IEP for school

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Permalink Reply by Mindy Pond on November 2, 2010 at 10:35am

I typically work with High School Transition aged students but I work a lot with teams around IEP's. It is totally normal for you to be worried about writing the best IEP you can. Just remember that an IEP can be ammended at anytime by his team. The team includes the school personnell and the parents. It is really important that you outline a strong profile of your son's strengths, weakness, interests, and learning styles. All of his educators will be reading this and looking at it as a starting point for building the relationship. I have posted some questions you could ask the team about, also to rmember that there are likely to be some other assessments down the road that might include speech and language, PT, and OT and the IEP would be ammended as you gain more knowledge about how to best support your son.

Here are some questions:

What is the classroom environment like? How many children? Lighting? Space? Quiet areas?
How are material and lessons presented to the children?
Will your son or daughter have a para educator? ( Someone who works one on one with your son)
What is the daily routine in the classroom?
How does the school communicate progress, successes, challenges to and with the family?

The school is not mandated to accept recommendations from an evaluation or doctor that they have not contracted with to provide recommendations. However, you can use the information as a springboard to say " How does this information compare to what you know about ( son')? You can ask teh team if they have someone who can make recommendations to the hours and types of support strategies your son needs to be successful


Through Gateways Community Services Family Support Department you can connect with someone to assist you to find resources, build a network of support, assist you to answer questions and to learn about the Autism Spectrum.

I also recommend to families that they look at the school as a partner at the table. Together you are investing in your son's future. Conflict is bound to come up , but any good team works through it together. Bring a picture of your son, it helps to bring everyone on the same page and remember that we are talking about one individual.

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Permalink Reply by Carole Smith on November 2, 2010 at 11:30am

As you have stated this is an important time for you and your child but also remember that this is the beginning of many years of working with your local school district, so you want to begin building that relationship. You (parents, other family members, friends, other support people) are the key to planning and supporting this transition for your child. Remember that you know your child better than anyone. A few things that might help you to be prepared at the first meeting:
1. Write down your questions (many times school meetings can be overwhelming at times there being more school staff at the table than family) so that you do not forget what you want to ask.
2. Go prepared in writing, along with a picture of your child, to share your child's strengths, what motivates your child, how my child learns best, what your child enjoys, How your child adjusts to new environments, what your child does when they are upset, how to best calm my child.
3. If school staff mention something that you don't understand or you are not sure of ask for more information.
4. Ask to visit the different schools/classrooms that your child might be placed in so that you can picture in your mind your child in that environment and meet the teachers.
5. Listen to what everyone has to say and remember that you do NOT need to make any decisions on the spot.

A resource for more information on working with your school district and the IEP process can be found at The Parent Information Center.

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Permalink Reply by Ajitha Nadesan on November 3, 2010 at 7:18am

Thank you Mindy and Carole... I feel much better with support around...

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Permalink Reply by Tracy Saunders on April 4, 2011 at 8:33pm

Hi Ajitha, I would say that the first step, if you have not already done so, is get a complete neuropsych exam from a reputable Ph.d. that specializes in preschool spectrum children.  There are several good ones.  The most seem to be in Mass.  ICCD in Canton, Mass has several excellent neuropsychologists.  You can take these recommendations that stem from the report to your team.  The team has to consider private reports within a reasonable period of time (defined as ten days).  If the team disagrees with the doctor's report then they would need to give the basis for disagreeing.  If the school has not evaluated your child with similar tests then it will be hard for them to counter the recommendations.  If the team does not agree, try to get the specific reason for the disagreement.  You should sign the IEP, with exception, noting specifically what you do not agree with.  If you reject the IEP outright by not signing anything, then your child cannot get any services until it is resolved.  Signing with exception allows you to resolve the issues while getting your child other needed services.  I would also record every meeting.  It is important to keep this as a record.  You can later review it so that you can be sure you understood everything or if you have questions about what was said.  

 

After the IEP is written there is placement.  This decision has to be based on your specific child’s need.  The school cannot simply say,”This is what we have and this is what we offer because this is what we have.”  Look at the recommendations from your doctor, look at the program they are offering, and see if that program meets your child’s needs.  Observe the program they are offering and ask for all placement options.  If it doesn’t meet your child’s needs, don’t agree to the placement and check off “I request a hearing” on the Written Prior Notice. There will be opportunities for more discussion and you might want to consult an advocate if this happens.  Don’t feel pressured to put your child in a placement that isn’t right for them.  Never sign the IEP at the meeting.  Take it home and think about it, then return it.  I would get, "The Complete IEP Guide, How to Advocate for Your Special Ed Child," by Nolo press and from Emotions to Advocacy by Peter Wright http://www.wrightslaw.com/bks/feta2/feta2.htm

These two books walk you through the IEP process.  Educating yourself on special education law and the process is critical if you are to be an effective advocate for your child.  Unless you have thousands of dollars to spend on attorneys and advocates, you will need to do it yourself.  The good news is you can do it yourself!  Happy reading and good luck with your meetings!  Tracy

 

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Permalink Reply by Ajitha Nadesan on April 8, 2011 at 9:49pm

Hi Tracy,

Thanks for all the info. I greatly appreciate it. It has come at a time when I am wondering about the next IEP and what I should do next.

 

-Ajitha

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Permalink Reply by Tracy Saunders on April 9, 2011 at 2:32pm

Glad I could help.  If you have any specific questions feel free to email me at mcgeenewz@yahoo.com  Tracy

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