How to request an IEP meeting

The IEP must be reviewed at least once a year, but that is a minimum. If something isn't working, you can ask the school to meet sooner. Putting the request in writing makes it clear and gives you a record.

When it makes sense to ask

Your child isn't making the progress the goals expected.
Services or accommodations aren't being provided as written.
You have new information, like an outside evaluation or a new diagnosis.
Something has changed: behavior, health, a new school, or a big transition ahead.

What the law says

The IEP team must review the IEP at least once a year, and revise it as needed to address lack of expected progress, new evaluation results, information you provide, and your child's anticipated needs.
The school must try to make sure you can attend, including scheduling the meeting at a mutually agreed time and place and telling you early enough to plan.
If English isn't your native language, or you are deaf, the school must take steps to make sure you understand the meeting, including arranging an interpreter.
After the annual meeting, you and the school can agree to change the IEP in writing without a full meeting. You can ask for a revised copy with the changes included.
If the school refuses a change you asked for, it must give you prior written notice explaining why.

Federal rules don't set a deadline for responding to a parent's meeting request; some states do. Your state's Parent Training and Information Center can tell you the rules where you live.

A sample request

Send it by email to your child's case manager, and keep a copy:

"I am requesting an IEP team meeting for my child, [name], to discuss [the concern, e.g. lack of progress in reading / services not being provided / a new evaluation]. Please let me know some dates and times that work for the team, and who will attend. I would also like copies of any recent progress data before the meeting. Thank you."

Before the meeting

Write down your two or three most important concerns and what you want to change.
Gather progress reports, work samples, emails, and any outside evaluations.
Use our IEP meeting checklist and the questions to ask at an IEP meeting.

Walk into the meeting prepared

Upload your child's IEP for a plain-English breakdown and meeting questions based on it. Free to start.

Upload your child's IEP →

Sources

This guide is general educational information about federal law, not legal advice. Your state may add its own rules and timelines. For help with your situation, contact your state's Parent Training and Information Center or a special education attorney.