The only time the teacher is "available" is at 9 am during her plan time or whatever they call it. 9 am isn't a good time for us on any day so I've asked for them to make arrangements since they have a month to get something in place. I am not excusing her from attending, she actually plays a pretty big role because my son is integrated quite a bit through out the day into his Gen Ed class.

You can sign the IEP form before hand excusing the Gen. Ed teacher. But if you want them there you are allowed to ask for a time she can attend.

They should be able to have someone( paraprofessional/ teacher assistant) cover the class while the teacher attends the meeting. Arrangements should and can be made for general ed teacher to attend meeting.

I do not think it is mandated they get a sub so a certain person can go, we always tell them we will wait until the teacher can be there

At our school all IEP meetings are held before or after school unless the sped. teacher and gen. ed. teacher share a resource (and both agree to give up their 30 minute planning that they get during resources) When an IEP must be held during the school day (and this is only under extreme circumstances) the class is covered by one of our schools TAs. Our schools population is 50% special education and this has worked for us without any problems.