IDEA 2004 provides that certain IEP team members can be excused from attending all or part of an IEP meeting. However, if a member requests excusal and his/her area of curriculum or related services will be discussed in the meeting, that member must notify the IEP team (which includes the parents), in writing, prior to the meeting. Parents must provide informed written consent for this type of excusal.
If you prefer that the school district not excuse any member of the IEP team from your child’s IEP meeting, you must notify the school, in writing, well in advance of the meeting. Use our Sample Letter Regarding IEP Team Member Excusal for this purpose.
Your Name
Your Street Address
Your City and State
Your Phone Number
Date
Name of IEP Team Leader or School Principal
School Name
School Address
Reference: Student’s Name
DOB: Student’s date of birth
School: Name of School and enrolled grade
Dear XXXXXXX:
I look forward to our meeting to formulate the Individualized Education Program for [student’s name].
I am aware that IDEA 2004 now allows for certain IEP team members to be excused from attending this meeting upon my written agreement. While I understand that bringing together the full IEP team can be difficult, I consider the attendance of all required IEP team members critical to the development of an appropriate IEP for my child. Therefore, I will not excuse any member from attending.
Thank you very much for your continuing assistance. I look forward to working with you and your staff.
Sincerely,
Your name
Your contact information
From NCLD's IDEA Parent Guide, Chapter 7: Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): Developing Your Child's Education Plan.
Candace Cortiella is Director of The Advocacy Institute, a nonprofit focused on improving the lives of people with disabilities through public policy and other initiatives. The mother of a young adult with learning disabilities, she lives in the Washington, D.C., area.
