‍Here are some practical ways to step into IEP season with confidence:

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1. Know Your Role as a Key Team Member

The IEP team includes teachers, specialists, administrators—and YOU. Go into the meeting ready to share your parental expertise. Parents bring insights no one else has: how your child learns, individual preferences, what motivates them, and what supports are truly helpful. Your observations from home can highlight your child’s strengths as well as challenges.

Pro tip: Use solution-focused language. Instead of saying, “He struggles with reading,” try, “He learns best with visual supports—can we add that into his accommodations?”

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2. Review the Present Levels of Performance

Every IEP starts with a section on how your child is currently doing. This is called their present level of educational performance. Don’t just glance over it—make sure it feels accurate. If it doesn’t reflect your child’s abilities or struggles, speak up and request updates.

Keep a “learning journal” at home. Write down milestones, struggles, or strategies that work. Give your child’s support team a more vivid picture using real examples.  

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3. Push for Measurable, Meaningful Goals

Annual goals should be realistic, measurable, and connected to your child’s growth—not just numbers on paper. For example, instead of “will improve reading,” a measurable goal would say, “will read a grade-level passage with 80% accuracy.”

Discuss how progress will be measured and when you can expect updates. Regular check-ins keep everyone accountable.

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4. Leverage Related Services and Supports

Services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, or even assistive technologies can all be part of your child’s IEP. If your child needs support to succeed, don’t hesitate to ask how related services can be built into their plan.

Invite professionals (like speech-language pathologists or occupational therapists) to share input. Parents can request their presence at IEP meetings.

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5. Ask About Inclusion and Opportunities

Your child’s social development is just as important as their education. Advocate for inclusion beyond the classroom, if you notice your child is regularly excluded from field trips, clubs or school-wide events. 

The law requires students to be educated in the least restrictive environment. That means as much time as possible with their peers without disabilities. Ask: How will my child participate in general education, extracurriculars, and social activities?

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6. Keep Communication Ongoing

Remember an IEP is a living plan that should evolve as your child grows. Don’t wait for the yearly review. If something feels off—schedule a check-in. Your child’s success can’t wait until next year.

By law, you’ll receive progress reports, but you can request a meeting anytime you feel the plan isn’t working.

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7. Remember: You Have Options

Sometimes parents and schools don’t see eye-to-eye. That’s okay. You have rights. Mediation, complaints, or due process hearings are all legal pathways if you feel your child’s needs aren’t being met. But often, open communication and collaboration solve issues before they escalate.

Bring a trusted advocate, mentor, or even another parent with experience in IEPs to the meeting. You don’t have to navigate this alone.

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Final Word: You’ve Got This

This is a great season to get a fresh start on your child’s learning experience. You are your child’s most powerful advocate. With preparation, clarity, and confidence, you can help shape an educational experience where your child doesn’t just get by—they thrive.

At Unlimited Expressions, we’re here to walk with you, offering culturally responsive support, resources, and advocacy tools that honor both your child’s learning needs and your family’s voice. Because when parents are empowered, children rise.

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