What should the team do if parents do not respond to meeting invitations regarding their child's IEP?

When parents do not respond to meeting invitations regarding their child's Individualized Education Program (IEP), one appropriate action is to proceed with the scheduled meeting without them. This approach adheres to the legal requirement that IEP meetings occur within a certain timeframe and that decisions about the child's education can be made in the best interest of the student, even if the parents are not present.

While involving parents in the IEP process is crucial for effective communication and collaboration, schools must also balance this with the necessity to maintain progress on the child's educational goals. It is important to document efforts made to involve parents and note their absence, ensuring that all legal and procedural guidelines are followed.

Other options, such as asking a bus driver to communicate with parents or calling an emergency contact, may not respect parental rights or maintain the professionalism expected in education. Additionally, rescheduling the meeting could delay necessary services and interventions for the child, which is why moving forward with the meeting is a valid choice in this context.