What this means
IDEA specifies which roles must be part of the IEP team. You are a member of the IEP team — your participation is part of how the program is developed, not a courtesy.
Required roles include the child's parents; at least one regular education teacher if the child is, or may be, participating in the regular education environment; at least one special education teacher or special education provider; a public agency representative who meets IDEA's qualifications; and an individual who can interpret the instructional implications of evaluation results. At the discretion of the parent or the agency, other individuals who have knowledge or special expertise regarding the child may take part, and the child is included when appropriate.
One person may fulfill more than one required role when they are qualified to do so. Titles and staffing arrangements differ between districts, so it is reasonable to ask who is filling which role.
Required team members may be excused under specific IDEA conditions involving parent agreement or written parent consent, and in some circumstances written input is provided before the meeting. Alternative participation methods, such as video or phone, may be used when the parent and the school agree.
What you may see
- A meeting notice listing who is expected to attend and the role each person fills
- One staff member covering more than one required role
- A request for your agreement or consent to excuse a required team member
- Related service providers attending when the team considers their area — this is not required at every meeting
- The student taking part, depending on age and the purpose of the meeting
Questions to consider
- Who will be at this meeting, and which required role does each person fill?
- Is anyone being excused, and what are you asking me to agree to?
- May I invite someone who has knowledge or special expertise regarding my child?
- Who is my main point of contact between meetings?
- Will anyone be participating by phone or video?
What you may want to write down
- Names, roles and contact information for each person
- Who agreed to do what, and by when
- Anything you were told would be sent to you afterward
Sources and review
Last reviewed: September 10, 2026. This page was reviewed by IEP Pathway against the sources below. State, district and school practices can differ from the federal baseline, so confirm local procedures with your school or state education agency.
Sources
Important note
This site provides educational information, organizational tools and printable resources. It is not legal advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education, any school district, government agency, attorney, law firm or advocacy organization. For advice about your specific situation, consider consulting a qualified professional.
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