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Once a year the IEP team sits down to look at your child's plan again. For a family whose child missed sessions, the annual review is the one meeting already on the calendar where the people who write the IEP are in the same room. You do not have to wait for it to raise a problem, but it is worth walking in ready.
Who is at the table
The NYC Public Schools' IEP meeting page lists the team members. Among them:
- You, or anyone in a parental relationship with your child. The schools call the parent a legally mandated member of the team.
- A general education teacher when your child is or may be in general education, and a special education teacher if applicable.
- Related service providers, if applicable.
- A district representative.
- A school physician, if you or the school ask in writing at least 72 hours ahead.
- Your child, if appropriate. From age 14 your child must be invited.
For a school-age child in public school, the schools say the meeting is held at the school. For children in religious, private or charter schools, or not enrolled, it is held at the CSE.
Bringing a parent member
A certified parent member is another parent, trained to support families at IEP meetings. The schools' parent members page says these are people who are not NYC Public Schools employees and whose own child has an IEP now or had one in the past five years, who complete a training with INCLUDEnyc and fingerprint clearance. To have one at your meeting, tell your CSE or school IEP team at least 72 hours (3 days) ahead, by email or in person. If the room feels like you against a row of staff, a parent member can be someone on your side of the table who has sat there before.
Other things to ask for early
If English is not your preferred language, the schools say to request an interpreter in writing at least 72 hours before the meeting. See our interpreter guide. You may also invite people who know your child, such as a doctor, a childcare provider, a relative or an advocate.
Using the review for missed services
The schools say your role includes sharing what you see at home, asking questions and speaking up when something is unclear. That covers sessions that did not happen. Bring a one-page list: each service, how often the IEP says, and what actually happened, with dates. Ask that the gap be noted. Ask who will provide the service from now on and when it will start. Our meeting preparation guide and follow-up guide cover the before and after; this one is about the room itself.
If you and the team cannot agree, the schools say you can request another meeting, or use mediation or an impartial hearing. When required services were not provided, compensatory services can sometimes be awarded through a hearing or settlement. No one can promise that result. A short check can help you see where you stand.
If your child has gone weeks or months without what the IEP promises, you can ask for a free callback. We explain what families in your situation usually do and, where it fits, connect you with help. There is no cost to you, now or later.
Last reviewed: October 2026
