Parent Input Statement for IEP

How to Provide Parent Input for Your Child’s IEP  

Your input is essential in shaping your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Whether your child is being evaluated for the first time or going through a three-year re-evaluation, you have the right to share concerns and insights.  

Where to Include Parent Input in the IEP: Many schools use IEP Pro software, which has sections for parent input:  

- Section 3 in the IEP: Academic concerns (learning, reading, math, writing, etc.)  

- Section 4in the IEP: Functional concerns (behavior, social skills, sensory needs, etc.)  

Tip: Schools sometimes paraphrase parent input, which can change the meaning. To ensure accuracy, ask how your input will be recorded and request that it be included **word-for-word**.  

What to Include in Your Parent Input Statement:  Your statement should provide a clear picture of your child’s:  

✔ Strengths (interests, skills, progress)  

✔ Challenges (academic, behavioral, sensory, social)  

✔ Needs at home (homework struggles, communication, organization)  

✔ Needs at school (accommodations, modifications, supports)  

In the IEP meeting, you can also:  

- Give feedback on IEP goals: (Are they appropriate? Need adjustments?)  

- Suggest strategies that work at home or have helped in the past  

- Suggest (propose)  accommodations (sensory, behavioral, assistive technology, etc.)  

How to Submit Your Parent Input

1. Review your child’s current IEP: If your concerns are missing or not accurately reflected, request an update.  

2. Write your input statement: Keep it clear, factual, and solution-focused.  

3. Share your input at the IEP meeting or request an IEP addendum meeting to add it.  

Why Your Input Matters: Parents know their child best! Your insights help create an IEP that truly supports your child's learning and success.  

Sample 1- Parent Input Statement: 

Lilly has shown significant progress in social skills, behavior, and academics through spending most of her day in a general education classroom. While her development is slower compared to peers, her inclusion has positively impacted her learning. In the past, segregated settings limited her educational growth, but interaction with typical peers has allowed her to excel, as she learns best through observation and quickly grasps new concepts.

Strengths/Interests:

- Enjoys counting aloud and coloring

- Likes books and being read to

- Engages well with reinforcement

- Enjoys crafting and music

- Shows determination and is happy

- Enjoys activities with animals and tracing shapes

- Participates in various activities and communicates effectively

- Has a good sense of humor and positive attitude

- Willing to try new things and participate in different tasks

Challenges:

- Easily distracted and has a short attention span

- Non-verbal and struggles with clear speech

- Difficulty maintaining eye contact and adapting to routine changes

- Requires supervision, particularly due to ear issues and infections

- Not yet potty trained and needs simple directions

- Can get frustrated with tasks and prefers her own way

- Needs support with communication and focus

Concerns have been raised about the school's reading program, Edmark, which focuses on memorization rather than phonics-based learning. It is recommended that Lilly receives reading and handwriting instruction that aligns with evidence-based practices to further enhance her learning. While her speech is progressing, targeted interventions in reading and writing can help accelerate her overall development.

?? How to Send Parent Input  ??

You can either email the IEP team in advance or print copies to distribute at the meeting, or you can choose to do both.

1. Email to the Special Education Teacher

2. CC (Carbon Copy) to:

  - Principal (if email is address to someone else)

- Special Education Teacher for your child’s grade level (if email is addressed to someone else)

   - General Education Teacher for your child’s grade level

   - Additional relevant staff (e.g., Occupational Therapist, Speech-Language Pathologist) if you believe their services might be necessary.

3. Email Attachment: 

   - Attach the completed Parent Input as a PDF.

   - Body of Email: 

Hello Ms. Berry,

Please see the attached Request for Evaluation for my son Casa Nova.

Sincerely,

Parent’s Name

4. Email Subject Line: 

   - Parent Input for review and discussion at IEP meeting