IEP
Friday, April 22nd, 2011
THE DREADED HOPEFUL IEP
Coming into the world of special needs is a very confusing and frustrating time. Just when you’ve finally figured out what “Apraxia” means, you’re slammed with another fifty words you probably never heard. I’ve been thinking back to a time when all this was new to me. I feel good about where I am today. To me it’s become pretty simple, YES my child is special, and YES he has needs! Just as easy as that. I am no longer intimated by words. They are just that, WORDS. As far as I am concern we all have special needs, every single one of us. I like my music LOUD and my water scolding hot. I must have sensory issues, maybe I need an OT?
If your child requires special services and you are about to enter into the public school system, there is one book you must read.
This book will provide you with all the information you could ever want to know about how to successfully navigate through this new world. I wish I had it two years ago. I’m sure this is the book the school district does not want you to know about. It will teach you what to realistically expect and how to obtain the best education for your child.
Let me explain the basics.
What is an IEP?
An IEP stands for an Individualized Education Program.
It is a meeting, a document, and a description of your child’s entire educational program.
You are an equal part in the IEP process. Without your approval nothing can be implemented.
What is IDEA?
IDEA is a federal Law, binding on all states. The federal government provides financial assistance to the states to implement IDEA. The states must follow the laws that implement IDEA. Want more info? Go here; http://idea.ed.gov/
IDEA is geared toward regular education, but did you know IDEA requires that school districts provide many alternative placements, called “continuum of placement options”? I talk to many parents at work whose child receives speech therapy services even though they are home school children or with a charter school. Other options include; regular classes, special classes, public/private specials schools, charter schools, residential, home instruction. Often parents don’t even know they could still receive services for their child if they decided to home school. A couple programs that caught my attention are CAVA and DEHESA.
What types of services are available?
Speech-language pathology and Audiology services, physical and occupational therapy (for an Apraxic child who has drooling and/or oral motor issues, this would fall under Occupational therapy needs) psychological services, interpreting services (Does your child use sign language? Your child may qualify for an interpreter), one-to-one instructional aide, art therapy, social work services, technological devices, special computers, school nurse services, counseling and rehabilitation services.
Who will be at my child’s IEP meeting?
You, your child’s teacher, school administrators, specialist (the schools speech pathologist, OT, PT, ect.), Beyond that would be anyone else you want to participate. An example of this would be, your child’s physician, current SLP, current OT, PT, ect. Anyone who could bring helpful information about your child to the table. Some parents may choose to bring their lawyer.
Once we sign an IEP for our child can it ever be changed?
You will have an initial IEP meeting. After that, meetings are held yearly, focusing on your child’s current educational program and what the following year’s IEP will look like. Once you sign your IEP it is a binding contract. However (and I just learned this) you are entitled to an IEP meeting whenever you feel one is needed. You can also request a review of your child’s IEP at any time to check on current goals and note if they are appropriately being met.
I asked our clinical director if she could give me her top three suggestions for parents going to their fist IEP meeting.This is what she said;
1. She recommends parents never go alone. A second set of ears is extremely important. People tend to interpret things in different ways. Bring your spouse or a friend. However, that being said, she does not recommend taking a host of (or any) professionals to your initial meeting. You do not want to appear defensive when there is no reason to be. You have no idea what they might offer you. You do not want to walk into your initial IEP with your guns blazing. Go in with your defenses down. There may be a time you need reinforcement and back up but it’s not likely in the first round of negotiations. You could be pleasantly surprised and agree with the services and goals they have set for your child. But what if you don’t? This brings me to tip number two.
2. Never sign an IEP on the spot. Though the team may not like it, take your IEP home. Read it again and again. Make sure the services offered are appropriate for your child. This will also give you the chance to show the IEP to appropriate people. Let them read over it. Get their input. Make educated decisions from there. Call for another meeting if you need to.
3. REMEMBER, you are part of the IEP team. Be a team player. Focus on working together with the school district. Be open minded. Hope for the best!
I‘ve had the pleasure of getting to know a wonderful mom who has been through many IEP’s for her son. Her husband is an attorney and they offered this advice to parents new to the process;
1. Do your homework. Look through reports, paperwork, talk to your child current SLP’s, OT’s, PT’s. Get their input on what might be some realistic goals and services for your child. Know what your child needs are. Know what you expect to ask for. Bring in reports and document that you feel maybe helpful in making decisions.
2. While focusing on your most important issues, don’t over look other needs your child might have. It won’t likely be addressed unless it’s something you bring up as a concern.
3. Tell the team a personal story about your child’s struggle. Show your emotions. This may give them incite and compassion on a more intimate level. It may help them understand why you feel so strongly about certain goals and services.
4. Be realistic. Don’t allow the team to set goals to low for your child so they can easily be met with minimal effort on their part. On the flip side do not set goals that are way beyond your child’s current reach. Be realistic, be appropriate.
5. School budgets are getting worse but cost should not be a factor in your child’s program. If a school district says, “We can’t afford it.” you can respond that the law requires the IEP team make decisions based on your child’s needs, not on the school budget. More money can be saved if school districts address problems when children are younger.
I wish you the best of luck with your IEP’s. I hope you can turn the dreaded IEP into the hopeful and successful IEP!-Jen
