Questions Every LA Parent Should Ask During an IEP Meeting
For many parents in Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley, attending an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting can feel overwhelming. You’re seated across from teachers, administrators, and specialists—all using educational jargon and technical language to discuss your child’s future.
It’s easy to feel outnumbered or uncertain, especially if it’s your first time in that room. But the truth is that you’re not just a participant. You are a key member of the IEP team.
At Woodsmall Law Group, PC., we’ve guided hundreds of families through the IEP process across the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and other districts. With the right preparation and support, you can use your voice to make sure your child receives the support they need and deserve.
Why Asking the Right Questions Matters
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and California Education Code, your child is entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). But that doesn’t happen automatically.
IEP meetings are where critical decisions about services, goals, and placement are made. By asking targeted, informed questions, you can:
- Clarify your child’s needs and progress
- Ensure services are appropriate and measurable
- Hold the school accountable for delivery and outcomes
- Protect your legal rights if problems arise
A Checklist of Questions to Ask During an IEP Meeting
Whether you’re reviewing a new plan or revisiting existing goals, these special education questions can help you stay focused, informed, and empowered.
Can you explain how my child’s unique needs are being addressed in this plan?
This opens the door for school staff to walk you through how they’re tailoring the plan to your child, not just using a one-size-fits-all template.
How were the proposed goals developed, and are they SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound)?
Understanding IEP goals is essential. Vague goals like “improve reading” are not enough. Ask how progress will be tracked and how you’ll be notified if your child is falling behind.
What services will be provided, and by whom?
Clarify the frequency, duration, and provider of services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or behavioral support. Don’t settle for generalities. Ask for specifics.
Will my child receive push-in or pull-out services, and in what setting?
It’s critical to understand where and how services will be delivered—in the general classroom, a special education setting, or a separate location. This affects your child’s access to peers and the curriculum.
What accommodations and modifications are included to support classroom learning?
Examples include extended test time, visual supports, or a quiet work area. Ask for examples that are relevant to your child’s needs.
How is progress monitored, and how often will I receive updates?
You have the right to meaningful progress updates. Ask if you’ll receive written reports or data and how often.
How does this IEP align with grade-level standards?
Your child should be taught to the same high standards as their peers, with accommodations as needed. Ask how the goals fit within the broader curriculum.
What behavioral supports or interventions are in place (if applicable)?
If your child struggles with focus, impulse control, or social-emotional skills, request details on behavior plans or social-emotional learning programs.
Is my child being considered for Extended School Year (ESY) services?
Ask this, especially if your child experiences regression over breaks. ESY helps maintain skills over the summer and is often under-discussed unless parents bring it up.
What happens if these services aren’t effective?
Ask about the next steps, progress review meetings, and how the team will adjust if current strategies aren’t working.
The LAUSD IEP Process: What LA Parents Should Know
The LAUSD IEP process follows IDEA requirements but has its own procedures and paperwork. If your child attends an LAUSD school:
- You should receive written notice of the meeting with enough time to prepare.
- LAUSD must assess your child every three years (triennial assessment) and upon parent request.
- You can bring anyone you want to the meeting, including a special education attorney or advocate.
- The district must provide a translated IEP if English is not your primary language.
Parents often face delays, insufficient evaluations, or vague goals. Knowing your rights under California’s special education laws can help you push back against these systemic challenges.
Red Flags to Watch For During IEP Meetings
Even well-meaning teams sometimes make mistakes. Watch for these warning signs that your child may not be getting a legally compliant or effective plan:
- Services are described with vague terms like “as needed” or “regularly”
- Goals are not tied to observable progress or standardized metrics
- School staff seems unfamiliar with your child or their challenges
- You’re discouraged from requesting additional assessments or support
- The team won’t consider private evaluation data
- You’re asked to sign an IEP during the meeting without time to review it
- You feel rushed or unable to ask all your questions
These signs may indicate a need for stronger parent advocacy at the IEP table or legal support if your concerns are dismissed.
When Should You Consider Legal Representation?
It may be time to speak with a special education attorney if you’ve tried to resolve issues through conversation but still feel the school is:
- Denying appropriate services
- Delaying assessments
- Failing to follow the IEP
- Misclassifying your child’s eligibility
- Ignoring private evaluations or expert input
At Woodsmall Law Group, PC., we help parents escalate concerns while maintaining a collaborative approach. Whether it’s guiding you through a facilitated IEP meeting or pursuing due process when necessary, we help you protect your child’s rights under IDEA and California Education Code § 56000.
Tips for Effective Parent Advocacy During IEPs
Even if you’re not bringing an attorney to your next meeting, you can still advocate powerfully for your child with these actionable strategies:
- Prepare in advance by reviewing past IEPs, assessments, and progress reports.
- Submit your parent concerns in writing before the meeting.
- Record the meeting (with advance notice) if permitted in your district.
- Take notes and ask questions—there are no wrong questions.
- Request clarification on any acronyms or unfamiliar terms.
- Ask for a copy of the IEP draft before signing.
- Follow up in writing with anything discussed that was left unresolved.
Speak With an Experienced Special Education Attorney in Los Angeles.
Whether you’re just beginning the IEP process or have been battling with your district for years, you don’t have to navigate it alone. With over 20 years of experience and services in English and Spanish, Woodsmall Law Group, PC. is committed to helping families secure the Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) their children are entitled to under the law.
We serve families throughout Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley, offering experienced legal guidance on every aspect of special education—from assessments and services to placement disputes and due process claims. Contact us today at (626) 440-0028 to schedule a free consultation.