You’ve emailed a student’s parents about an upcoming IEP meeting. You’ve left voicemail messages and sent invitations by regular and certified mail. You’ve visited the parents’ home in an attempt to speak to them in person. Still the parents do not attend the meeting. Take steps to address the parents’ concerns about the student’s proposed services and placement to ensure their participation in the development of the program.
Document all contacts with parents. IDEA regulations require districts to keep records of all telephone calls, correspondence, and home visits made to arrange an IEP meeting at a mutually agreeable time and place. This is why completing the meeting contact information section of our KPBSD meeting invitations is required.
Let parents know about alternate means of participation. Some parents may not be aware that they may participate in IEP meetings by phone or by other means. Including this information in your contacts with parents may influence their participation.
Take steps to follow up. In addition to sending parents prior written notice of the student’s program and placement, the district should provide contact information for employees who can address the parents’ concerns about the program. The district should follow up with the parents to make sure they received the notice and to ask about any concerns the parents might have.
-November 13, 2013. Slater, Amy E., Esq., LRP Specialedconnection.com.