initial IEP Wednesday
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initial IEP Wednesday
| Sun, 05-21-2006 - 11:13pm |
I need PPT, and any last minute advice you've got!
I've got a whole 3 ring binder full of information, I plan on tape recording the session (which I've been told can only be an hour long, so we may have to have TWO meetings).


Debbie:
My advise -- go in with an open mind. Keep in mind the committee will be there to help you and your son -- chances of them being against you are slim to none. In my opinion, our IEP committee is loving and always willing to help us out.
Express your needs right up front. Listen to their suggestions and if you don't agree, tell them what you want.
You sound extremely organized and prepared. You will do just fine. Breathe deep and hope for the best. I would make the copies ahead of time -- the Special Ed director may not be able to make that many for your. Stop at Staples before you go and have the packets all ready when you arrive -- it will save time.
Best of luck, Debbie -- it will be just fine!
Amy
Sending you bucket loads of PPTs......
It sounds like you are prepared.....I agree with making copies prior to meeting - everyone is going through the IEP process right now so every minute counts....don't let them waste it on making copies.
I'm going tomorrow morning (Tuesday) for son's IEP.....already feel a little queasy. I'm sure it will be fine.
Good luck!
Christie
Good luck! You are making me nervous though. We will now begin the IEP process and I DON'T have a 3 ring binder of info. Frankly, I don't have much at all. What exactly are you bringing?
Melissa
I've been collecting things for weeks now.
Here's how I organize my stuff. I have a 3-ring binder for each kid with all pertinent info in it that I take to all meetings incase I need some of the info there.
http://www.asdrendrewolf.org/artlsure/organize.htm
For IEPs in specific to prepare I review all tests in advance as well as any recent information. Then I make a chart or list of needs, evidence of those needs and what I would like to do to address them (further testing, therapy, etc). This just helps me organize my thoughts so I am not stuck in the meeting forgetting something. Then toward the end when they say "do you have any additional concerns" I just briefly consult my list one last time and see if there is anything i have left out.
It is good to list evidence of concerns as well as what you would like done. Often I have found when I bring up a concern they may ask either, why do you think that is a problem and it is great if I have specifics with evidence. OR they may ask what I had in mind or what I wanted. Sometimes this is a snarky remark and nearly sarcastic. If I have a list then that takes care of that. I may not get what I want but it is a starting point for discussion.
Renee
Good stuff Renee -- I like that you use a Franklin Covey Planner (I work for the company that makes them....) Good choice!
We also have a 3 ring binder for my son -- I have it set up by year, dx, ADHD, OT and general -- it is great to hand over to anyone who wants to learn more about my son -- I suggest to everyone to create something like this.
Amy
You sound really well-organized and I will be thinking of you tomorrow! I know it will go well.
Like others say, I'd make copies ahead to save time.
One other thing I did was to look at the IEP form ahead of time and fill it out the way you want it. Although this might be easier to do next year after you have been through the process once.
Also, I use the binder method too. But I also make a one-page outline of what I want to be sure gets covered in the meeting so I am not flipping around all my notes. But it's good to have the binder in case you need to refer to a medical eval for your son.
You'll do great! Let us know how it goes.
Hugs,
Katherine
Hi Debbie,
Good luck and you seem to be super prepared. I have my son's IEP meeting today. Until yesterday evening we weren't sure we will have it because, the physcologist hadn't faxed us the copy of eval. The school physc. used the words "probable and possible" and so we were not elligible. I am glad I went thru a private eval. Now I think I should take some time and do this 3-ring binder.
take care,
Anandhi