When it rains, it pours (IEP stuff)

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Registered: 03-31-2003
When it rains, it pours (IEP stuff)
3
Fri, 03-24-2006 - 8:24pm

David's got his annual IEP meeting coming up. It's supposed to be done by May 5th. The resource teacher, who coordinates this stuff, called us up and asked if Apr. 13th would work for us, and I said it would. A few days later, I got an e-mail. The resource teacher had emailed a bunch of teachers with their confirmed meeting dates, and David's teacher replied to it (and cc'ed me), saying "Yes, but like I said before, I have an medical appointment that day, and I will only be able to stay for a half hour." I'm glad she cc'd me! The resource teacher had no intention of telling me the general ed teacher would only be able to attend half the meeting. Oh, and by the way, I was able to read the original message, which contained the names of other children with IEPs. So much for confidentiality! Whoops!

Well.... I've learned my lesson about having IEP meetings with no general ed teacher. That happened in the Fall. Because of construction work, the teacher had only one day to get her classroom ready, and when she got to work the day before the first day of school, and found out she had an IEP meeting, she said she couldn't be there. I didn't like it, but we had to have the meeting. They had me sign a thing saying it's okay that she wasn't there. I later regretted it, and so did she. Now, I know that what they did was against the law. She shouldn't have been excused from the meeting without first having contributed her ideas, in writing, AND getting my consent. That's the law. The district's spec. ed. guy was there too, for some reason, all decked out in a suit and tie.

Anyway...I wrote back and said that I think it's important for the teacher to be able to attend the whole meeting, so we'll have to reschedule. The resource teacher just emailed me back and said, "We'll see what we can do. We may have to do a part 2. We're trying to get it done on or before his annual date."

I don't know why they are so intent on doing it by that date, when so many other parts of the law seem to be optional. LOL! I also don't know why every kid seems to have their IEP meeting in April. Personally, I'd be happy to come in on a weekend for an IEP meeting. In fact, I'd prefer it.

Oh...and I haven't even mentioned the stuff about my other kid being diagnosed with Sensory Integration Disorder. The developmental pediatrician gave me a list of OT's and people who do "play therapy". I spent yesterday morning leaving voicemail messages for people. Two of them called me back, and after long discussions we decided that they aren't exactly what we need. On a positive note, apparently Nathan is super-smart for his age! :)

Evelyn

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Registered: 03-31-2003
Fri, 03-24-2006 - 9:12pm

Okay, I realize that was a dumb title, because even though it was a LONG post, I didn't actually talk about all the other stuff I intended to. LOL! Oh, well. Maybe some other time.

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Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 03-24-2006 - 9:58pm

How darn frustrating that is. I hate that kind of stuff. I do like the email stuff though because I keep copies of it in a special folder all of school correspondence. All in writing. Perhaps when you write her back about this cc the principal and just kindly insist on things that are parental rights, like having the general ed teacher there and having it prior to his annual IEP.

HUGS on the thing with Nathan. Good to hear he is such a smarty pants. Hopefully you can get all the tough stuff under control with OT and playtherapy.

Renee

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Registered: 08-26-2005
Fri, 03-24-2006 - 10:49pm
Evelyn,
((HUGS))
I haven't had the pleasure of sitting through an IEP meeting yet but I can really relate to having one of those days when nothing goes right! My son Jake(almost 3) is about to transition to the I.U and my daughter Ella(22 months) is with EI for sensory prosessing problems so life is never dull and I'm always on the phone arranging some meeting or other relating to the kids. We have used play therapy with Jake since he was about 13 months old and we found it really helpful but you have to find someone who's good at it and that's not easy. We were very lucky to find a therapist with EI who we are planning on continuing with after Jake turns 3. We will have to pay out of pocket for it but it is well worth it. Good Luck with the meeting!
Teresa