speech and language, OT, PT, etc.)

5.A school district representative. This representative needs to be qualified to provide or supervise the provision of specialized instruction. They need to also have knowledge about general curriculum and know the resources the district has. This needs to be someone other than the child’s teacher according to State Law.

6. The assessors need to be present. If there were assessments in multiple areas conducted each one needs to be present. The assessors need to present their findings and recommendations.

You can invite anyone to your child’s IEP meeting without giving prior notice with the exception of an attorney, which requires 24 hour notice to the District. The student is not required to attend the meeting. As your child gets older it could be beneficial for them to attend in order to get their input on his/her needs. Know that at each meeting there could be different assessors or newer additions to the team depending on your child’s unique needs. We would love to be a part of your child’s IEP team and join you in developing the appropriate IEP your child needs to thrive.