First IEP and school

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
First IEP and school
3
Wed, 08-24-2005 - 5:35pm

The school year doesn't start for Owen (4.5 -AS) for a

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-24-2004
Fri, 08-26-2005 - 12:26pm

Pam,

I've been thinking about your question. I think what worked for us was just making sure that Nathan's needs were being met. I focused on what he needed help with, and made sure that this was addressed in his IEP. For Nathan it was speech, social skills, help with direction and transition. I didn't want someone doing everything for him....just someone there incase he needed guidance or reassurance. Someone he could turn to if needed.

I also visited his kindergarten class last year, just to see how he was doing and if everything was working for him. The teachers would tell me that he was doing great, but I had to see for myself. I can tell just by looking at his little face, if he's doing ok.

He's excited for school to start and loves going. This also tells me that things are going well for him at school. I also keep intouch with the teachers throughout the year, popping my head in before or after school. I do this occasionally, just so that I know what's going on. This helps me.....I'm a worrier!!!!

I hope things go well for Owen. It was nice for the spec ed teacher to drop by and go over some things with you. Feeling optimistic about the school year is great, and it sounds like his school is right on top of things!

HTH,
Michelle

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 08-26-2005 - 12:49pm

I agree with Michelle. A good IEP meets the needs of the individual student so what may work for my Cait, may not work for my Mike and may not work for Owen.

But I do have a tip on how to figure out what Owen needs. Actually 2.

1) Spend some time thinking and going through all the testing, notes and various paper work you have on Owen. Then sit down and write down what all your concerns are. I like to make a table. The first collumn lists the concern, the second is evidence of that concern (cause they always ask why you think that and my brain goes mushy), third is for any testing or other intervention that you would like to see to meet those needs and the last collumn I leave blank. When I take it to the meeting I use that to fill in what we agreed on for that particular concern. I actually had one RSP attach that form to my IEP.

2) Go to the website tourettes syndrom plus. Can't put the link for fear that this post will disappear but if you do a search you should find it pretty easy. There is an advocacy tutorial there for parents. It is awesome. It will totally prepare you for an IEP meeting and how to make it effective.

BTW, the first idea is basically one I modified from the tourette syndrome plus tutorial.

HTH

Renee

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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-25-2003
Sat, 08-27-2005 - 11:53pm

Pam,

I agee with all that has been said to date, The only additional thing I would look for in an IEP is flexibility. -i.e. that they will change the program if it is not working for Owen. The safest way to do this IMO, is to build a review process and timeframe into the IEP: that there will be a review meeting in (say) three months. Therefore you are ensuring a forum for any tweaking which may need to take place, and an built-in timeframe for it to happen.

HTH

-Paula

-Paula

visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com