1. Exceptional Lives
  2. Louisiana Guides
  3. Special Education Services
  4. The IEP process
  5. Prepare for the IEP meeting

Your concerns and vision for your child

Your goals, hopes and concerns for your child should be the basis of the IEP.

Your first step is to think carefully about what you want for your child and write down your thoughts.

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. 

  3. Give them to the IEP team before the meeting.

  4. Make sure the final IEP reflects this vision.

An image of Exceptional Lives parent character Paula 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 child's 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 with two parts of the IEP Form: 

  1. Parent and/or Student Concerns:What challenges does your child 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?

The school team may ask you to write these sections before the meeting. If they don't, you should write your thoughts and share them at the meeting.