If your child experiences difficulties in the classroom, the school might be able to devise an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) for your child. This program is designed to help your child overcome learning difficulties and to help them perform on the same level as other children in their classroom.

The school will periodically review the IEP depending on the child’s performance, but as parents, you have the right to ask for additional IEP meetings.

When To Request IEP Meetings

If you feel that your child has already mastered the IEP goal set for them, then you can ask the school for an IEP case review to discuss whether or not they could set a new goal for your child. You can also ask the school what activities you can do at home to further help your child.

If you feel that your child is not showing any improvement even with the help of an IEP, then you can meet with the IEP specialist at school and ask them to redesign the program. You can also request a meeting if you think your child needs a functional behavior assessment, also called an FBA test.

How To Ask For Additional Meetings

If you think that additional meetings are necessary, you can write a letter to the school administration to request an extra session with the IEP specialist. Make sure that your letter follows the correct format, and you can use a template to help you structure your request letter to the school administration.

Also, you need to make sure that the school administration has received your letter, so ask them to send an acknowledgment letter as proof that they have received your request. This way, they will not be able to back out of a meeting under the pretense that they never received your request.

Always remember that, as a parent, it is your right to request these meetings, and the school must grant your request within four weeks.

Importance Of Follow-Up Sessions

After an additional IEP meeting, it is also imperative that you reach out to the school frequently for follow-up sessions. This will help you stay up to date regarding your child’s IEP. 

This will also allow you to keep track of your child’s progress and make sure that the school is providing your child with all the extra support that they need to overcome their learning difficulties.

Concluding Thoughts

If you think that your child’s IEP is not working, it is important to schedule an additional IEP meeting with the school. This allows you to request changes in the program so that your child has the best chance at overcoming academic hurdles.