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Getting ready for an IEP meeting can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. This free IEP Toolkit printable is designed to help you prepare for your child's IEP meeting's ahead of time by keeping everything that you need recorded in one place.

To make this toolkit you will need:

3 ring binder (buy here )

Binder Dividers (buy here )

1-5 Binder Folders (buy here )

What's Included in the FREE IEP Toolkit for Parents?

Pre-Meeting Checklist

IEP Team Contact List

Home Observations Strength/Weaknesses Worksheet

Accommodations/SDI Ideas Worksheet

Child Interest/Passions Worksheet

Questions/Concerns to Address Worksheet

Home Strategies Worksheet

IEP Meeting Notes

Advocacy Contact and Notes

S.M.A.R.T. Goals Reminder

Terms to Know

Setting up your IEP Toolkit for Parents:

How you set up your toolkit will be unique to your families needs. Some of these sheets you may not need while some you may need multiples of. I have one of these for each of my children that is in special education and I leave them sitting in my office where I can have easy access to update them throughout the year. I also keep a couple of folders within each binder to hold important documents such as immunization records, relevant medical records, past evaluations, current IEP, and report cards. Below is how I personally use each page of this Free IEP Toolkit.

Pre-Meeting Checklist: On this sheet I make notes of things that I will need to grab before a meeting. For example, if I discuss an accommodation with a teacher and they want to see an example of the idea at the next meeting I will write it down there so that I don't forget it!

IEP Team Contact List: On this sheet I include contact information for every single member that is part of my child's IEP team. This makes it easy to reach out if needed.

Home Observations: This is where I record not only what is working and what isn't working, but I also record what my children excel with (or struggle with) at home. I do put a date next to each note I add to this page so I have a record of any growth or regressions that may happen.

Accommodations/SDI Ideas: So many times I see stuff online that I want to try, but quickly forget. This page was developed as a spot to record all those ideas for discussion.

Child Interest: On this sheet I record the type of activities and things that have worked really well or flopped with my kids.

Questions/Concerns: I use this worksheet to right down questions and concerns as they pop into my head otherwise I tend to forget them.

Home Strategies: Bridging the gap between home and school is extremely important. I use this worksheet to brainstorm with my child's IEP team what can be done at home to work on their IEP Goals. This worksheet can also be used for recording therapies that happen outside of home and school. This is the easiest way I have found to get everyone working towards the same goals.

IEP Notes: If anything stands out in a meeting to me as something I need to look into further this is the place that I jot it down.

Advocacy Contacts and Notes: I use this section to record any resources outside of the school that I need to use.
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Getting ready for an IEP meeting can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. This free IEP Toolkit printable is designed to help you prepare for your child's IEP meeting's ahead of time by keeping everything that you need recorded in one place. To make this toolkit you will need: 3 ring binder (buy [...]

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In my career as an elementary school teacher and intervention coordinator, I've sat in hundreds of individualized education program (IEP) meetings. They're a regular part of my weekly schedule.

This is probably a weird thing to say, but I actually really like them. Why? They're an opportunity. It's a chance for families and support staff to sit down and communicate, a chance to hash out plans for children who need support and a chance to create a positive learning environment for every child.

An IEP meeting is a chance for school personnel and parents to communicate. The one thing I say to every parent before an IEP meeting? Be prepared. Do your homework. An IEP meeting can be an amazingly positive experience if everyone is able to communicate clearly.

Here are several things to do before an IEP meeting:

* Observe in your child's current classroom setting.

* Reread their expiring IEP if they already have one. Do you feel their academic and behavioral goals have been met? Be prepared to share your thoughts.

* Make a list of concerns and a list of accomplishments. What is going well? What is still a challenge?

* Research the academic standards for your child's grade level. Consider where they currently fall in terms of those standards. They may need support still, and that's totally fine. But the more you've thought about these long-term goals, the more prepared you'll be to speak to them and to listen to the team.

* Be prepared to ask questions (a lot of them).

