6 Things I Wish I Had Done Before an Annual IEP Meeting
1. Reviewed the current IEP ahead of time
I wish I had read through the entire current IEP a few days before the meeting. Not just the goals—but accommodations, service minutes, present levels, behavior supports, and anything that had changed over the year. Walking in familiar with the document made it much easier to spot what was working and what needed to change.
2. Written down what changed over the last year
So much can happen between annual meetings. I wish I had made notes about progress, new challenges, medical updates, therapies, social concerns, behavior changes, or things happening at home. Small details can get forgotten in the moment, and they often help tell the full story.
3. Asked teachers for updates before the meeting
Waiting until the meeting itself can feel overwhelming. I wish I had reached out ahead of time to ask: How are things going? What strengths are you seeing? What concerns do you have? Those conversations made the actual meeting feel more collaborative and gave me time to think through next steps.
4. Made a short list of my top priorities
It’s easy for meetings to move quickly and cover a lot. I wish I had narrowed my thoughts down to the 3–5 things I most wanted addressed—whether it was reading support, communication goals, accommodations, transition planning, or behavior support. A short list kept me focused.
5. Requested copies of evaluations and progress reports before the meeting
Reading reports for the first time during the meeting can feel like information overload. I wish I had asked for documents ahead of time so I could review them, highlight questions, and feel more prepared walking in.
6. Reminded myself that collaboration doesn’t mean agreeing to everything immediately
This one took time to learn. I wish I had known it was okay to ask questions, request clarification, or say, “I’d like time to review that before deciding.” Being collaborative doesn’t mean rushing through decisions—it means making thoughtful ones for your child.
Annual IEP meetings aren’t about getting everything perfect.
They’re about pausing, looking honestly at where your child is today, and building a plan for what support they need next.
And your perspective matters every step of the way.