Walk into the meeting with a clearer plan and stronger asks.

This template helps you turn concerns into prepared notes, accommodations, and follow-up questions before the meeting starts. Use it to keep the conversation grounded in what your child needs now, not just what the school is ready to offer.

Write down strengths, barriers, and priorities before the room gets fast.
Keep accommodations and meeting questions in one place.
Leave with clearer notes about what was agreed to and what still needs follow-up.

Jump to the prep fields

Before the Meeting

Quick prep checklist

Bring assessments, recent emails, and any relevant reports Keep the documents you are most likely to reference in one folder or binder.
Write your top three priorities in advance If the meeting gets rushed, you still know the most important asks to make.
Decide who is taking notes It is easier to listen and advocate when one person is tracking what is said.

Strengths and Supports

Start with what helps your child learn

Strengths, interests, and what already works

Supports that are already helping

Barriers and Risks

Be specific about what is not working

Current barriers at school

How those barriers are affecting your child

Meeting Priorities

Accommodations and questions to bring into the room

Priority accommodations or supports to request

Questions for the school team

Follow-Up Notes

Write down commitments while the meeting is fresh

What was agreed to

Follow-up date

Who is responsible

Keep in Mind

A few grounding reminders for the meeting

You are part of the planning process Preparation is not extra. It is part of effective advocacy for your child.
Specific examples help Concrete barriers and examples are easier to act on than broad concerns.
Written follow-up matters Verbal agreement is better when paired with clear notes and dates.

Open Notes