Once you're at the IEP meeting, here are 10 questions you should ask:

Ask each member of the IEP team (classroom teacher, resource teacher, speech therapist, occupational therapist, etc.) the best way to contact them. Let them know you'll be checking in regularly. Set progress reporting meetings.

2. When is a good time to have an informal conversation about my child's progress?

A couple years back, I had a parent ask if they could come in the mornings before they started their work day. This mother wanted to be able to get weekly feedback about her child's progress. So she came in one morning a week and helped me pass out papers before the children started their day. She sharpened pencils with me, and we got a protected time to chat. It was an amazing experience. I was more than happy to talk to her, and her assistance while we chatted was a wonderful way for her to give back to our classroom.

3. What do you see as my child's strengths? How can I support and encourage them?

An IEP meeting shouldn't be all about weaknesses or discrepancies. Ask how you can support your child's strengths and passions. Those things are what will make your kiddo successful as an adult.

4. What type of progress can I expect to see? What will this look like?

The great thing about an IEP meeting is that you get the input of specialists. But it can also be tough at times. There are acronyms, teacher speak, developmental milestones - it can be very overwhelming.After each IEP section, ask the team: What should this look like? How long will it be before I see progress? What are the signs that we are moving in the right directions? What should I watch out for?

5. What can I do at home to support our goals?

For students to make the most progress (emotionally or academically), goals need to be fluid between school and home. Ask the team: What can I do at home? Ask for specific suggestions. If it doesn't make sense, ask for more information.

6. Which of these goals are the top priority?

By the end of an IEP meeting - between behavioral goals and academic goals - you might feel like your head is spinning. Important things to ask: Which goal is top priority? Is it behavioral (transitioning to school, for instance)? Is it academic (phonemic awareness, etc.)? Ask the team. That way, you'll know what to focus on in discussions about school.

7. How will we measure progress? How will we communicate about this with my child?

Progress towards goals (both academic and behavioral) can be measured in many ways. Will the team be using test scores? A running record with observations of the child? A tally system of behaviors being exhibited (or not exhibited)?

8. What do these supports look like on a daily basis? How will my child's day look?

Academic and behavior supports can be provided in many ways. Will the supports be a pull-out model (student removed from the class for small-group support) or a push-in model (the support staff blends into the classroom for a period of time)? I've often sat in meetings where parents were unaware their child was being taken to a separate classroom for academic support and seemed surprised. You should know exactly what your child's day looks like!

9. Who will provide these supports? How will my child's classroom teacher be provided with resources and assistance to implement these supports?

The best thing about having a support team in place? Everyone helps each other (that includes you, mom and dad!) Ask questions. How can you support the teacher? How can the speech therapist support you?

An IEP meeting can often be all business. In the end, what would I want to know? If this were your own family member, what would you suggest? Trust me, you'll get some pretty honest answers.
A version of this post originally appeared on Lipgloss and Crayons. Photo credit: Mily Cooper Photography

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10 Questions Every Parent Should Ask at an IEP Meeting

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In my career as an elementary school teacher and intervention coordinator, I've sat in hundreds of individualized education program (IEP) meetings. They're a regular part of my weekly schedule. This is probably a weird thing to say, but I actually really like them. Why? They're an opportunity.

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This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my links. For more information please read my disclosure policy here.
IEP Tips due to my son's third birthday quickly approaching-I find myself worrying more and more. I decided to reach out to a fellow blogger who has experience with navigating the world of 504's and IEPs.

The Beginning

When my firstborn started Pre-Kindergarten, I knew we would be in for some noteworthy experiences as he traveled his way through the school system.

Though he formed strong relationships with his teachers and fellow classmates in Pre-K, he had difficulty from the beginning with doing expected tasks such as staying seated during circle time.

He had a meltdown each time something unexpected came up in the daily routine or he had to change classrooms for specials, causing further cause for concern.

