Take notes or have someone take notes for you. Consider tape recording the meeting to share with your partner or review what was discussed. If you decide to record the meeting, notify the school ahead of time, because they may also want to record.

Make sure all required team members are present. Only consider consenting to the excusal of a team member if his or her input has been submitted in writing and the member’s area of service is not being modified or discussed.

Be a good listener. Listen to the staff’s professional opinions about your child. School personnel may be good advocates for your child, too.

Remember, you are an expert in your child’s development. Be prepared to share your observations of your child’s functioning in areas such as: activities of daily living, movement, communication, social relationships, behavior, independence, preferences and problem solving.

Consider presenting your opinions to the team members in a prepared written statement that you have developed prior to the meeting.

Be prepared to share your observations about the way your child learns best. He or she may learn best by: touching, moving, holding, drawing or writing (kinesthetic learner); seeing, looking or watching (visual learner); working in groups with other children; working alone or with one friend; listening, hearing, repeating or talking about new things (auditory learner); or singing.

Be prepared to share your educational expectations for your child and what outcomes you would like to see him or her accomplish during the year. It is helpful to share your vision for your child’s future with the team: your child’s strengths and challenges, types of supports that may be beneficial and pre-vocational and vocational needs. It is important that everyone is heading towards the same goal. Be sure to include the extent of progress you would like to see your child make during the year.

Be sure to consider all supports and services to help your child succeed, such as assistive technology, supplementary aids and services, related services, adapted or modified curriculum, special equipment or an educational consultant.