Under IDEA, parents are required participants in the IEP process with legally protected rights — not guests or observers.
The Right to Participate in Every IEP Meeting
Schools must make every effort to ensure parents can attend IEP meetings, including scheduling at mutually agreed times and offering phone or video participation. You have the right to bring an advocate, attorney, family member, or any support person.
The Right to Review Educational Records
You have the right to inspect all educational records related to your child — evaluation reports, IEP documents, placement records, and disciplinary records. Schools must respond without unnecessary delay and before any IEP meeting or placement decision.
The Right to an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)
If you disagree with the school's evaluation, you have the right to request an IEE by a qualified examiner outside the district. The school must either fund the IEE or file a due process hearing to defend its own evaluation. IEE results must be considered by the IEP team.
The Right to Request an IEP Meeting at Any Time
You can request an IEP meeting at any time — not just at the annual review. The school must respond within a reasonable timeframe.
The Right to Dispute Decisions
If you disagree with any IEP decision you may request mediation, file a state complaint, or request a due process hearing. While a dispute is being resolved your child has the right to remain in their current placement — this is called the stay-put provision.
The Right to Prior Written Notice
Before the school proposes or refuses any change to your child's identification, evaluation, placement, or services, it must give you prior written notice explaining the action, the reason, and options considered.
These rights apply in every state, every district, and every school.