How to handle your child's IEP meetings like a boss! Click To Tweet

Introduction of the 504 Plan

By the time Kindergarten rolled around, the suggestion to form a 504 for his unique needs in the classroom was not surprising. We communicated openly with his guidance counselor, program director, classroom teacher and school director. We even discussed ways to make daily life easier for Corey.

There were suggestions of visual charts and daily discussions regarding the agenda for each day. There were similar guidelines to ease Corey's anxiety from classroom transitions. Sensory objects were introduced to help him with fidgeting during periods where quiet was expected. All seemingly simple "tweaks" to his school day to keep him calm and anxiety-free.

The 504 was great for the remainder of kindergarten and even through first grade, with some minor changes each quarter. We kept in constant contact with many staff members at his school. Ultimately felt we were truly staying one step ahead of the game in keeping Corey's academic needs satisfied.

504 turned IEP

An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) was mentioned late into the first grade school year. Meetings were becoming far more frequent as Corey's behavior crept further and further from control.

Following a stint where he was suspended for the day for becoming extremely angry and throwing objects around his classroom in anger, the school professionals recommended an evaluation by the school psychologist.

An evaluation, it was explained, would be the first step in getting Corey further services that it seemed he may need going forward in his school career.

IEP services were not available to a child like Corey, who had an official diagnosis of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). He has a combined type, but was not otherwise considered to be a special needs student.

Due to his academic progress still being on par with other classmates, it was mentioned that it could be difficult to convince the school board that he needed further accommodations to be successful.

It took several meetings with the school district psychologist and school administration to convince him to do a full evaluation on our son. To begin, he had questionnaires to be completed by us, Corey's parents, and Corey's classroom teacher.

He also received written statements from Corey's pediatrician, outside of the documented ADHD diagnosis, regarding observed and discussed behaviors both in and out of school.

The Psychologist visited Corey several times without Corey's knowing he was present. Then also a few times where he worked alongside Corey, gathering additional data about him.

To say the whole process was lengthy and overwhelming is a severe understatement, if I may be completely honest. The amount of information flying around was startling and when it came from individuals we'd never heard from before, it piqued our anxiety further.

We weren't sure at that point exactly what needed to be done for our son to be successful in his school years and how we could help him get it.

IEP Pro Tips

Looking back, I think it's important to let other parents in similar situations know that the process is going to be long, inclusive and at times, redundant.

Stay calm, take it one step at a time and keep your child's best interests at heart, because at the end of the day, you're the one who has to OK the plan put together for your child - not anyone else.

For anyone on the brink of setting up an IEP for their child, it is important to note the differences between a 504 plan and an IEP.

Tip #1 | Know Your Rights

You must go into the initial meetings knowing yours and your child's rights. Familiarize yourself with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) and note the differences in a 504 plan and an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

504 Plan

Covered under a broad federal civil rights law protecting any person with a handicap

Less "official", outlining services and/or accommodations to be made

Unique to the school the student is attending - a copy of an existing 504 plan may be supplied to a new school but the receiving school will need to draw up their own version for the student

Some limitations of accommodations or services may exist due to the student not falling under the special education "umbrella"

IEP - Individualized Education Plan

For a student who has been identified by school district professionals to be eligible for special education

Covered under IDEA - Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act

ANY accommodation or service may apply to the student based on their disability and unique needs

Universal - can travel from one school to the next without needing new documentation

Tip #2 | Prepare

We were lucky to have school professionals who really wanted to include parents in the formation of the IEP. Did not have to "push" our current thoughts or recommendations, we simply got to state and discuss them with administration.

We were given a worksheet to document our current concerns with Corey's behavior and academic situations. Given recommendations on what may or may not help him moving forward.

We were also asked about Corey's favorite hobbies, interests, likes and dislikes to better understand him on a personal level. This also helped find services that could be tailored to him based on this information.

If you are not given a worksheet like this, however, be sure to make one yourself to bring to the IEP preparation meeting! The process works best when all who know and interact with your child get to have their suggestions heard.

Consider others who have frequent interaction with your child. Do they have a camp counselor, grandparent, therapist, older friend or Karate instructor who also know them well?

