What Can Go Wrong in an IEP Meeting?

Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings can be very overwhelming, and the language used and topics discussed in these meetings may be confusing or hard to follow. This often leads to parents agreeing to IEPs that are not the most effective for their child. It is important for parents to be familiar with special education law and their rights, as well as their child’s rights, in order to be a good advocate for their child’s education. The following are common mistakes that parents should avoid making in IEP meetings:

• Thinking educators and professionals are the only experts when it comes to a child’s education

• Not documenting conversations or requests in writing

• Being unfamiliar with Prior Written Notice and other Procedural Safeguards

• Asking for a service before requesting an assessment that proves the need for that service

• Approving assessment results that are inaccurate or recommend incorrect services for the child

• Not reviewing assessment results on their own before the IEP meeting

• Allowing immeasurable goals and objectives to be established

• Agreeing to placement decisions before an IEP is fully developed

• Feeling rushed and settling for a shortened IEP meeting

• Sitting on questions rather than asking them and clearing up confusion

Maya Murphy P.C. has proudly been included in the 2024 Edition of Best Law Firms®, ranked among the top firms in the nation. In addition, Managing Partner Joseph C. Maya has been selected to The Best Lawyers in America® 2024 for his work in Employment Law and Education Law in Connecticut. Recognition in Best Lawyers® is awarded to firms and attorneys who demonstrate excellence in the industry and is widely regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor.

Our firm in Westport, Connecticut serves clients with legal assistance all over the state, including the towns of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Bethel, Branford, Bridgeport, Brookfield, Cheshire, Danbury, Darien, Derby, East Haven, Easton, Fairfield, Greenwich, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, Meriden, Middlebury, Milford, Monroe, Naugatuck, New Canaan, New Fairfield, New Haven, Newton, North Branford, North Haven, Norwalk, Orange, Oxford, Prospect, Redding, Ridgefield, Seymour, Shelton, Sherman, Southbury, Stamford, Stratford, Trumbull, Wallingford, Waterbury, West Haven, Weston, Westport, Wilton, and Woodbridge. In addition to assisting clients in Connecticut, our firm handles education law matters in New York as well.

If you have any questions or would like to speak to an attorney about a legal matter, please contact Joseph C. Maya and the other experienced attorneys at Maya Murphy, P.C. at (203) 221-3100 or JMaya@Mayalaw.com to schedule a free initial consultation today.