The IPP Meeting
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The IPP Meeting...How to Walk In Prepared and Leave With Something Useful.
A breakdown of what an IPP meeting is, who is in the room, and how to advocate without burning bridges.
I still remember the first IPP meetings where I nodded through everything, wrote things down, and left feeling like nothing actually changed.
You sit in a room where everyone speaks in goals and accommodations, while you are thinking about your child’s actual day. How they cope. What falls apart. What no one else sees.
Over time, I learned that IPP meetings are not just updates. They are where your child’s school experience gets shaped, sometimes without you realizing how much influence you actually have in the room.
This is the kind of meeting where you can either leave with vague intentions or with a real plan that actually supports your child. The difference is in how prepared you are before you walk in.
BE THE WARRIOR I KNOW YOU ARE...YOU GOT THIS!!
This breaks down what I wish someone had explained to me at the beginning.
An IPP meeting is not just an update. It is where support is defined.
Who is in the room or on Zoom:
Teacher
Learning support or resource staff
School administration
Sometimes therapists or specialists
You
What the meeting should cover:
Current level of functioning
Goals that are specific and measurable
Supports and accommodations
What success looks like
How progress will be tracked
How to prepare:
Write down your top 3 priorities
Bring recent reports or recommendations
Know what is not working
Be ready with examples from home
What to ask:
How are these goals measured?
What support is in place daily?
What happens if my child is struggling?
How will communication happen with me?
What does a good day look like at school?
What to push for:
Clear, measurable goals
Consistent supports
Defined responsibilities
Regular updates
How to advocate without burning bridges:
Stay focused on your child’s needs
Be specific, not emotional
Ask for clarity, not conflict
Document everything
Leave the meeting with:
A clear plan
Defined supports
Communication structure
A date to review progress
Make sure to check out some FREE IPP Templates in the Bridging Barriers Community for you to Download~ Print out and fill in during your next meeting!!
