Laying the Foundation: How a “Check-In” Meeting Can Build Collaboration & Accountability

The start of a new school year is always a whirlwind - new teachers, new routines, and often a lot of changes for students with IEPs. Once the dust settles, many families find themselves wondering: "Is my child actually getting the support they’re supposed to?"

That’s why requesting a check-in IEP meeting after the first month or two of school is one of the most effective ways to advocate for your child early in the year.

Why Schedule an Early Meeting

An IEP check-in - sometimes scheduled before the annual review - can provide essential benefits:

• Ensuring proper implementation: A new school year can bring staffing shortages, changes in schedules, or delays in service delivery. An early check-in allows you to confirm that all services and accommodations are in place as written.

• Building collaboration and trust: Teachers and service providers are still learning about your child’s strengths, needs, and communication styles. Meeting early allows you to share insights and proven strategies, while strengthening your working relationship with the IEP team.

• Addressing emerging concerns promptly: If your child comes home frustrated, or teachers notice early challenges, these issues can be discussed and resolved before they become significant barriers.

How to Request an IEP Meeting

Requesting an IEP meeting is simple. A clear, written request sent by email to your child’s case manager, special education teacher, or principal is all that’s required. Here’s a template you can use:

Subject: Request for IEP Meeting

Dear [Teacher / Case Manager / Principal],

Now that the school year is underway, I would like to request an IEP team meeting for my child, [Child’s Name and Date of Birth]. I’d like to check in on how the IEP is being implemented and discuss how [Child’s Name] is adjusting to the new school year.

Please let me know some available dates and times for the team to meet.

Thank you for your time and support.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Topics to Cover at the Check-In

To get the most out of the meeting, consider questions such as:

• Has the IEP been fully implemented as written? How can we address any inconsistencies?

• Are services (such as speech, OT, counseling, or academic support) happening as scheduled?

• Are accommodations being provided consistently in class? Which are they using and which are they not using?

• What strengths are teachers noticing, and how can those be built upon?

• Are there new challenges or behaviors the team has observed?

• Does any portion of the IEP need to be adjusted to better support success?

• Are there strategies that can be carried over and reinforced at home?

If needed, the IEP can be updated during the meeting to reflect new supports, services, or goals.

Your Right to Request a Meeting

Under California Education Code §56343(c), parents have the right to request an IEP team meeting at any time. The district is legally required to hold the meeting within 30 calendar days of receiving your written request (excluding school breaks longer than five days). This means you do not need to wait for the annual IEP to raise questions or ask for modifications. You can, and should, schedule check-ins whenever concerns arise.

A Collaborative Approach

The purpose of an IEP check-in is to ensure that your child’s needs are being met. Approaching the meeting with preparation and a collaborative spirit encourages partnership with the school team and builds long-term trust.

Final Thoughts

Requesting an IEP check-in within the first four to six weeks of school is one of the most effective steps you can take as a parent advocate. It puts accountability in place early, strengthens communication with the team, and helps identify potential gaps before they affect your child’s progress.

Your perspective as a parent is vital. By taking this proactive step, you set the tone for a strong, collaborative, and student-centered school year.

Don’t wait. Ask the questions. Schedule the meeting. Keep advocating. Because you know your child best — and your advocacy is the key to their success.