Making life better in disadvantaged communities - our thoughts on everything - from Spirit Lake Consulting, Inc.
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How many of you have found it difficult to get involved in your child's IEP process? Please tell us the reasons why. Have the school officials made it hard for you to get involved? How did you cope with getting involved with your child's IEP and what tips would you give other parents who are going through the same situation? I have included some tips on ways to get involved that you may find helpful, and rights that you may not know you had:
1. The school must schedule the IEP meeting according to your availability. They cannot schedule a meeting and have it without you if you cannot make it.
2. In order to prepare for the meeting, you might find it helpful to observe your child in class before the meeting to get a feel for how your child reacts in a classroom environment. Make a list of questions beforehand in order to feel prepared when you walk into the meeting. If you feel that it would help, take a look at your child's records as well.
3. If English is not your first language, you have the right to a translator to accompany you to the meeting. In fact, you can bring anyone to the meeting who you feel can give assistance or moral support.
4. Bring in any medical records that you think will be of assistance during the meeting. Contribute stories about the way your child acts at home, as this can give the staff an idea of how to work with your child at school.
5. Do not leave the meeting without having a complete understanding of everything that has been said. You have the right to ask questions!
6. If you need time before approving and signing the IEP , take it home for a few days. If you want to make amendments, feel free to call another IEP meeting.
7. Periodically, ask for a progress report to see if the IEP plan is working. If you see no improvement and you have additional concerns, you may call another meeting, or contact your child's teacher.
Post any additional tips you may have, or any concerns you think others can help you with!
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Bring someone else with you. If yuo are together, the child's father should come. It seems like people at the schools are less likely to be pushy and bossy wihen the father is their. if the father is not around, bring someone else, the grandfather, aunty, grandmother or somebody. It makes it easier when you disagree if it isn't just you against the school/
If you are not confortable about anything on the IEP/504 plan then you do not have to sign and can ask for a review of the information at a separate meeting. Remember, this report will follow the child throughout their education program, as well as, be reviewed as part of a IPE when applying for Vocational Rehabilitation services.
I would also recommend working with your child before, during and after the IEP meetings, so that they are not only aware of what is involved. But, to begin to take control of their own IEP process. This can help them become more independent and be more prepared for post-secondary endeavers, including. employment or educational training.
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The hardest thing is the attitude from the school like there must be something wrong with you that your child is disabled. Even if they don't say it right out, I know they are thinking that.