How Do I Understand My Child’s IEP and What Should I Do in School Meetings?
By Julie Diamond, OCT
If your child has extra learning needs, you’ve probably heard the term IEP, which is an acronym that stands for Individualized Education Plan. For many parents, this document feels confusing and full of educational jargon. But here’s the good news: once you know how to read it and what to ask in meetings, the IEP can become your child’s roadmap for success.
Whenever possible, involve your child in this process.
I usually recommend this for kids in grade 5 and up, but use your discretion. If your child is comfortable, this can be a powerful opportunity for them to practice advocating for themselves.
I have created a guide that will walk you through how to:
Understand what’s in the IEP
Prepare for school meetings
Ask the right questions
Make sure the plan works for your child
I’ll also share links to other helpful resources from teachers so you feel supported at every step.
What is an IEP?
An IEP is a written plan that explains:
Your child’s learning goals for the year
Supports and strategies the school will use
Who is responsible for helping your child
How progress will be measured
Think of it as your child’s personal learning roadmap.
If you’re new to special education, check out a previous blog I wrote last year called A Parent’s Guide to Special Education in Ontario. It explains how the whole process works, including definitions for different terminology, such as identification, accommodations, and modifications.
How to Read Your Child’s IEP
When you get the IEP, don’t feel you have to understand every page at once. Start with the key sections:
Strengths and Needs
What your child does well and where they need support.
Ask yourself: Does this sound like my child?
Goals
Specific skills your child should work on.
Good goals are clear and measurable, like “read at a grade 4 level by June.”
Ask: How will we know when this goal is met?
Accommodations
Changes to how your child learns to help them be successful (like giving them extra time on tests, or using a computer).
Ask: How will I know these accommodations are happening in the classroom? If your child is comfortable with their teacher, chat with them about how they can advocate for themself to ask for these accommodations.
Modifications
Changes to what your child is expected to learn (for example, working at a different grade level in math).
Ask: Is this the right level of challenge for my child?
Supports and Services
Things like resource teacher time, speech therapy, or technology.
Ask: How often will my child actually get this support?
Progress and Updates
How and when you’ll hear about progress.
Ask: How will I receive updates about my child’s progress?
How to Prepare for an IEP Meeting
Meetings can feel rushed. A little preparation goes a long way:
Take Notes at Home: Write down what works for your child and what doesn’t. Bring real examples (like homework struggles or successes).
Gather Paperwork: Keep past IEPs, assessments, or reports handy to reference during the meetings.
Set Priorities: Decide what matters most to you and your child for this school year - whether it’s reading support, social skills, or building confidence.
Know Your Rights: Parents have the right to be heard, to ask for changes, and to appeal decisions. Read What Are My Rights as a Parent in Advocating for My Child’s Education for more details.
What to Do During the Meeting
Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to stop the meeting and ask, “Can you explain that in plain language?”Speak Up About Goals
If a goal sounds too vague (“improve in math”), ask for more detail.Check Supports
If your child is promised a laptop, speech therapy, or extra help, ask when, where, and how often they will have access to it.Make It Practical
Ensure the supports match your child’s real needs. For example, if anxiety is an issue, ask about breaks or access to quiet spaces.Take Notes
Write down decisions and who is responsible for what. Afterward, you can email the team to confirm what was agreed on.
After the Meeting
Your role doesn’t stop once the IEP is written.
Watch Progress: Compare your child’s work with the goals. Do you see growth?
Stay in Touch: Email teachers or resource staff for updates.
Speak Up if Needed: If something isn’t working, request another meeting. The IEP is a working document and it can be changed.
Ask for Help: You don’t have to do this alone. Diamond Teachers Group offers an IEP Review Meeting service to help parents understand the document and prepare questions before school meetings.
The IEP process can feel overwhelming at first. But when you break it down, it’s really about one thing: making sure your child has what they need to learn and grow.
By reading the IEP carefully, preparing for meetings, and speaking up with confidence, you become your child’s strongest advocate.
For more guidance, explore these helpful resources:
Remember: you know your child best, and your voice matters. Together with the school, you can build a plan that helps your child succeed.
And most importantly, bring your child into the process when they’re ready. Teaching them how to understand their IEP, ask questions, and share their perspective helps them build confidence and self-advocacy skills that will last far beyond the classroom.