Questions to Ask at Your IEP Meeting
A practical list of questions organized by topic — bring these into the room.
You don't have to ask all of them. Use what fits your situation.
If you want help breaking down your child's IEP in plain language, you can analyze your IEP here.
Short version
You have the right to ask questions at every IEP meeting.
There are no bad questions — school staff expect and welcome them.
Take notes or record the meeting (check your state's rules).
You do not have to sign anything on the spot.
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Why Questions Matter
Parents are full members of the IEP team — not observers. Asking questions is not confrontational. It is part of how the team works together to understand what your child needs.
When parents ask questions, everyone in the room has to slow down and make sure the plan actually makes sense for this child. That is a good thing.
Questions are just one part — here's how to prepare fully.
Before the Meeting
A little preparation makes the meeting much less stressful. Bringing a few notes makes it easier to speak up and remember what you want to ask.
Consider writing down:
The strengths you see in your child
The challenges you're noticing at home or school
Questions you want answered
Any concerns about learning, behavior, or communication
Many parents also bring a notebook to write down important points during the meeting.
These questions come from what most IEPs actually include — goals, services, placement, accommodations, and progress measures.
If you haven't reviewed the IEP yet, our guide on how to read an IEP walks you through each section before you walk in.
Questions About Your Child's Current Support
- What strengths does my child show in the classroom?
- What areas are they struggling with the most?
- What data shows where they currently are academically or developmentally?
- What supports are already being used in the classroom?
Questions About Proposed Goals
- What skill is this goal trying to improve?
- How will progress be measured?
- How often will progress be reported to parents?
- What happens if my child isn't meeting the goal?
Questions About Services and Supports
- What services will my child receive (speech, OT, behavioral support, etc.)?
- How often will these services happen?
- Who will provide them?
- Will supports happen in the classroom or in a separate setting?
Questions About Placement
- Will my child spend most of their time in general education?
- Are there specialized classrooms or programs if my child needs more support?
- How is the placement decision made?
- What would a typical school day look like for my child in this placement?
Questions About Progress and Follow-Up
- How will I know if the plan is working?
- How often will I receive updates?
- Who should I contact if I have concerns during the year?
It's Okay to Take Time
You do not have to sign the IEP during the meeting. If you need time to review the document, think through what was discussed, or talk it over with someone you trust, you can take the paperwork home.
The goal of the meeting is to build a plan that works for your child — not to get a signature as quickly as possible.
Continue exploring
Choose the option that fits where you are right now.
Your rights in an IEP meeting
Know what you can ask, request, and take time to review — without needing a lawyer in the room.
Understand your child's IEP
Already have an IEP? Upload or paste it to get a plain-English meeting prep report.
New to the process
Get a plain-English overview of the IEP process and what parents can do at each stage.
Early signs your child may need support
Learn what developmental signs may be worth discussing with your child's school or doctor.
What Is an IEP
A plain-English overview of what an IEP is, who qualifies, and what's in it.
How to Read an IEP
A section-by-section guide to what your child's IEP actually says.
General educational information, not legal advice. Laws vary by state.