IEP

[Guest guest]

First, take a deep breath! Just because they say it has to be that way

doesn't mean it is the final word. YOU have the ultimate decision! They tried

to bully me by saying if Bill doesn't go to special Ed pre-k he won't get any

services. That is just not true!!!

My first question is are they saying full-day pre-k? That would be way to

long of a day for a 3 year old. Next thing is the recess and lunch are

probably in shifts so he may not be with the big kids. I had the same issues

with special Ed class, Bill is very high functioning and I did not want him a

class where was the highest functioning because as you said there would be no

one to model. He could get lazy. So Bill is in with regular kids and with his

brothers who are by far his best therapists!!!! Do your schools have any

headstart or other preschools that are based in the schools? Also if there is

another school around you like better, you can apply for out of district

placement. This is what we did, we hate the school closest to us, and we knew

of a school 20 min away with small classes and get teachers so we applied for

them to go there. The one down fall is you have to transport yourself. Did

they give you a booklet on your rights? If so sit down and read it very

carefully!! Find the loop holes!!! FYI... I hear it gets better, once a child

is 5 they have access to more services such as an aid so they can be in a

regular class. They won't give aides to pre-k!! If you have any specific

questions let me know and I will be glad to help. With 3 kids in the system I

have been to TONS of IEP meetings!!! And I am proud to say I ALWAYS get what

I want!! I guess I am a really good bitch!

mom of Bill, , and ALec and Hunter

[Guest guest]

I'm sorry you're having such a rough time of it Margaret. It must be so

worrying for you. Why does Greyson have to be put under so much pressure to

learn at such a young age?

Helen started Nursery at our small village school with her sisters at age 3,

3 mornings a week with a full time assistant. Just the same as all the other

kids. She moved on to full time school at 4.5, again the same as the others.

Things seemed to be working out just fine - she was with her sisters and had

an assistant for 24 hours a week. The problems started as Helen got older,

but the teachers seemed to think of her as she was when she first started

school. Because her speech hadn't improved much, they seemed to think she

didn't understand anything - not the case at all. They wanted to keep her

back this September when her sisters moved up to the next class. Many bitter

exchanges followed as well as sleepless nights and tears. I started looking

at other schools. However, I was persuaded to make a go of it by someone

brought in to look at how Helen could access Key Stage 2 curriculum. Helen

went into class 2 in September, as I had requested, but during the second

week of term she was taken to class 1 for literacy and numeracy. After a

week and a half of this, the teacher who had been so against Helen moving up,

came up to me and said " you were right about Helen all along, she belongs

with her sisters and her own age group " WHOOPEE!!! Now things are working

out well and Helen seems so much older, because she is being treated in a

different manner. But why does it have to be such a battle to get what you

know is best for your child?

Eileen

[Guest guest]

Hi Margaret,

I'm sorry that you are having a rough time. I

worry about Landon's IEP meeting already and he is

only 15 months. I am a special education teacher and

I'm worried because I feel it could work for or

against me. is right! The squeaky wheel gets

the oil. I've seen it time and time again. Both

Special Education Directors that I have worked for are

scared of pushy parents. What usually happens is the

parents that push get the most funds spent on their

children and the parents that don't just get what is

offered. The Special Education Department is going to

only offer the minumum and hope the parent doesn't

disagree. I've seen my director give certain parents

anything they want within reason because she doesn't

want to end up in due process. If you signed the IEP,

you have the right to call a meeting at anytime to

dispute it. One strategy is not to sign it until you

take it home and talk it over with other parents or

even a lawyer if needed. I have a parent do this and

it makes my director squirm everytime. I think this

parent is smart because she never disputes anything,

she is just playing them. Hey, it works! You can

demand in a nice way at first and then get ugly if

needed. From what I have witnessed, firm but nice

usually works best. There is an agency in SC called

Protection and Advocacy. They will offer free legal

advice to parents who have a child with a disability.

I wonder if you have something similiar in your

state.I'll call Protection and Advocacy when I get

home and ask them about your state. You are in

Georgia, right? Is the program for 3, 4, and 5 year

olds or a special class with all age levels? Our

preschool program meets Mon.- Thurs. for 1/2 day. That

gives the teacher an opportunity to serve more

students in smaller groups. I think all day is too

much for a 3 year old. Also, if you opt not to use the

program, he can receive the PT, OT and Speech if you

drive him in. They may even provide a homebound

teacher at your request. You could also suggest that

he only go for instructional time and you will pick

him up for recess and lunch. Also, some preschool

programs use children without disabilities to be a

language model for the children with disabilities.

Perhaps, you could suggest that they use Greyson as a

language model. They may not agree to it but it is

worth a try.

