An IEP is a very important time for parents to meet with teachers, school psychologists and other educational professionals. Any concerns about the child's learning and development can be discussed and an educational plan and goals can be created and agreed upon. It is usually done following an evaluation by the school psychologist or whenever parent or teacher requests one.
An IEP should not offend the parent. It is a way of letting the parent know their child is being given attention, and through the process of interaction with the child and observation of the child, there has been a conclusion that improvements can be made to the quality of learning the child is receiving. Some children may need one or more explanations of school activities, individual help when working on class work or have other educational needs. This IEP meeting will discuss what is recommended to increase the child's learning capabilities and to set goals for the child which will be reviewed for progress in later IEP's that are held annually for the child or sooner if requested by a teacher or parent.
The parent should be notified in enough time to get prepared so they can write down any questions, concerns or even any suggestions they have and feel will benefit their child's current situation. If there are any behaviors and patterns noticed at home by the parent, they should make note of them and supply the information at the IEP and gather any previous doctor's records or other important documentation that can add to the child's history and be kept on record if the condition has been previously addressed. If a learning disability is found, it will be gone over with the parent, and the parent will be given a copy of the IEP and a report on any evaluations that led to the conclusion.
The parent should feel free to assist the teachers and others taking part in the IEP with goals for the student, make decisions about the IEP plan and agree that all the necessary measures will be taken. They will need to sign and agree to the plan, and will be given a copy for themselves. They will be given a list of their child's difficulty areas and the solutions that will be implemented in order to improve them making it easier for them to work with their child at home in addition to the extra assistance that will be given to the child in class.