Every child deserves to be seen for who they are—not just their scores, behaviors, or diagnoses. This guide walks you through the most important questions to ask during your child’s IEP process—questions that center their strengths, needs, and unique way of being. Whether you’re just starting out or reevaluating a long-standing plan, our goal is to help you show up informed, confident, and ready to advocate for the support your child truly deserves.

IEP questions to understand your child’s needs

1. What are my child’s strengths and challenges?
Asking for detailed information about your child’s strengths and challenges opens up a conversation about the student as a whole person, not just their academic performance. This conversation is an excellent guide to ensure that the entire IEP (goals, placement, accommodations and modifications, and related services (e.g., speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, resource, counseling, etc) is focused on the most meaningful needs of your child. Ask for input across the entire IEP team and share your own observations as well! 

2. What evaluations or data support the current goals and services?
Ask for specifics around assessments, observations, and progress reports. What data were used to make recommendations for placement, goals, etc. How will data be used to assess progress and  make future decisions? 

    💡 Tip: At Avela, we believe that the goal of education is to support each child’s growth while honoring who they are—including embracing and encouraging autistic ways of being.   

    IEP questions about your child’s goals and progress

    3. Are the IEP goals SMART?
    Clear goals help everyone track progress and adjust as needed. The most important thing is that when achieved goals will represent a) meaningful progress for your child and b) support them to authentically participate in learning opportunities that are meaningful to them. The SMART goal framework ensures that goals are clear, attainable, meaningful and trackable. 

    unchecked Specific: The goal should be clearly defined, with no ambiguity. It should state exactly what your child will achieve.
    unchecked Measurable: There should be a way to track progress and determine when the goal has been achieved – this should involve specific data points or observable behaviors.
    unchecked Achievable: The goal should be challenging but realistic considering your child’s current abilities and needs.  
    unchecked Relevant: Relevant goals connect to the broader curriculum and contribute to your long-term objectives for your child’s education. It should also be meaningful to your child by connecting to their individual needs and strengths.
    unchecked Time bound: A deadline should be set for achieving the goal, in most IEPs the goals are set for 1 year.  

      4. How will progress be measured and reported to us?
      Clarify how and when you’ll be informed about the student’s progress on goals:

      • When is the next review, and can we request a meeting sooner if needed?
      • What’s the plan if my child is not making expected progress or is making better than expected progress?
      • Discuss how the team will respond and what the review process will be.  

        💡 Tip: Ask for a check in meeting 30-90 days after the start of a new IEP or new school year to ensure that the year is going as planned. This “check in” IEP meeting is an excellent time to make any modifications needed before too much time passes.  

        IEP questions about services and supports

        5. What specific services will my child receive and how often?
        Understand what the day-to-day implementation looks like:

        • Where will my child’s education take place?
        • How much time will they spend with their non-disabled peers?
        • Will related services push into the classroom or pull my child out? 
        • Which services are provided individually and which are provided in a group?
        • How will services fit into my child’s day, will any of their most valued school activities be disrupted by related services?

          6. Are the supports and accommodations enough to help my child succeed?
          Accommodations aim to help students access the curriculum and demonstrate their knowledge in a way that is most effective for their individual needs. This can include things like extra time on tests, alternative presentation of materials, visual supports, assistive technology, preferential seating, or classroom modifications, and so much more. Think creatively and when able in collaboration with your child to understand what accommodations would make school more accessible to your child. 

            💡 Tip: Equal and fair are not the same! “Equal” refers to treating everyone the same, while “fair” considers individual differences and needs, aiming for a just and equitable outcome, even if it means providing different support or resources.  

            IEP questions about team collaboration

            7. Who will be working with my child, and how will they communicate with each other?
            Knowing the team involved and their coordination is key for consistent support. Try to encourage collaboration and communication between your school providers and any outside providers.  

              You know your child better than anyone. By asking thoughtful, specific IEP questions to teachers, and by inviting collaboration, you can shape an IEP that truly supports your child’s growth—in ways that feel right for your family. Remember: this isn’t about fitting your child into a system. It’s about helping the system recognize and respond to who your child is.

              At Avela, we’re here to partner with you every step of the way—with expert care, compassionate guidance, and a community that gets it. Because your child deserves more than services. They deserve support that sees their full potential.