<greysean@...> wrote:

> Thank you to Gail and . I would

> love any information. We were totally unprepared for

> this. Our service coordinator did not fill us in at

> all and now I am told that is what she was supposed

> to be doing the last six months.

>

> Ok, here is what they said. Once turns three

> next week they recommend he go to a local elementary

> school(kids preK thru 5th grade) five days a week

> in a special ed. class in order to meet all the

> skills he needs to attend Kindergarden and such.

> They recommend he ride a bus and go to school and be

> in a class of ten special needs kids and go to the

> elementary school playground and the cafateria for

> lunch. I say no way he is too little!! He would be

> so terrified and so would I. I really don't know

> what to do. First there is no way I will put him on

> a bus. The elementary school in our district is not

> very good. Most of the kids that go are from an area

> a little bit away that come form low income

> apartments. A lot of the kids have English as their

> second language. I worry about being on the

> playground at the small preschool he is in now with

> a class of 12 students and the oldest kids on the

> playground are 4 or 5 not 10!! They gave us about 14

> pages and about 6 of them had goals for him to

> accomplish. We can keep him at the preschool and

> just send him the other two days a week but if the

> teachers can't accomplish the goals he will need to

> go longer. The special needs class will be made up

> of all disabilities. What is is the most

> advanced then what gives him the motivation to work?

> What if the teachers need to be more involved with

> the other students because of disabilites. I cannot

> imagine how on earth two teachers could take 10

> special needs children to a cafeteria to eat with

> the other kids. We have no choice in what school is

> assigned to us nor any choice in teachers. I cried

> in the meeting and most of last night. There needs

> to be a better way. I don't know when I get to spend

> time with him with that schedule. Once he comes home

> and has a nap then it will be dinner and bed. I

> really hate this so much. I want the best for him

> and I want him to learn but I can't stand the

> thought of him being scared. It makes me cry just to

> think about it- I just love him so much. He has

> never been left anywhere without his brother. I knew

> the day would come but not when he is this little.

> My friend had such a hard time taking her 6 year old

> to kindergarden this year - its just too soon for

> these kids. Am I just being unrealistic?? I would

> appreciate any advice. My husband and I also talked

> about if we need to move. If so where?? Sara, do you

> have any info about states or countries that can

> offer a lot to Ds kids??? I truely just don't know

> what to do.

>

> Margaret w? Greyson and (DS)- almost 3 and

> Annice 16 mos.

>

=====

[Guest guest]

Hi Margaret,

I called ths SC Protection and Advocacy Office in

Columbia and she said that they are in every state.

The one in Georgia is located in Atlanta. It is called

The Georgia Advocacy Office. The toll free number is

800-537-2329 and the local number is 404-885-1234. The

lady that I talked to said that they advocate for all

people with disabilites not just school age children.

She said that they would listen to your concerns and

assist where needed. The one in SC does parent

education classes. If the Georgia office does, it

sounds like it might be something to get lined up for

the DS group in Georgia. I hope this helps!

mom to Landon(DS) and Ashton - 15 months

--- greysean <greysean@...> wrote:

> ,

>

> I would love to know about Protection and Advocacy,

> I don't know whether Georgia has one or not nor do I

> know anything about the system. All this kind of

> information would be wonderful if our Ds association

> provided us with such things as is they are pretty

> lame. the program is for a three and four year old

> class then they have a four and five year old class.

> any info or help would be greatly appreciated. As

> for all of you I truely thank you for all the

> support. Its like everything is going along ok then

> wham it all hits you in the face.

>

> Saretta, went to see her designated school and she

> was horrified as well. She has her IEP on Monday. I

> 'm thinking Ga. is not a great place to be if you

> have a disability. They have a special school for

> autistic kids and one for cerebral palsy but none

> for Ds.

>

> Eileen, I'll get you one this weekend and send it

> hope it helps. again thank you all.

>

> Margaret w/ greyson and (ds) and annice 16mos.

>

=====

[Guest guest]

Hi Joan,

You got the IEP Team perfectly. Just add the lawyers.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/7/00 11:04:45 PM Central Daylight Time,

fishmiss@... writes:

<<

When my PT and EI ladies were here this week I asked for a copy of my

son's IEP. I recall seeing it at some point but, I don't have a copy in

my files. Today in the mail I received a copy his IFSP (

Individualized Family service Plan ). This I did have in my files.

Does anyone know if there is some reason they would be less than willing

to get me a copy of his IEP ? I plan on discussing it with them , but I

was interested in you ideas on the subject.

Thanks,

Kay and (13 mo Ds )

--

------------------------------- >>

Kay,

Up until they are 3 and enter the school system they have ISFP's. It's

bascially the same type of document but supposedly more family oriented. If

I " m way off base I'm sure someone will correct me. hehe

Joy

[Guest guest]

Your childs IEP is the IFSP. He won't have an IEP until he transitions to

public school. The IFSP is more family oriented and will include goals for

the family.