It might be a good idea to have them document their typical interactions with your child and other observations that might be helpful when making a plan for them for school.

Any person who has input regarding your child's personality, academic learning style, disciplinary needs, etc. will be a valuable asset to the IEP development process.

Tip #3 | Listen

I will say that sometimes it's downright disheartening to listen to various professionals speak about your child. Though it might be about things you've already heard, when anyone talks about your child in any way other than highly positive, your parenting instincts are sure to kick in. However, resist the urge to defend your child and understand all who are part of the process simply want what's best for your child - you all share that common goal.

Tip #4 | Take Notes

When there is a lot going on at one time, I tend to zone out or become too focused on one thing that was said, instead of listening to each sentence spoken. Therefore, taking notes proved to be a worthy habit to look back on what else was said later, when I was alone and calmer. I could look back at what each person contributed, note future questions or comments and reflect on the overall goal.

Tip #5 | Speak Up

Remember when I said to fight the urge to defend your child, as you listened to others talk about their documented weaknesses and struggles? I do recommend you listen as much as possible but be sure your voice about YOUR child is heard!

If you hear something that does not align with the outlined goal or even something you know your child will not do/like, speak up. The goal of the IEP is to HELP your child in the best ways possible.

Though it can be intimidating to speak with so many eyes on you, remember why you're there and the common goal you share with these school professionals. They want to hear from you because they know you know your child best, above all else.

Final Thoughts

Last but not least, remember that communication is key during all stages of the process. If you have questions, ask them. Be sure you are very clear in what is currently going on and what your child will experience once the IEP has been signed.

Communicate openly with teachers, guidance counselors, paraprofessionals, school nurse, etc. so that any changes or challenges that arise may be properly documented and discussed.

Remember that common goal! Everyone is there to help your child do their best, so be a part of the team and your child is likely to thrive!

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How to Crush Your Child's IEP Meeting with These 5 Tips

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This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my links. For more information please read my disclosure policy here. IEP Tips due to my son's third birthday quickly approaching-I find myself worrying more and more.

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While I was sipping my coffee after school drop-off one day last year, this Facebook video by One Funny Mother about her daughter's IEP meeting popped up in my feed. I don't remember who shared it, but I watched the whole thing from beginning to end with tears streaming down my face. We talk about special needs parenting a lot here on Meraki Lane, and the rawness of Dena Blizzard's words stayed with me for a long time. I've been meaning to write about Individualized Education Plans for some time now, but since IEP laws vary from country to country (and even from state to state (and province to province for us Canadian folks)), I wasn't really sure where to start.

I just didn't know what kind of information to share, but then I realized I was getting caught up in the minutiae of it all and decided it would be much more helpful to provide IEP tips for parents. While there is a lot of information available about how IEPs are mandated within each individual school system, parents need to know how to navigate it all.

They need to know how to prepare for an IEP meeting, what they should expect, what questions to ask, how to keep their emotions in check, and how to stay motivated in the face of so much noise and nonsense.

Keep reading for our best IEP tips for parents to help you advocate for your child and ensure they reach their highest potential.

What is an IEP?

Also known as an 'Individualized Education Plan', an IEP allows teachers and school administrators to work with parents to ensure children with disabilities are able to succeed in a regular school setting. An IEP identifies a child's individuals strengths, challenges, needs, etc., sets out specific educational goals, identifies accommodations that are to be made for the child (and who is responsible for ensuring those accommodations are made), and tracks the child's progress over time.

Who is Eligible for an IEP?

We often assume IEPs only apply to students with learning disabilities, but there are many other reasons a child may be eligible for special accommodations, including:

Learning disabilities

Developmental delays

ADHD

Autism

Anxiety

Cognitive impairments

Speech/language impairments

Hearing/visual impairments

Physical disabilities

This is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other reasons a child may benefit from an IEP. If your child is struggling in school for a reason other than those listed above, speak with his/her teachers and other school administrators about special accommodations that can be made, and how you can start the process of developing an Individualized Education Plan.

