Having been a part of over 25 IEP meetings for my own 2 children over the years....don't bring snacks, don't stress about what you wear or being pregnant! It makes no difference what you wear, the important thing is to be open and HONEST about what YOU think your DD needs -- and what you WANT for her. DON'T be intimidated by what the School Psych, teachers or Principal suggests - remember you know your daughter best and what will be best for her so if you don't agree, fight for what you need! When our kids were young my husband would come to the meetings also - they could see we were our own team as well as a part of their team and it made for another set of ears too - esp. because we often both interpreted something someone said or a look differently!! Know the laws and what your DD is entitled too - to them she is one of many to split the pot of $$ among, to you she is THE ONLY ONE so if you feel she needs something ask for it!

Dress however you want, but be comfortable because you will be sitting for a while. Don't cry and bring snacks. Ask for breaks if you need them and DON'T SIGN ANYTHING. "I see, let me think about that" is my go-to phrase. If something seems off to you, speak up. If you need someone to take notes, bring a friend or request to record.

Anonymous wrote:I am a teacher who has sat through 100s of IEP meetings. We have seen it all--parents in suits, uniforms, jeans, even pajamas. I've never had a parent bring food.

At the schools I've taught in, everyone truly wants the best placement for the child. It's not contentious--it's a team coming together to try to make the child as successful as possible.

We have pens and notepads available, tissues on the table, and coloring pages if you have to bring children with you. It's not the parent trying to impress the staff. It's brainstorming together at the table.

Breathe! It will be okay!

Totally agree and its s process. In my first IEP meeting they rejected speech therapy, I kept brining it up and few months later they agreed when they saw he really need it. In pre school they didn't want to do OT for handwriting. I got private evaluation and asked them to evaluate based on the results I gave them and they did and now he is getting OT in K. Its a process and they need to really work with your kid to understand his needs. My son special ed suggested cutting back the services hours and I agreed. He needs less than before. Its a live document and process that keep changing and not based on one meeting.

I am a teacher who has sat through 100s of IEP meetings. We have seen it all--parents in suits, uniforms, jeans, even pajamas. I've never had a parent bring food.

At the schools I've taught in, everyone truly wants the best placement for the child. It's not contentious--it's a team coming together to try to make the child as successful as possible.

We have pens and notepads available, tissues on the table, and coloring pages if you have to bring children with you. It's not the parent trying to impress the staff. It's brainstorming together at the table.

Breathe! It will be okay!