IEP-Individualized Education Plan

IFSP-Individualized Family Service Plan

[Guest guest]

No but you have a legal right to a copy. I think you may have to put it in

writing (keep a signed copy for yourself) and send the request certified

mail with receipt requested. They must sign for it. Did you help write

this IEP?

Elaine

Re: IEP

>

> In a message dated 9/7/00 11:04:45 PM Central Daylight Time,

> fishmiss@... writes:

>

> <<

> When my PT and EI ladies were here this week I asked for a copy of my

> son's IEP. I recall seeing it at some point but, I don't have a copy in

> my files. Today in the mail I received a copy his IFSP (

> Individualized Family service Plan ). This I did have in my files.

> Does anyone know if there is some reason they would be less than willing

> to get me a copy of his IEP ? I plan on discussing it with them , but I

> was interested in you ideas on the subject.

> Thanks,

> Kay and (13 mo Ds )

>

> --

> ------------------------------- >>

> Kay,

> Up until they are 3 and enter the school system they have ISFP's. It's

> bascially the same type of document but supposedly more family oriented.

If

> I " m way off base I'm sure someone will correct me. hehe

>

> Joy

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/8/00 12:04:20 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

fishmiss@... writes:

<< Does anyone know if there is some reason they would be less than willing

to get me a copy of his IEP ? I plan on discussing it with them , but I

was interested in you ideas on the subject. >>

Un NY state they are IFSPs until the child transitions from EI (0-3 years) to

preschool (3-5 years). So, IFSP in the first years then IEPs from 3 years old

on up.

nancy

[Guest guest]

I know that we get both an IFSP *and* an IEP. We are in Michigan. I have no

idea why they would hesitate to give you a copy, though.

Re: IEP

My Groups | Main Page | Start a new group!

In a message dated 9/7/00 11:04:45 PM Central Daylight Time,

fishmiss@... writes:

<<

When my PT and EI ladies were here this week I asked for a copy of my

son's IEP. I recall seeing it at some point but, I don't have a copy in

my files. Today in the mail I received a copy his IFSP (

Individualized Family service Plan ). This I did have in my files.

Does anyone know if there is some reason they would be less than willing

to get me a copy of his IEP ? I plan on discussing it with them , but I

was interested in you ideas on the subject.

Thanks,

Kay and (13 mo Ds )

--

------------------------------- >>

Kay,

Up until they are 3 and enter the school system they have ISFP's. It's

bascially the same type of document but supposedly more family oriented. If

I " m way off base I'm sure someone will correct me. hehe

Joy

[Guest guest]

Kay

Here in Memphis we don't do IEPs until age 3. is 23 months and all we

have ever done is IFSPs. The IEP comes in when the child transitions out of

EI into the public school system. At least that is the way it is here!

Hope that'll help.

God Bless

-mommy to and Caitlin

[Guest guest]

Maybe you just don't believe it. I know when I've had to fight, and then they

suddenly give in, I feel like, " yea, right! You're saying that to make me go

away. What happens tomorrow, will you implement it? "

I hope in your case this isn't the truth, but I think even if I did a surprise

visit and found everything perfect, I would still be suspicious. we're all so

used to fighting.

Don't mean to rain on your parade.....just giving a possible reason to feel

numb.

Now, go celebrate!

Loriann

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/14/00 12:32:24 AM Eastern Daylight Time, MBrayley@...

writes:

<< This all actually happened at 's IEP. I should be ecstatic and

thrilled

that things went so well and all I can feel is numb, blazae,

unmoved.........I guess I have just been through so much that it's ABOUT

FREAKEN TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's really sad that I can't even get

excited and be happy for this victory. I've wanted so much for for so

long and when it finally happens I'm unemotional. >>

GREAT news !!! I know EXACTLY how you feel. We got everything we

asked for at Maddie's IEP, but the fight for it just wiped me out. I

remember just feeling completely numb. I came home and cried---not tears of

joy; tears of exhaustion. A few days later, the relief and joy came.

{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}

I'm thrilled that you have something to celebrate!!

Donna

[Guest guest]

,

Congratulations on getting what needs at your IEP! I'm sorry that you

had to go through so much hell to get there. You're probably right in your

guess about why you don't feel happiness at this victory - you are probably

so tired and numb from the awful, long process that you just can't feel

anything yet. Don't be hard on yourself - go have dinner with your DH and

raise a toast to your persistence and advocacy for . Perhaps the

happiness will settle in slowly as you see the changes in his school

programming and the results that will follow. Take care,

Maureen

[Guest guest]

Hi Teri,

I am a substitute teacher that just went through training again last week.

