Planning and Placement team or PPT meetings involve a formal planning process which results in a legal document that establishes the services and programs that will be provided to a student so that he or she can participate in school activities.
The Individualized Education Plan:
- Is a written statement for each child with a disability.
- Outlines the student’s educational and functional needs.
- Includes supports and services that are required to meet those needs.
The Planning and Placement Team (PPT)
- The interdisciplinary team of parents, educators and therapists that make decisions regarding your child’s special education.
- Team may also include other individuals who have knowledge or special expertise about your child.
Here are some ideas and tips for you to consider when preparing for your child’s PPT meeting.
- Observe your child and jot down notes
Make observations on how your child plays and learns new skills. Figure out some of your child’s preferences and interests, dislikes, and hobbies. It would also be helpful to note how your child’s relationship is with family and friends, behavior at home, as well as things that your child does particularly well and things that he/she experiences difficulty with. All of these observations can be presented and shared during the PPT meeting to paint a better picture of your child’s daily functioning and behaviors in a home or community setting.
2. Talk with your child’s teachers and therapists before the meeting
Initiate a conversation In order to receive an informal update on your child’s latest achievements and behavior in the past few months.
3. Visit your child’s classroom
Visiting your child’s classroom can provide you with a visualization of his or her learning environment to assist with discussing possible factors or distractors that can impact your child’s academic performance.
4. Review your child’s records
Go over your own records at home. If you believe that there are any missing documents, contact your Birth to Three Service Coordinator for copies of your child’s Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) and assessments.
5. Ensure that you understand the nature of your child’s disability
Before the PPT meeting, it would be good to ensure that you understand the meaning of your child’s diagnosis and the effect it can have on your child’s daily functioning. It is also suggested that you review any available evaluation reports.
6. Become familiar with the laws in your state and federal government relating to special education issues
If you require more information, reach out to your state’s parent advocacy center. You can look for parent centers available in your state by clicking here.
7. Bring documentation that supports the needs of your child
Be able to explain how your child’s disability affects his or her development and learning. Be sure to bring any recent evaluations or reports done outside of school.
8. Prepare your own questions
Ask for a blank copy of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) form that shows the various components and write a list of questions that you would like to discuss at the meeting.
9. Determine who will be attending the PPT meeting
Contact the school and ask who will be attending and participating at the meeting. If there is anyone missing from the list from school or outside of the school (friend, relative, advocate, outside evaluator, etc.) that could provide additional insight on your child? If this is the case, you can notify the school if you intend to bring someone who is not listed on the list of attendees.
10. Be prepared to discuss the expectations you have for your child
Before the PPT meeting, write down what you believe your child needs and the extent of progress you would like to see during the school year. It’s helpful to think about your child’s future and how what they are currently learning in school will prepare them for adult life and independent living. This applies to children of all ages.
11. Bring samples of your child’s work
These samples can be art or writing activities complete in or outside of school that you believe communicate something about your child and help support the concerns that you have.
12. Have a chat with other parents
You can reach out to others who have attended PPT meetings in order to learn from their experiences. They may make suggestions on other ways of preparing for the PPT meeting. If you do not personally know anyone who you can speak to, contact your state’s parent advocacy center.
13. Keep a file of your communications with the school
Keep track of any communications between yourself and the school, including the dates. This might include letters you have sent or received, telephone calls, report cards and other samples of your child’s work.
