Role of Parents and Families During an IEP Meeting

Parents and families are important, vital members of the IEP Team.

Parents and families…

• Provide information on the student’s strengths and weaknesses at home.
• Provide background information on the student’s history and physical and social development. 
• Provide information on any family factors that may affect the student’s learning. 
• Are the only adults in the educational process who have been and will continue to be deeply involved throughout the student’s school career.
• Have the opportunity to spend more hours working side by side with the student, observing work at home and in the community. 
• Observe the student’s learning style in the home/community.
• Collaboratively participate and communicate with educators.
• Be open and willing to ask questions and give feedback during meetings and after progress is provided.
• Should be aware of what your educational rights are as a parent under IDEA. 

Each member of the IEP team plays a key role in supporting each and every child’s education. We must collaborate together to ensure that all students succeed.