Are IEPs Beneficial?

We frequently hear parents gripe about IEPs and IEP meetings, and while the process is often difficult and overwhelming, it's important to remember that an Individualized Education Plan is designed to help and not hinder your child. The whole purpose of developing an IEP is to formally recognize what your child's strengths and challenges are, and develop and enforce special accommodations to ensure he or she is successful in a school environment.

Of course, that's not to say the process will always be easy. Anytime a child is identified as being 'different', there's a risk he or she will be ostracized, have challenges with his or her peers, and struggle with low self-esteem. IEPs have also been known to lower the expectations placed on a child by both parents and teachers, which is why it's so important for parents to get involved and continue advocating for their children. I hope the IEP tips for parents provided in this post help you do just that!

How to Prepare for an IEP Meeting

Whether you're preparing for your first IEP meeting in your career as a special needs parent, or you're an old timer who needs a refresher, these IEP tips for parents will help ensure the meeting goes as smoothly as possible.

1) Keep an ongoing open dialogue with your child's teachers. You don't want to go into an IEP meeting feeling completely clueless about how your child is fairing at school, so find ways to connect with your child's teachers throughout the school year so you remain up-to-date on both the good and the bad. Exchange pleasantries at school drop-off and pick-up, send check-in emails at regular intervals, and don't be afraid to organize periodic meetings to discuss your child's progress and any other pressing concerns. The more involved and aware you are, the more prepared you'll be for your child's IEP meetings.

2) Educate yourself on IEP laws. Since the IEP laws vary by country, state, province, etc., make sure to educate yourself on your child's rights, and take notes on the things that specifically apply to him or her for easy reference during your IEP meeting. Teachers and school administrators aren't always up-to-date on IEP laws, so it's important that you do your homework and come to the meeting prepared!

3) Set aside time to reflect. Pencil in some time a week or so in advance of your meeting so you can review your child's IEP (and subsequent IEPs if you have any) and assess his or her progress. Has anything changed since your last meeting? Is your child reaching his or her goals? Are special accommodations being followed? Take the time to make notes so you are prepared to talk about each item, and think of examples to support your observations.

4) Write out SMART goals for your child. After you've reviewed and reflected on how your child is performing based on his or her current IEP, spend some time brainstorming goals you would like him or her to work towards in the coming months to discuss during the meeting. Make sure they're SMART ( Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and T imely) and that they push your child beyond his or her comfort level while still being realistic.

5) Be prepared. IEP meetings can be extremely emotional for parents, making it more important than ever to arrive prepared. Many parents create an IEP binder in which they store a copy of their child's IEP along with any other medical reports, psychological assessments, etc. that they may need to reference throughout the meeting. I also suggest including printouts of the IEP laws that govern your child's school board, as well as a list of talking points and questions you want to cover during the meeting.

Make sure your IEP binder is as organized as possible so you can locate important information quickly. You can use a standard 3-ring binder with sheet protectors, and then organize the material using binder tabs. Highlight important information and use Post-It Flags for easy reference, and include blank paper and a pen so you can take notes throughout the meeting.

6) Bring a support person. The school will include a list of attendees in your IEP meeting invitation, which will help prepare you for the number of people you will be facing and what role each person plays in your child's education. Take the time to consider who you would like to attend the meeting with you for support. Your spouse? A therapist? A lawyer? Consider this carefully, and ensure to take someone for support, even if you don't feel it's necessary. IEP meetings can be very emotional, and having someone on your side can make a world of difference.

7) Rest and relax. IEPs can be emotionally draining for parents, so it's important to take steps ahead of time to ensure you are starting the process off in a good frame of mind. Make sure you get a good night of sleep the night prior and clear your schedule before and after the IEP meeting so you aren't feeling frazzled. It may also be helpful to go for a workout before your meeting to clear your head, and make sure you have someone you can lean on afterwards if things don't go as planned. The more relaxed and supported you feel, the better.

