Ever walked out of an IEP meeting with pages of paperwork and documents to review wondering, Does this have everything my child actually needs? How do I know what’s missing? or Why does this feel SO hard??? We’ve been here. Even when you know an IEP is necessary, the process of preparing documents, sitting in a meeting full of unfamiliar faces discussing your child, then going home to sort through pages of paperwork, is a lot for any parent.
But what if you had your own IEP best friend where you could upload your child’s IEP and get recommendations on goals, accommodations, modifications, and services in minutes? This week, we’re tackling IEP prep: what to look for, what to ask, and what helps you catch it all.
Step 1. Brush up on IEP basics
- What is an IEP?
- 10 things every parent should know about IEPs
- IEP assessments, explained
- How to check progress on your child’s IEP
- Your rights at an IEP (in plain language)
Step 2. Prepare for the IEP meeting
- IEP prep checklist for parents
- IEP meeting tips that actually help
- Printable IEP binder checklist
- Sample IEP goals for writing, reading, math, socialization, behavior, speech and language, and ITPs.
- 5 things to remember when advocating at an IEP
Step 3. Use IEP Assistant to review the IEP draft
Your IEP needs a best friend, and our brand-new IEP Assistant is it! After the IEP meeting (and even before if you want to review last year’s IEP in preparation!), upload your IEP draft into the IEP Assistant who works alongside you, helping you turn what you’re learning into action — like a second set of eyes that actually reads the IEP with you.
Designed specifically for IEPs, Undivided’s IEP Assistant pulls out and organizes key information from your child’s IEP — goals, services, accommodations, and notes — all informed by Undivided’s expert content and grounded in real-world IEPs. It’s highlights areas that may need closer attention (and gives recommendations!) so you know what needs clarification and strengthening.
Paid Undivided members can use IEP Assistant now. Just sign into your account! If you’re not a member, sign up for a free trial and test it out yourself. Learn more here→
Step 4. Get ongoing support (now that you’ve done the hard part)
Now that you’ve brushed up on the basics, you don’t have to stop there, or do the rest alone. With Undivided, you get real, ongoing parent support to help you through every step that comes next.
Your membership includes IEP Assistant, plus the digital binder to organize documents, Andy AI to help answer questions as they come up, step-by-step guides for IEPs, Regional Center, and public benefits, live expert office hours, and access to 1:1 Navigator support from a parent who’s been there and truly understands the process.
Whether you’re getting ready for your next meeting or figuring out what to do after this one, we’re here to help. Get started with an Undivided membership here→
Meet our new IEP Assistant!
FREE live event → Thursday January 29, 2026, 12:00 p.m. PT
Get ready for the launch of Undivided’s new IEP Assistant with a walkthrough of our brand-new innovative digital tool! Join Undivided CEO Seth Besse on Thursday, January 29 at 12:00 p.m. PT to see how IEP Assistant works, ask your questions, and get an inside look at how Undivided is revolutionizing IEP prep. This free Zoom webinar is open to all! RSVP here to get the livestream link and full recording.
Office hours → Wednesday, January 28, 12:00 p.m. PT
Have questions about using Undivided’s IEP Assistant? At this week’s members-only office hours, you can get direct help from our Navigators about using this innovative tool and other in-app resources for your IEP prep! If you’re not a member, sign up here to participate.
Undivided Conversations → Streaming on Facebook and YouTube
- Saturday, January 24, 10:00 a.m. PT → The 5 Most Important Things to Remember When Advocating in an IEP. Once you’ve done all your IEP prep work, how do you make sure the IEP meeting itself goes smoothly and covers all your concerns? Catch this convo with Undivided’s Non-Attorney Education Advocate Lisa Carey for all the tips!
Getting ready for an IEP meeting soon? Don’t forget to do these 3 things recommended by education advocate Lisa Carey! Watch on YouTube→
What are the top red flags in an IEP meeting, and how can you respond to them? Check out this Instagram post→
Learn about local parent gatherings, online trainings, and other events for parents in the disability community. Join our private Facebook group for parents→
Stay updated on disability rights, legislation, and other important topics for our families. Connect with Undivided on LinkedIn→
Season 2, Episode 1: The 5 Most Important Things to Remember When Advocating in an IEP
🎙️ Once you’ve done all your IEP prep work, how do you make sure the IEP meeting itself goes smoothly and covers all your concerns? Kick off season 2 of our podcast with Undivided Non-Attorney Education Advocate Lisa Carey who shares all her tips and advice for parents. Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and anywhere.
