Listen to the show

How to Make IEP Meetings Less Intimidating for Parents

Welcome to November...the month we show gratitude for our parents! 

In this episode, we’re tackling a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough attention in the special education world: parents. 

While our job is to serve students, doing that effectively means working with their families, especially during IEP meetings.

IEP meetings can be overwhelming for everyone involved, but they’re especially intimidating for parents. So this week’s episode is all about how to make IEP meetings less intimidating, more welcoming, and more collaborative.

We can’t always change the content of the meeting, but we can influence how it feels. And a huge part of that comes from the environment we create....before a single word is even spoken.

Whether you’re brand new to special education or a seasoned veteran, these strategies will help you create a space where parents feel informed, respected, and ready to partner with you in their child’s success.

✨ What You’ll Learn:

• Why the environment of your meeting room matters more than you think
• How to use simple visuals (like a Percentile Chart!) to make data conversations clearer for families
• Ways to connect parents with community resources—no matter the size of your district
• The messages you may unintentionally be sending through your meeting setup—and how to shift them

 Featured Resource:

🖼️ IEP Meeting Room Resource 

This resource includes everything you need to make your meeting space more inviting, supportive, and functional:

• ✅ Printable Percentile Chart
• ✅ 3 Ready-to-Use Meeting Agendas
• ✅ 2 Meeting Norms Posters
• ✅ 8 Inspirational Quote Posters (color & black-and-white)

🎉 Get it for 50% off for a limited time!
Perfect for building stronger parent partnerships through intentional meeting design.

Thanks so much for tuning in to Special Education for Beginners! If you found this episode helpful, please follow the podcast and leave a review—it helps more special educators find the tools and encouragement they need.

🟡 Until next time, remember:
 Every IEP meeting is an opportunity to build bridges, not barriers. 💛

JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

The Sped Prep Academy Facebook Group

Connect with Jennifer on Instagram

ENJOYING THE PODCAST?

Tag me @spedprepacademy on Instagram and tell me what you are listening to!

SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW

I don’t want you to miss a thing! Be the first to know when a new episode is available by subscribing in iTunes HERE!

If you would like to support The Sped Prep Academy® podcast, a review would mean so much. By leaving a review, you are helping fellow special educators find this podcast to receive the help and support they need. To leave a review in iTunes, click HERE and scroll down to Ratings and Reviews. Click “Write a Review” and share with me how this podcast is helping you grow as an educator!