Requesting a Parent Member for your IEP Meeting
It can be intimidating to advocate for your child at an IEP meeting. And even if you're feeling confident you should still request a Parent Member.
A Parent Member is another parent from your school district who can attend the meeting as a facilitator alongside you. While they cannot directly advocate for services for your child, they can ask questions, provide clarity in communication between you and the school, and be another person in the room who really understands the parent perspective. In order to become a Parent Member, they receive training in the rights you and your child have, as well as the full IEP process.
You must request the presence of a Parent Member at least 72 hours in advance, which you can do by sending an email or written letter to your school's team or the Committee on Special Education. For more information, or to train as a Parent Member yourself,
click on the link below.
Comments