A meeting notice is one of the first IEP documents you will receive. It is very important that you double check your notice to make sure everything that needs to be there is! Here are our top 3 things to look for:

 1.The Date

Make sure as a parent you are able to attend the meeting. It is very important that either you or another parent or guardian is able to attend the meeting. Without you the meeting cannot take place. If you cannot attend the meeting date offered let your child’s case carrier know as soon as possible so you can reschedule the meeting for a date that works. We recommend you provide the District with 3 possible meeting dates that work for you so they can try to work around your availability. Legally, all IEP meetings are to be scheduled at a ‘mutually agreeable’ date and time.

2.Meeting Time

Once again verify you are able to attend the meeting time provided. If not, reschedule in writing. We also recommend that you request in writing for a minimum 2 hour meeting block in order to make sure you have time to discuss all issues. We have found that anything less than 2 hours does not give enough time to discuss all issues and complete an IEP. If you do run out of time be certain to get it documented that you want to meet within 30-days. Otherwise, meetings will take months to complete.

3.Who Is Attending

You should check the list of attendees to make sure that everyone that needs to be there is there. Some times you are asked to excuse a particular team member from the meeting. Know that you do not have to agree if you feel their presence is vital to the meeting. Legally an IEP team MUST consist of the special education teacher (case carrier), general education teacher an administrator, service providers, and parents.

When requesting a meeting we recommend you always do it in writing. This will provide you with documentation necessary in case it is not done in a timely manner. District has 30-days to hold a meeting from your request. If you are requesting assessments they have 15 days from the date of request to respond. Once you receive a meeting notice for a date and time that work for you go ahead and sign it. We recommend you give your District written notice to record the meeting, legally at least 24 hours notice is required. Don’t forget to contact us and see how we can join your team!