Who’s Who at the IEP Table
Decode the Roles. Speak with Confidence.
When you walk into your child’s IEP meeting, you should feel confident—not confused.
But too often, families (especially Black and Brown families) sit down at the IEP table and quietly wonder:
Who are all these people? Who’s actually making decisions? Am I even supposed to be here?
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re not wrong for wanting answers.
At Sped Decoded, we believe that knowing who’s who at the IEP table is your first step toward confident advocacy. So, let’s break it down.
🪑 The Core IEP Team Members
Here are the people you're most likely to see at the table—and what they’re there to do:
👨👩👧 Parent or Guardian
That’s you!
You know your child best—and legally, you are a required member of the IEP team.
You can ask questions, voice concerns, say “I need more time,” and even bring someone with you for support. Never forget: your insight matters most.
🎒 Special Education Teacher
This person helps design and implement the IEP.
They track goals, collect data, and deliver specially designed instruction.
They’ll likely speak about your child’s progress, behaviors, and any supports they provide daily.
🧑🏫 General Education Teacher
Their job is to share how your child is doing in the regular classroom setting.
They bring insight into class routines, expectations, and how your child is accessing grade-level work. Their perspective helps shape accommodations that actually work.
🏫 Administrator or LEA Representative
Often a principal, assistant principal, or special education coordinator.
They have the authority to approve services, placements, and funding.
If someone says, “We can’t do that”—this is likely who said it. Building a relationship here can make a big difference.
🧩 Additional Members You Might See
🧠 Diagnostician or School Psychologist
They’re responsible for interpreting your child’s evaluation data.
They’ll explain test scores and whether your child meets eligibility for services.
🗣️ Related Service Providers (Speech, OT, PT, etc.)
These folks support specific areas—communication, motor skills, physical access, and more.
They don’t always attend every meeting, but if your child gets services, you can request their presence.
🧑🏽⚖️ Advocate or Educational Consultant (Optional)
This is someone you bring.
They can help explain the IEP process, ensure your voice is heard, and support you in moments of disagreement or overwhelm.
👩🏾🎓 The Student
Students are encouraged to join IEP meetings by age 13—and required by age 16.
Their voice matters. Many students benefit from learning to advocate early and share their goals.
📝 5 Quick Tips for Parents at the IEP Table
Ask everyone to introduce themselves and say their role.
Write down names or request a copy of the sign-in sheet.
Don’t be afraid to say, “I’m not sure what your role is—can you explain?”
If someone critical is missing, you can request to reschedule.
Bring support. A friend, partner, or advocate can help take notes and provide backup.
📥 Download: Who’s Who at the IEP Table – Free Guide
To help you feel even more prepared, I created a free, easy-to-understand PDF guide you can bring to your next meeting. It includes:
A role-by-role breakdown
Space to take notes
A quick reference checklist
👉 Download your free guide here.
💬 Final Thoughts
IEP meetings shouldn’t feel like a mystery.
When you know who’s sitting at the table—and what they’re there to do—you can better advocate for your child.
You belong in the room. You deserve to be heard. And you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Let’s decode SPED together.
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