Can I record my IEP Meetings?

Are you considering recording an IEP meeting with your school?

It’s a great way to ensure that you have a record of the meeting and can refer to it if needed. It can be a good help for parents who want to reflect on discussions or if one parent can’t attend and wants to understand the meeting.  In many cases, schools consent to parents recording and some even make their own recordings. But the question we often get is can I do this without telling the school?  This often happens in situations where parents are concerned about things that are being said that they do not believe that school personnel will repeat if they know they are being “recorded.”

The answer to this question depends on the laws in your state. Some states are considered “one party” states where as long as one party is aware of the recording it is legal. When it comes to recording someone without their knowledge, the difference between a one-party state and a two-party state is important to understand. In a one-party state, only one person needs to consent to the recording, while in a two-party state, both parties must consent for a recording to be legal.

In a one-party state, the person who is recording does not need the consent of the other person or people being recorded. This means that the person recording can record a conversation or IEP meeting without the knowledge of the other people in the conversation. This can be useful in some situations, such as when a person wants to record a conversation where statements are being made that clearly are inappropriate or relating to illegal or unethical conduct.   For instance, a parent is being told that due to her child’s behavioral issues, the only option is to withdraw and homeschool him or her. 

In a two-party state, both parties must consent to the recording for it to be legal. This means that both parties must be aware that the conversation is being recorded and must agree to it. This is important for protecting the privacy of both parties and ensuring that conversations are not recorded without the consent of all parties involved.

If you are allowed to record IEP meetings without the school’s knowledge, it’s important to remember that the recording should be used for personal reference only.  If you have any questions about recording IEP meetings, it’s best to contact a lawyer to get the best advice. The  

The short answer – it depends on where you live and whether you request consent to record. Some states are what are called “one party” states and this means you can record phone calls, meetings, and other interactions with school staff, including IEP meetings as long as at least one party (you) are aware it is being recorded.