8) Start with a positive attitude. As daunting as IEP meetings can be, I truly believe a positive attitude can make a world of difference. If you show up to your child's school angry, defensive, and ready to pick a fight, you will project those feelings onto everyone else in the meeting. Remember that everyone in the meeting has the same goal as you do - to help your child be as successful as he or she can be - and make a conscious decision to start with an open mind. You can still be assertive and call teachers and administrators to task as the meeting unfolds, but remain cognizant that your initial attitude will set the tone for the entire meeting and can have a ripple effect on how your child is treated at school.

8 Additional IEP Tips for Parents

If you're looking for more IEP tips for parents to help make sure your child's school experience is as positive as possible, and that you're working collaboratively with his or her teachers and school administrators, these ideas are worth a read.

1) Accept your child's diagnosis. It's very common - and normal - for parents to become extremely defensive and protective of a child with special needs. This can be born out of guilt, denial, and a whole host of other unresolved emotions, but the sooner you can accept your child's diagnosis and educate yourself on what it means for his or her future, the sooner you can become an active and willing participant in his or her IEP.

2) Work WITH instead of AGAINST your child's IEP team. As much as we want to blame someone for our child's struggles, I can promise you one thing: lashing out at your child's teachers, learning support team, therapists, and/or school administrators isn't going to do your child any favors. If you want your child to be successful, it's up to you to find ways to work collaboratively with his or her support team.

3) Keep lines of communication open and honest. It can be very difficult to discuss your child's struggles with others, but if you want to create a supportive environment for your child to help him or her reach important goals, you need to keep the lines of communication open. At times, this will require you to relay information that feels uncomfortable, and there will be situations in which a teacher or therapist has to initiate difficult consultations with you as well. The more receptive you are, the easier things will be, and the more successful your child's entire team will be as a result.

4) Be realistic. When it comes to creating and assessing your child's IEP goals, it's important to be objective. While some may set their expectations too high given their child's strengths and abilities, others may actually be afraid to push their child to their fullest. Check in with teachers and therapists for help in evaluating what is and is not realistic to ensure you are being fair to your child. You want to push him or her as much as possible, but obviously within limits.

5) Keep the emotion out of it. Of all of the IEP tips for parents out there, this is probably one of the most important while also being the hardest! It can be extremely difficult not to burst into tears or erupt into anger when other people are seemingly picking your child apart during an IEP meeting, but don't allow your emotions to cloud your judgement. Stay as level-headed as possible so you can make informed and rational decisions.

6) Don't sign anything in the meeting. You are within your rights to ask for additional time to review and digest the information presented in your child's IEP, and should never feel pressured to sign something until you're 100% comfortable. Even if you agree with everything discussed in the IEP meeting, I still encourage you to take a copy of the IEP home for one more review before signing on the dotted line. It is amazing how our feelings can change and how much we miss when we're emotional and put on the spot, and that added time can make a huge difference.

7) Ask if you can record the meeting. Having a recording of your child's IEP meeting can be extremely helpful as there are many things you may miss during your discussion, and you may need to go back and review the information at a later date. Just be sure to check the IEP laws that govern your child's school to confirm this is legal, and to inform the school prior to recording.

8) Never stop advocating for your child! No matter how defeated you feel at the end of your child's IEP meeting, remember that it is up to you - and only you - to keep advocating for your child. Take the rest of the day to process the information and feel sad if you need to, but make a conscious decision to wake up with renewed determination the next day. No matter how difficult things feel in this moment, have faith that they will get better. They say that life is 10% what happens to us, and 90% how we respond to it, and if you're looking for IEP tips for parents, this is perhaps one of the best pieces of advice to remember.

I hope this collection of IEP tips for parents proves useful to you. Remember to be open and honest, to give yourself ample time to plan and prepare, to be realistic and objective, and to have faith in yourself and your child.
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Learning support for your child: 16 IEP tips for parents

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16 IEP tips for parents to help prepare for an IEP meeting, set realistic goals, monitor progress, and work collaboratively with teachers and therapists.