Get ready for a meeting at your child's school
Ask for an interpreter early, bring the right papers, and leave knowing the next step.
Lessons are in English only for now. Español is not ready yet, so we do not offer it here.
What you will be able to do
By the end, you know how to ask for an interpreter, what to bring, and three questions to ask at the meeting.
About 6 minutes.
Learn
You can ask the school for an interpreter. For special education (IEP) meetings in California, the school must do what is needed so you understand, including arranging an interpreter. Ask a few days before the meeting.
Do not ask your child to interpret at a meeting about their own grades or discipline. Ask the school for an interpreter instead.
Bring the letters, report cards or notes the school sent you. Write your questions down before you go, and ask what happens next before you leave.
What to say when you ask
- "I need an interpreter for this meeting, and I would like papers in Spanish. Can you set that up?"
- If the school cannot help: "Who in the district can help me with this?"
Practice
Skip and show the answer
Ask the school for an interpreter a few days before the meeting, and do not ask your child to interpret about their own grades or discipline.
Now do it for real
Get ready for my school meeting
- Ask the school for an interpreter a few days before, if I need one
- Write down my three questions
- Bring the letters or report cards the school sent
Takeaway
- Ask for an interpreter a few days before the meeting.
- Do not ask your child to interpret about their own grades or discipline.
- Bring the letters and report cards the school sent.
- Write your questions down.
- Ask what happens next before you leave.
From Do Not Lose Hope, donotlosehope.com. Lesson, version 1. Not a certificate.
Your progress
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Saved progress stays only in this browser. Anyone who uses this device can see it. Finishing a lesson is not a certificate.
Where this comes from
- Your child's rights in California public schools (checked October 21, 2026)
- Help for newcomer and English learner students, and your right to an interpreter (checked October 21, 2026)
What changed in this lesson
- Version 1, October 26, 2026: First draft.