How To Write an IEP Parent Concerns Letter that Gets Results (Examples)

I’m going to wag my finger at you–from this day forward, you do a Parent Concerns Letter for your IEP. Every.single.time. No more “Well I didn’t know…” or “I didn’t think I had to do one each time…” Now you know. Do one.

This is one of the most under-utilized portions of the IEP process–the parent concerns letter.

It is YOUR right to submit one and have your letter, in its entirety, included in the IEP. As a parent, it is also your duty to your child–this is their time, their voice, their opportunity to be heard in the IEP.

What is an IEP Parent Concerns Letter?

An IEP Parent Concerns Letter is basically your chance to speak up about anything that’s been bothering you regarding your child’s IEP. It’s like getting your thoughts down on paper, so the school knows exactly what’s on your mind.

Here’s what it usually includes:

1. What’s Bugging You: Start by laying out your concerns. Maybe your child isn’t making the progress you expected, or you’re noticing some behaviors that worry you. Whatever it is, this is your space to say, “Hey, something’s not right here.”
2. What You’re Seeing: Back up your concerns with some observations or data. This could be what you’re seeing at home, or maybe reports from the school aren’t adding up with what you know about your child. Share what you’ve noticed.
3. What You Want to Happen: Don’t forget to include what you’re asking for. Do you need more evaluations? A tweak in the IEP goals? Maybe some extra support or a meeting to hash things out? Be clear about what you need.
4. Keep It Formal but Friendly: This letter becomes part of your child’s IEP file, so keep it respectful and to the point. It’s your written record that says, “I’m involved, and here’s what I think needs to happen.”

Think of it as your way to make sure the school team is on the same page as you. Plus, having it all in writing can help if things get sticky down the road. More on that in a bit.

Where is the Parent Concerns Letter mentioned in IDEA?

Ah, so glad you asked. Actually, IDEA itself does not mention the Parent Concerns Letter. However, it mentions parent participation many times.

And, whenever IDEA is reauthorized, the committee that wrote the laws sends out a long explanation addendum.

It’s basically a guidance piece on “what we mean by this” as far as how IDEA was written. In writing statutes and laws, you cannot explain every little detail as part of the law.

If you wish to see the one for IDEA, you can find it here. Be forewarned, it’s 307 pages! But take a look at this little gem found on page 140.

So, here you go, a snippet:

The Importance of IEP Parent Concerns

First, let’s understand why you need to do this every time you go through the IEP process.

Remember, that IEPs are based on need. They are needs-driven, not diagnosis driven. Your child gets IEP evaluations to determine areas of need. IEP Goals are then drawn up based upon those needs. The strategies and services that your child receives are based upon the goals, which are based upon the needs. No speech needs identified? Then no speech goals, therefore no speech services. Make sense?

ALL of your child’s areas of need are listed (or should be) in the Present Levels section of the IEP. It is the Present Levels section (also known as PLOP or PLAAP) that drives the IEP.

Do you know what else is in the Present Levels section of the IEP? Parent concerns. {please note: This is for PA. Check your state’s form to see where the Parent Concerns go.}

Get it? Your parent concerns will help drive the goals and services. It is your right to submit this. It MUST be included.

How long can the IEP Parental Concerns Letter be?

They can be as long as they need to be. I just heard from a Mom on Saturday that her district told her that it had to be 200 words or less. No, that is not the case. They may have a computer program that limits that section to just 200 words, but they will have to find a workaround for that.

They need to figure out something else because it can be as long as it needs to be. Keep in mind, again, if it would get to the level of Due Process, you want to appear reasonable.

So don’t send in a 37-page document either. It’s your concerns for your child’s IEP–not a manifesto.

Be clear and concise, but list what you want to list.

When do I send the IEP Parent Concerns letter?

There are two main occasions when you would write a parent concerns letter.

1. When you are RSVP’ing to the invitation to the annual IEP meeting.
2. When you have concerns and wish to request something like an IEP meeting, more evaluations, a change to the IEP and so on.

I recommend that you send it in when you are RSVP’ing to the meeting. “Yes, I can make that meeting time. Here is my list of IEP Parent Concerns that I have, that I wish to discuss.”

Or, “I have some concerns and would like to request an IEP meeting to discuss them.”

Remember, it’s a lot to think about a whole year when you sit down to write one letter.

You also would use this format if you are requesting an IEP meeting.

What is most important is that ALL of your parent concerns are included, in their entirety, in the IEP. What section is less important than their inclusion.

IEP Parent Input Statement Examples

So, what should you include in a parent concerns letter?

Everything that needs to be there. Remember, this will drive goals and services. What are your main concerns about your child? Be concise, be thorough. Stay child focused. For example, do not say something like “The teacher is absent all the time.”

Instead, use “I am concerned that with my son’s difficulties with transitions, the constantly changing staff does not allow him to progress.” Don’t point out staff faults, just what affects your child.

Ideas of what to include:

• areas of need that the school identified, that you agree with
• areas of need not identified, that you wish to include or ask for an eval
• strategies that are working
• strategies that are not working
• behavior concerns
• food/medical concerns
• what you want to ask for
• what data you have (summarize) to support these asks

How to Write Parent Concerns for an IEP.

