Participating in IEP Meetings

Learn more about designing your child's IEP and playing an active role in IEP meetings at school .

Important Note on Draft IEPs:  Most schools draft the IEP or sections of the IEP prior to the IEP Team meeting.  The school is supposed to send you a copy of the draft sufficiently in advance of the meeting so that you can review the recommendations and be prepared to discuss the proposals and provide your input at the IEP Team meeting.  Since many schools do not share the draft prior to the meeting, it is a good idea to request the draft when you agree on a meeting date.  It is NOT permissible for the DOE to have the final IEP completed before the IEP team meeting begins. See more about special education rules and regulations »

Ask & Share: Tools for Families and Schools to Create a Student-Centered IEP
The Ask & Share guides help parents prepare for, participate in and record relevant information about their child’s IEP team meeting. The guides provide suggestions as to what to ask and what to share regarding every section of the IEP. There are separate guides for elementary schools, middle schools,  and high schools.

Family Guide to Assistive Technology, Spring 2016
This guide provides information about how families can obtain assistive technology (AT) and accessible instructional materials (AEM) to help their child access his or her educational program. In addition to defining both topics, this guide explains the evaluation process, IEP documentation of recommendations, and how equipment and materials are provided, maintained and used both in and outside of the instructional setting. See the DOE's Center for Assistive Technology guides »

Family Guide to Transition Planning: Preparing Students with IEPs for Life after High School
As the guide points out, “It is never too late to start helping your child prepare for a successful future.”  Formal transition planning starts at age 12 in NYC Public Schools. The guide provides a checklist with recommendations organized by age for what you and your child can do to prepare for life after school.