Q & A: Special Education
Choice Program Question:
The school informed me and my client that they could not bring an attorney to their daughter’s IEP meeting. They also informed me that my client’s daughter is required to be present at her IEP meeting. Is this true?
The school informed me and my client that they could not bring an attorney to their daughter’s IEP meeting. They also informed me that my client’s daughter is required to be present at her IEP meeting. Is this true?
Answer from Hooverlaw:
Attorneys can, and in cases like this, should be present at IEP meetings. Under the IDEA, a parent or legal guardian may bring any interested party to the IEP meeting. This includes attorneys, Choice Program staff, or a friend/relative. The child who is the subject of the IEP is not required to be present at an IEP meeting, and in our practice, we advise strongly that children should not attend the IEP meeting.