1. Do two. Type it up on your computer and send it via email. At the top of the letter, put something like “I will also send in a signed hard copy of this letter for my child’s files. However, I wanted you to have an electronic copy so that you can just copy and paste it into the Parent Concerns section of the IEP.” That makes it crystal clear to them that this is your Parent Concerns Letter and that you expect to see it, in its entirety, in the IEP.
2. No “Gotcha!” or surprises. You have nothing to gain by waiting until the IEP meeting to surprise them with a request for a 1:1 aide or an out of district placement. If you have the data now, bring it up. “Also, at this meeting, I wish to discuss whether or not the team feels that my son’s needs can be met at this placement. Please ensure that there is an LEA present at this meeting who has the ability to make this decision, should that be what the team decides.”
3. Use a bullet-pointed list. I find it easiest to do a bullet-point list. That format helps me keep track of my thoughts and easier to track during the meeting, if each item got discussed.
4. Use one of the templates below. I often get asked for a template, but mine is simple. “Dear IEP team leader, I am looking forward to our upcoming IEP meeting. Here are the parent concerns I wish to discuss with the team. I am sending it to you in electronic format so that you can just copy and paste it into the Parent Concerns portion of the IEP. Here they are: (and I just bullet point list them).”

Parent Input Form for IEP

Some schools have a standard form or document that they send to parents to gather their parent input. It may be called a parent input form for IEP or IEP parent input form. IDEA does not address this.

My school sends one out. Yes, I fill it out. I also do a letter. The form may be a good template to address areas you may have not thought of. But you are not limited to only their form. It might make their work easier.

The form may be what your school is used to doing. But there is no “we can only accept parent concerns if they are on this form.”

IEP Parent Input Example Statements

Here are some examples of IEP Parent Input Statements. It’s important to remember that data and documentation reign in IEP-land, so you want to have clear examples of each concern you have.

For example, the one under number 1 said “math continues to be a challenge…” You would want to back that up with homework assignments, test scores, notes from the teacher and what your child is telling you.

1. Academic Concerns:
   • I’ve noticed that my child struggles with reading comprehension, especially with longer texts. It would be helpful to explore strategies or supports that can aid in breaking down complex material.”
   • “Math continues to be a challenge for my child, particularly with word problems. I would like to see goals that focus on improving these skills, with clear benchmarks for progress.”
2. Behavioral/Social Concerns:
   • “My child has difficulty managing frustration, which sometimes leads to outbursts. I’m concerned that these behaviors might be impacting their learning and social relationships. A behavior plan that includes specific strategies for managing frustration would be beneficial.
   • “My child has a hard time making friends and often feels isolated. I believe that social skills training or peer mentoring could help them build positive relationships at school.”
3. Emotional/Well-being Concerns:
   • “Anxiety is a big issue for my child, especially during transitions between activities. I think it’s important to address this in the IEP with accommodations that provide additional support during these times.”
   • “School refusal has become more frequent, and it’s directly related to anxiety about academic performance. We need to look at ways to reduce this anxiety and make school a more positive experience.”
4. Strengths and Interests:
   • “My child is highly interested in technology and excels in using it for creative projects. I’d love to see more opportunities for them to use these strengths in the classroom, perhaps through project-based learning or technology-focused assignments.”
   • “My child is very artistic and finds comfort in drawing during stressful times. Incorporating art into their learning could be a great way to keep them engaged and reduce stress.”
5. Communication Needs:
   • “I’ve noticed that my child benefits from visual supports and clear, concise instructions. It would be helpful if these could be included in their daily routines at school.”
   • “My child often needs extra time to process information and respond. Ensuring that teachers allow for this additional processing time could make a big difference in their ability to participate fully in class.”
6. Transition Concerns:
   • “As my child moves to middle school next year, I’m concerned about how they will handle the increased workload and changes in routine. We need to plan for this transition with goals and supports that will help them adjust smoothly.”
   • “High school is just around the corner, and I’m worried about how my child will manage the demands of multiple classes and new social dynamics. It’s important to start preparing now with appropriate goals and supports.”

These statements can be tailored to fit your child’s specific needs and experiences.

Pairing Parent Concerns with a PWN

Ok, so jumping ahead a bit. You sent in your parental concerns. You had an IEP meeting and now you are presented with a NOREP/PWN. (Pennsylvania calls the PWN a NOREP)

You need to know how to use a PWN, so please read this link.

These are your options when you receive the PWN/NOREP after the IEP meeting.

• Deem it as incomplete, send it back to them with “And please include XYZ which was also discussed at the meeting.” This hopefully isn’t necessary if you’ve done your After IEP Meeting letter.
• Agree with it. Check yes.
• Disagree. Choose one of the options. List your reasons why in a Parent Letter of Attachment.
• Check to agree and do a “yes, but…” letter. This is to create a paper trail. You’re giving the district a chance to get it right this time, but documenting and leaving the door open for future actions.

The Yes, but…. letter is just that. “Dear School, I am agreeing with the IEP as it is written so as not to further delay my child receiving services. However, I expect to see progress in XYZ areas by {time frame} or I will ask the team to reconvene and discuss other options, such as….”

IEP Parent Concerns Examples

Here are some examples if you need to borrow some wording and phrases.