Making an IEP schedule that works for everyone involved is tricky. We occasionally see schools that schedule IEPs at times that work well for the school team, but may not work at all for the parent. Common excuses such as, “Our speech therapist is only available Tuesday mornings from 8 am until 9:30 am,” are stated with such authority that parents are made to feel that that’s the only time the school can hold an IEP.
Your school district has a flexible IEP schedule.
An IEP team meeting at 8 am may or may not work for you. There is an alternative: you can ask—in writing—for another time and/or day that suits your needs. Their speech therapist can rearrange their schedule, or the school can have another speech therapist cover for the individual who is unable to make the meeting time you need.
There can be pressure to acquiesce to the school’s IEP schedule request
Schools often push back against parents when the parents wish to reschedule IEPs to a better time. It is natural to have an inclination to cooperate with your child’s school and even a good idea to do so when appropriate. However, if the meeting time does not work for you, politely and firmly email the school district. This email should provide several dates and times that you are able to attend IEP meetings. Your school must make a reasonable effort to schedule your child’s IEP team meeting—within 30 days of your written request—at a time where you can be present and participate.
Remember: you are a key part of the IEP team. At Aspire Advocacy, we believe you are the most important part of the IEP team—after your child, of course. As your child’s parent, you will be in your child’s life for many 
decades to come. Everyone else at the table may be in your child’s life for a year or two. Other IEP team members may have important expertise on how to educate your child, but you and your child are the ones who will live with the long-term consequences of IEP team decisions.
As parents, we understand. As advocates, we can help.