Preparation tool

IEP Meeting Scripts

Exact language you can read or paraphrase at the IEP table. Organized by phase — before, opening, during, closing, and when things go sideways. Click any situation to expand the script.

How to use these scripts

• You don't need to read these word for word — use them as a guide for the key points you need to hit.
• Replace anything in [brackets] with your child's name, relevant dates, or specific details.
• If you're nervous, print the relevant sections and keep them in front of you. There is nothing wrong with referring to notes in an IEP meeting.
• The "Copy" button on each script lets you paste it into a document to customize before printing.
• Always follow up verbal requests with written communication — email creates a paper trail that verbal statements don't.

Before the Meeting

Send this to the school district at least 24–48 hours before the meeting.

I am writing to confirm [Child's name]'s IEP meeting scheduled for [date] at [time]. I am requesting copies of all documents that will be reviewed or discussed at this meeting — including any updated assessment reports, the current IEP draft, proposed goals, placement recommendations, and progress data — at least 24 hours before the meeting begins. If documents are not available in advance, I would like to discuss rescheduling so that I have adequate time to review them before being asked to make any decisions. Thank you. [Your name]

Keep a copy of this email. If the district fails to provide documents and you were not given adequate time to review them, note it at the start of the meeting.

I am writing to provide notice that I intend to audio record [Child's name]'s IEP meeting scheduled for [date]. California Education Code Section 56341.1 grants parents the right to record IEP meetings when 24-hour advance notice is provided. This message serves as that notice. Please ensure all team members are aware that the meeting will be recorded. Thank you. [Your name]

You may not be required to explain why you are recording. If anyone objects, calmly state that you have provided the required notice and are exercising your right under California law.

Opening the Meeting

Use these in the first few minutes to set a clear, confident tone before anything is proposed.

Thank you all for being here. My name is [your name], and I am [Child's name]'s parent. I'm a full member of this IEP team, and I'm here to work collaboratively toward an outcome that reflects my child's needs. Before we start, I want to note three things: First, I'd like copies of any documents we'll be reviewing today — especially any draft IEP or assessment summaries. Second, I'll be taking notes throughout this meeting. Third, I want everyone to know that I am not required to, and may not, make any final decisions or sign any documents today. I may take documents home to review before responding. With that said, I'm ready to begin. I'd like to start by [hearing about my child's progress / reviewing the proposed goals / discussing the assessment results].

Stating upfront that you won't sign today takes enormous pressure off you. The team cannot require you to sign at the meeting.

During the Meeting

These are situation-specific scripts to pull out when you need them.

I'd like to understand the evidence behind that recommendation. What specific data or assessments is the team basing this on? Can I see those documents? I'd like to review the actual numbers and notes before responding to this proposal.

You are entitled to copies of all evaluation reports and assessments used to make IEP decisions. If they're not on hand, ask for them in writing before the next meeting.

I appreciate the team's work on this, and I can see the intention behind this proposal. But I have concerns, and I'm not ready to agree to it today. I'd like more time to think about this, review the supporting data, and — if needed — speak with an outside specialist or advocate before we finalize anything. Can we schedule a follow-up meeting to revisit this specific point?

You never have to say yes in the moment. Requesting time to review is your right, not a conflict.

I disagree with the district's assessment of [Child's name]. I am formally requesting an Independent Educational Evaluation at public expense under 34 CFR §300.502 and California Education Code §56329. I am asking the district to respond in writing within a reasonable time — generally five business days — either authorizing the IEE at no cost to me, or initiating a due process hearing to defend the district's assessment. I'll follow up this request in writing.

You can request an IEE at any time after disagreeing with an evaluation. The district must either fund it or file for due process — they cannot simply deny it. Follow up your verbal request with a written letter.

I want to be clear that I am not going to sign the IEP today. I'd like to take it home, read it carefully, and have time to consider everything before I respond. I understand that some services may begin without my signature on agreed portions. I'll follow up in writing within [a few days / one week] with either my signature or my written concerns. Please don't interpret my attendance today as consent to the plan.

California parents have the right to review and respond to the IEP before signing. There is no legal deadline for how quickly you must respond.

Closing the Meeting

Always leave with documented clarity on what was decided, who's responsible, and what happens next.

Before we close, I want to make sure we all leave with the same understanding. I heard us agree to the following: [List each item, e.g.: — [Child's name] will receive [service] for [frequency] starting [date] — The district will conduct [assessment] by [date] — We will meet again on [date] to review [topic]] Is that an accurate summary? Can someone confirm who is responsible for each item and the specific deadline? I'll follow up with a written summary of what I understood us to agree to.

Send a brief follow-up email within 24 hours confirming the agreements. This creates a record and catches misunderstandings early.

I am requesting a Prior Written Notice for all decisions made in today's meeting. Under IDEA (34 CFR §300.503) and California Education Code §56500.4, the district is required to provide Prior Written Notice in writing whenever it proposes to initiate or change, or refuses to initiate or change, the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of my child. This includes any proposals or refusals that came up in today's meeting. Please provide the PWN within a reasonable time.

Prior Written Notice is one of the most important documents you can receive. It forces the district to explain, in writing, what they're doing and why. Always request it after key decisions.

If Things Go Wrong

Use these if the meeting becomes contentious, unproductive, or your rights are being ignored.

I don't feel that I have the information I need to make informed decisions today. I have not received [the documents / the assessment results / adequate advance notice], and I'm not in a position to move forward responsibly. I am requesting that we reschedule this meeting to a date when I've had time to review all relevant documents and, if needed, bring an advocate. I want to be clear that I am not waiving any IEP timelines by requesting a rescheduled meeting. Please follow up with available dates.

I have the right under IDEA to be accompanied by a person of my choosing — including an advocate or representative — at IEP meetings. I would like to reschedule this meeting to a date when my advocate can be present. I'm not comfortable making decisions today without that support.

You are allowed to bring any person you choose to an IEP meeting. The district cannot prohibit your advocate, attorney, or support person from attending.

Always follow up in writing

After every IEP meeting, send a brief email to the special education director or case manager summarizing what you understood to be agreed upon, any requests you made, and any items that remain unresolved. This creates a written record that is invaluable if disagreements arise later. Keep every email you send and every response you receive.