Gather. Clarify. Share.
Walk into your child’s IEP meeting ready.
An IEP is an Individualized Education Program. It is your child’s written plan for special education at a public school.
Many parents walk in and face 6 or 7 school staff and a lot of school shorthand. You belong at that table. Here is how to get ready.
You are part of the IEP team
A federal law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), lists parents as members of the IEP team (34 CFR 300.321). You know your child at home in a way no one else does.
- You can help pick the time. The school must try to schedule at a time and place you both agree on.
- You can join by phone if you can’t be there in person.
- You can ask for an interpreter if you need one.
- You get a free copy of your child’s IEP.
These come from 34 CFR 300.322. You may also bring someone who knows your child well. This is general information, not legal advice.
Two weeks before: gather
- Ask for draft goals or reports before the meeting, so you can read them at home.
- Pull together notes about what you see at home: new skills, hard moments, what helps.
- Write down your child’s strengths and interests. Start the meeting with them.
The night before: clarify
- Pick your top 3 questions. Put the most important one first.
- Write one or two sentences about what you hope your child can do this year.
- List any school words you want explained.
At the meeting and after: share
- It’s okay to say, “Can you explain that word?”
- Write down who will do what, and by when.
- You don’t have to sign on the spot. You can take the plan home to read.
- After the meeting, add each follow-up as a task, so nothing slips.
How Mosaeli helps
Save school notes all year, so you are not starting from memory. Keep your questions with the meeting date. Store the IEP in your private document vault.
Premium adds IEP and evaluation prep, to help you build your meeting list. See plans
Mosaeli organizes what your family notices. It does not diagnose, give medical advice or replace your care team.
IEP questions parents ask
What does IEP stand for?
Individualized Education Program. It is a written plan for a child who gets special education at a public school.
How often is there an IEP meeting?
The team must review the IEP at least once a year. You can ask for a meeting sooner if something changes.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes. You may bring someone who knows your child well, like a relative, a therapist or an advocate.
What is the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
Both help a student with a disability at school. They come from different federal laws and give different kinds of support. Ask your school which one fits your child.
Is the IEP checklist free?
Yes. The printable checklist is free. IEP prep inside the app is part of Premium.
Walk in with your notes, not just your memory.
Start with one note about what you see at home. Bring it to the next meeting.
On iPhone? Use Mosaeli in your phone’s browser. It works the same.