Preparation is power. Show up ready—and watch how the tone of the meeting changes.

If you've ever walked into an IEP meeting feeling anxious and unsure of what to expect, you're not alone. Many parents attend these meetings hoping for clarity and support, only to leave feeling confused, dismissed, frustrated and overwhelmed. 

One of the most common and avoidable mistakes is going into the meeting unprepared.

Preparation is knowing your child’s needs and your rights. The IEP meeting is a legal process that shapes your child’s education. Going in without a plan can leave you reactive instead of proactive, and that can cost your child valuable services and support.

The IEP Binder: What preparation looks like. 

You need an IEP Binder, and my eBook, The IEP Binder: A How-To Guide walks you through creating one. It includes checklists, tab names, and clear instructions on how to organize it and use it effectively. 

When you have all your documents in a row, preparing for an IEP meeting is easy. Preparing means reviewing your child’s current IEP, progress reports, and evaluations or assessment data. It means writing down specific concerns you want to address. And it means having a clear idea of what’s working—and what isn’t—for your child at school. 

Bring a list of questions. 

Print out emails or notes about past conversations with the school. If your child is struggling with executive functioning, behavior, or academic progress, gather examples. You don’t need to be an expert in education—but you do need to have documents that support your concerns.

Respect is earned.

When you prepare, you show the school team that you take your role seriously. You shift from feeling powerless to feeling confident. And most importantly, your child’s unique needs are front and center.

Tip: Don’t do it alone. Consider bringing an advocate, friend, or spouse for support. And always ask for a draft IEP in advance—you’re allowed to have time to review it before the meeting.