--- title: How to create a parent report description: Create and update a parent report by tracking your child's progress in and out of school. Share your perspective with the IEP team at the next IEP meeting. slug: how-to-create-a-parent-report author: Kristin Stanberry reviewer: Barbara Hubert, MSEd published: '2019-08-05T15:48:49.363Z' thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/D5D57F42499842C0BBB9DBB3B9DD12B2/87caf1905a3b7736b94e3c0c0025b017/78429018.jpg source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-to-create-a-parent-report lang: en --- # How to create a parent report When you have your [IEP](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/understanding-individualized-education-programs) meeting, the [team at school](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/whos-on-the-iep-team) will share all sorts of information about your child. But there are certain insights that [only *you* can provide](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/playing-a-role-in-the-iep-process). And they are important to share with the team. > “This is your chance to tell the team who your child is beyond her test scores and performance in school.” Rather than just talking about your observations or concerns, it can be helpful to come prepared with a written “parent report.” Creating one is a great way to document your child’s strengths, struggles and successes at school, at home and in the community. This is your chance to tell the team who your child is beyond her test scores and performance in school. Your parent report isn’t an official document, so there’s no special format you need to follow. It can be as simple as a letter or a list. Here are some things you might want to include: - **How your child is doing.** How do you think your is child doing academically and socially? What are your observations and concerns about what you’re seeing? - **What works at home.** What learning strengths does your child show? What homework strategies and technology help your child most? - **Success outside of school.** Share your child’s successes and strengths in extracurricular activities. What activities does she find interesting? How does she benefit from them? - **Behavior at home.** What changes have you seen? Has your child become more responsible and respectful? Or have things gone in the opposite direction? - **What your child is saying.** How does your child feel about school and learning? What brings feelings of success or failure? Do you hear self-confidence or frustration? - **Life after high school.** Mention your child’s interests and goals for after high school. If your teen has a transition plan, let her take the lead on this. - What you think of the IEP. How do your child’s progress and problems connect to her IEP goals? What new or revised goals do you recommend? How do you think the school can help your child? Creating a parent report gives you a chance to review your child’s progress and recognize areas that still need improvement. It can also remind you of how hard she’s worked and how far she’s come! --- ## Explore related topics and articles - [5 reasons parents play a key role in the IEP process](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/playing-a-role-in-the-iep-process) - - Parents are, by law, equal members of their childs IEP team. - You may not be an expert about special education, but you are an expert about your child. - Your input helps the team assess your childs skills and develop IEP goals. If youre new to special education, you may wonder what your ro - [5 things to do before an IEP meeting](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/5-important-things-to-do-before-an-iep-meeting) - Preparation is the key to being an effective, confident advocate at your childs IEP meetings. Here are five important things to do before an IEP meeting. 1. Pull and review your records. Pull out your copies of official documents, including your childs current IEP, recent progress reports, and repor - [Staying on top of your child’s IEP](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/parent-manage-childs-iep) - Your role in the IEP process doesnt end when your child has a plan for special education services in place. In fact, the actual work of the IEP is only starting. Here are six ways to stay on top of your childs IEP and make sure your child is getting the needed support. 1. Stay involved and aware. M --- ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-to-create-a-parent-report#webpage","url":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-to-create-a-parent-report","description":"Create and update a parent report by tracking your child's progress in and out of school. 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