The two free guides on this page are designed to be printed and brought to your child's IEP meetings and school visits.
How to Use the IEP Meeting Question Checklist
The checklist is organized in the order events happen. Start with the "Before the Meeting" section one week ahead — reach out to the case manager, request a draft IEP, and confirm who will attend. During the meeting, work through each section: current performance, goals, services, accommodations, and communication. At the end use the "After the Meeting" section to confirm what you are signing and when you will receive progress updates.
Bring a pen and check off each item as it is covered. If a topic is skipped or not answered clearly, circle it and return to it before the meeting ends. You do not need to ask every question — focus on what matters most for your child's specific situation.
How to Use the School Placement Selection Guide
The guide is organized by support intensity level. Find the section that matches your child — Level 1 (Mild), Level 2 (Moderate), Level 3 (Moderate/Severe), or Level 4 (Severe) — and focus your school visits on that section.
Use Part 1 for any school you visit regardless of level. It covers program quality, specialist staff, physical environment, inclusion access, and school culture. Use the comparison worksheet in Part 3 to record notes from up to three school visits and compare them side by side.
Tips for Both Guides
Print the guides before your meeting — do not rely on a phone screen in the room. Write notes in the margins. Follow up in writing if any question receives a vague answer. Keep copies of all completed checklists in your child's education file at home.