What’s an IEP Meeting? A Complete Guide for Parents
If your child has been referred for special education services, you’ll soon be invited to something called an IEP meeting or CSE meeting. For many parents, these letters bring a mix of hope, confusion, and anxiety. You want to be sure your child gets the right support, but it’s easy to feel uncertain about what to expect or how the process works.
This article breaks down the basics of an IEP meeting, who attends, what happens, and how to prepare — so you can walk in feeling informed, confident, and ready to advocate for your child.
What’s an IEP Meeting?
IEP stands for Individualized Education Program. It’s a written plan developed for students who qualify for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
The IEP outlines your child’s strengths, needs, goals, accommodations, and specialized services. It serves as both a roadmap and a legal agreement between the school and your family, ensuring your child receives the support necessary to make meaningful progress.
An IEP meeting is the formal process where this plan is created, reviewed, or updated. These meetings usually take place at least once a year, but parents can request additional meetings at any time if they feel changes are needed.
Who Attends an IEP Meeting
Every IEP meeting brings together a team of people who know your child well and can contribute to their success. According to federal IEP requirements, the team includes:
Parents or guardians – You are a key decision-maker and advocate for your child.
General education teacher – Provides insight into classroom expectations and peer interactions.
Special education teacher or provider – Shares expertise on interventions and accommodations.
School psychologist or evaluator – Explains testing results and recommends supports.
A district representative or CSE chairperson – Ensures the plan meets state and federal guidelines.
Your child (when appropriate) – Older students often attend to discuss their goals and learn self-advocacy.
In New York and some other states, this meeting may be called a CSE meeting (Committee on Special Education). The process and purpose are the same — to develop an individualized plan for your child’s educational success.
Why Having a Psychologist at the Meeting Helps
An IEP meeting can feel overwhelming for parents — especially when the conversation turns to data, scores, and technical language from evaluations. Having a psychologist present can make the experience more understandable and less stressful.
A psychologist can:
Clearly interpret evaluation results, helping you understand what each score means and how it relates to your child’s classroom performance.
Bridge the gap between educational data and real-world implications for learning, behavior, and emotional well-being.
Advocate for appropriate supports, ensuring the recommendations truly align with your child’s needs.
Keep the discussion parent-friendly, clarifying jargon and maintaining focus on practical solutions.
Bringing a psychologist — whether independent or from your child’s clinical care team — can help you feel informed and confident during the meeting.
The IEP Meeting Agenda: What to Expect
While every school district runs things slightly differently, most follow a similar IEP agenda to keep the discussion organized and comprehensive.
Here’s what typically happens step-by-step:
Introductions and Purpose – The team reviews why the meeting is being held.
Review of Current Performance – Teachers share progress and classroom observations.
Evaluation Results – The school psychologist explains assessments and outcomes.
Setting Measurable Goals – The team defines specific academic and social-emotional goals.
Determining Services and Accommodations – Supports such as educational remediation, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or accommodations like extended testing time are discussed.
Deciding on Placement – The most appropriate learning environment is selected.
Progress Monitoring – The plan for measuring and reporting progress is established.
Your Role as a Parent
Parents are not just participants — you’re an equal partner in the decision-making process. You know your child best, and your insight adds crucial context to the data educators present.
You can:
Ask for clarification on any part of the evaluation or goals.
Request that your psychologist attend the meeting to help explain assessment findings.
Suggest supports that have worked outside of school.
Ensure goals are measurable and realistic.
If you feel unsure about how to interpret an evaluation or what certain recommendations mean, having a psychologist at your side allows you to make informed, confident decisions about your child’s plan.
Common Questions Parents Ask
What’s the difference between an IEP meeting and a CSE meeting?
In New York, the Committee on Special Education (CSE) oversees the IEP process. The CSE meeting is the IEP meeting — just under a different name.
How often do IEP meetings happen?
Schools must hold one annual review, but parents can request additional meetings whenever necessary — for example, if your child’s needs change or progress stalls.
What happens if I disagree with the school’s recommendations?
Parents have the right to request another evaluation, mediation, or an independent educational evaluation (IEE). You can also ask to reconvene the team to make adjustments.
Tips for a Successful IEP Meeting
Prepare in advance. Review the current IEP, progress reports, and evaluations.
Bring your psychologist. Their perspective helps clarify results and advocate for the right supports.
Write down your priorities. Focus the discussion on the areas that matter most.
Stay calm and collaborative. The goal is teamwork, not confrontation.
Follow up in writing. Summarize agreements or next steps by email for your records.
Understanding the Legal Framework
The IEP process is grounded in IDEA, a federal law ensuring all students with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
Under IEP requirements, schools must:
Conduct thorough evaluations to determine eligibility.
Provide individualized services in the least restrictive environment (LRE).
Track and report measurable progress.
Include parents as equal partners in all decisions.
After the Meeting: What Comes Next
Once the IEP is finalized, the school begins implementing the agreed-upon services. Parents should monitor progress and maintain communication with teachers and service providers.
If anything feels unclear, you can request another meeting — and it’s often helpful to have your psychologist present again to review data or suggest adjustments.
The Bottom Line
An IEP meeting is more than an obligation — it’s an opportunity to collaborate and advocate for your child’s future. By understanding the IEP meeting definition, knowing the agenda, and recognizing the value of professional support, you can transform a complex process into an empowering one.
At Coast Psychology, our clinicians often attend CSE meetings alongside families to explain evaluations, clarify next steps, and ensure each child’s plan reflects their true potential. With the right preparation — and the right support team — you can help your child feel seen, supported, and set up for success.
