1. Exceptional Lives
  2. Massachusetts Guides
  3. Special Education Services
  4. The IEP Process
  5. Prepare for the IEP Meeting

Your concerns and vision for your child

Think about your child's needs and these questions

If your child qualifies for an IEP, the next step is to prepare for the meeting to create the IEP. This is called the IEP Meeting.

Here's what you can do:

  1. Think about your concerns and hopes for your child. See the questions below.

  2. Write down your thoughts. These notes may help you at the meeting.

An image of a parent with a thought bubble, thinking about the following questions: What do I hope for my child in the years ahead? What are my concerns for my child? What are their challenges? What are their strengths and interests? What has the school been doing well? How could they do better to support my childs needs? What questions do I have about the special education process?

It is important that you be honest and thoughtful. Think carefully and write what you want for your child.

These notes will help you with 2 parts of the IEP Form that the school Team may ask you to write:

  1. Parent and/or Student Concerns: What challenges does your child's have that the IEP can address in the next school year?

  2. Vision Statement: What do you see happening for your child in the next 5 years? 

They may ask you to write these before the meeting so they can put them in the draft.

Here's what you can do:

  • Click the link at the bottom of the page to download a form where you can write your notes.

  • Write in your answers for the ones that apply to your child.

  • Use it to help write the Parent Concerns and Vision Statement for the IEP.

  • Print out the form and bring it to the IEP meeting.