Parent-Teacher Conference Preparation Guide

Parent-teacher conferences are an important opportunity to strengthen the connection between home and school. This guide will help parents come prepared, stay focused during the meeting, and take meaningful next steps, so your student gets the support they need to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Reflect With Your Student (2–3 days before)

☐ Ask how they feel about school—what’s fun, what’s hard

☐ Talk about any subjects or tasks that feel overwhelming

☐ Note any emotional or social challenges they’ve shared

Gather Key Information

☐ Recent evaluations, IEP/504 documents, or school reports

☐ Examples of work done at home (projects, homework)

☐ Observations from home: energy levels, organization, mood

Set Goals for the Meeting

☐ Identify 1–2 academic areas to discuss

☐ Choose 1–2 social or emotional topics to explore

☐ Decide what supports or strategies you’d like to ask about

During the Conference

☐ Start with appreciation for the teacher’s support

☐ Share your child’s strengths and interests

☐ Ask open-ended questions (“How does my child interact with peers?”)

☐ Explore possible supports—be creative and collaborative

☐ Take brief notes on agreed-upon strategies or changes

After the Conference

☐ Summarize key outcomes and email the teacher a thank-you

☐ Share highlights with your child using affirming language

☐ Plan how you’ll monitor progress and stay in touch