The school system here in Idaho made a big point out of how much trouble

they have been in due to teachers that can't keep their mouths shut and

paperwork to themselves. There are many law suits pending where teachers

breached confidentiality. This could be the reason your school is taking the

position they are taking. I also know that when I sub, I do see IEP's for

students... they are not kept very secret. It would be a problem if a

student did not want his/her peers to know about the IEP. My son does

not have an IEP partly for this reason. I do go and talk to each one of his

teachers, which seems to work just fine. There was a half a year where I

didn't tell my son's teachers at his request.... well, his PE teacher made him

do finger tip push-ups for not getting dressed on time... when he couldn't do

them, he got sent to the principal for not obeying. He was very embarrassed!

Jana

[Guest guest]

Jana,

Thanks for the teachers point of view. I hear what you are saying

Teri

[Guest guest]

Teri

I had this problem with my daughter as well. I wrote her teacher a letter

informing her of Chyannes " special needs " and got a copy of the iep from my

files photo copied it and gave it to her. My daughter also has fine and gross

motor skill delays because along with jra she also has cerebral palsy.

Charlene(chychys mom)

[Guest guest]

Good idea Charlene. Thanks,

Teri

[Guest guest]

Hi Terri,

I teach 1st grade in CA. In our state, children that have an IEP have a

confidential cum, but all of the teachers know where they are and have access

to them. Your son might qualify for adaptive PE as well, for his gross motor

skills. If you have any other questions, let me know,

[Guest guest]

,

I already mentioned adaptive PE to the PT but we both agree his delays are

not that bad.He is finally catching up. Hopefully we will only have one more

year of therapies.(PS. Josh is not my child with arthritis> I think his

delays are genetic plus his heart rate dropped during delivery)

If I have anymore questions I will let you know .

Thanks for the reply.

Teri

[Guest guest]

Ywellen

yes you are so right

i was stopped in the school by one of melissas teachers from last year and

she said look melissa is 13 and in 8th grade now please let her come in the

school alone like the other kids lololol i told another teacher about this

and she said we enjoy seeing the parents no matter what the cause lololol

i went back in the next morning and told the old teacher that i do this for a

reason

to help melissa i roll her book bag in so she dont hurt and i will do it in

the afternoon also lolol she said then your makeing a baby out of her

i said no just makeing sure she stays in school everyday instead of

in bed hurting this teacher said what is wrong with her then

i told her JRA she looked at me and said oh i see now

lololol

Robbin

[Guest guest]

Georgina,

You are more than welcomed. When it comes to my kids needs being meet I

do my best to meet them and have them meet. My family says I'm over

protective, but I'm not just want the best for my kids. From what I can see

you are a good parent too and you keep up the good work too. I wish there

were alot of parents the same way too, because there are some many missed

treated children in this world. I wish you could tell Zhondrese, Vishun,and

LaBaron that because they says that it embarrasses them for me to show up and

see how they're doing.

Ywellen

[Guest guest]

Ywellen

congradulations everyone should do this

Robbin

[Guest guest]

Terry,

IEPs can be very, very flexible. Amber sleeps in because of the

Depokote/OCD. So her IEP starts school from 10:30 to 2:20. She

takes some regular classes, some in Sp Ed. She did have a tutor

in school, until she moved. They don't like to make changes

though, after they start. We explained about all her doc appts.

She does have to have 'discipline' for misbehavior. Although it can

be written up just for her OCD. She was penalized for tardiness

before the IEP started, and the small tardy room drove her CRAZY.

So they put her in the Sp Ed room for in school detention. I hope

that gives you some ideas.

Candace/Mo

<egroups>

From: " Terry Migdal " <zmct@...>

Date sent: Sun, 10 Dec 2000 17:26:06 -0800

Send reply to: egroups

Subject: IEP

> Hi all,

> I have an IEP meeting set up with the school for the week after next and I was

wondering if those of you who have been through this had any suggestions

regarding questions I should ask or statements I should make.

> Thanks,

> Terry

>

>

[Guest guest]

This is our first IEP. Actually the school has been so helpful already I'm

not sure what the purpose of this IEP is.

My son has OCD, OCPD, Aspergers and SID.

Terry

IEP

>

>

> Terry:

>

> Before I can respond to your question about what to ask at the IEP

meeting, I

> need a reminder of what you and your child are dealing with. Does s/he

already

> have an IEP in place? If so, what is working and what is not working?

What you

> ask depends on how your child's symptoms affect his ability to cope at

school.

> For example, a child with a writing compulsion might have written in the

ability

> to take a test orally or to work on an alphasmart or other keyboard. When

my

> son's anxiety was at its highest, he was on a modified school day, leaving

at

> lunchtime and working with a tutor on weekends for the math and social

science

> he missed.

>

> Jule

>

>

>

>

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>

>