Really good IEP meeting

Avatar for googolplex
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-31-2003
Really good IEP meeting
9
Thu, 04-13-2006 - 10:54pm

We had our IEP meeting today. It went very well. Before I had a chance to bring up the subject of AS training for next year's teacher (as in, Hello...it's the law...so please do it), they told me that they had some good news. There is going to be a pilot program in the district starting in the fall. It's kind of a special HFA/AS classroom, where kids who need it will spend some of their day. "David will be in a general ed class with access to this inclusion classroom. Services will be flexible according to David's unique needs. Program will support social skills, behavior, and academic needs." Sounds pretty cool. They said, yes, the teacher will be someone who is knowledgeable in HFA/AS, as are all the other people who are part of the program. These people will also be providing training for the general ed teachers with HFA/AS kids. My eyes nearly popped out of my head, and I think I said something like, "Wheeeee!!" when they told me. LOL! Oh, and best of all, the school that was chosen to be the first one to do this is...you guessed it....our school! That was because we've got the most kids who could use it (being the largest elementary school in the district), and because the principal and teachers really want it and are enthusiastic about it.

So, I'm pretty excited about this. I have a feeling this will be a really good thing for him.

Everyone seemed to be on the same page as far as all the different issues, so it was pretty painless. Another really nice thing is that the entire team really cares about David. Each person had some anecdote about something cute David did, or one of his successes, or some other positive thing. Talking about the child's strengths is *supposed* to be part of an IEP meeting, I know, but it sure is a good feeling to be sitting at a table full of people who are happily celebrating your child's successes and strengths, and talking about what an awesome kid he is. :)

Evelyn
David (8, 2nd grade)
Nathan (4.5)

Avatar for insideout418
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Thu, 04-13-2006 - 11:03pm

Man Evelyn, you've had a GREAT day!


You bring up a great point that I'll make sure is in our IEP (we're just getting started) about the teacher having training on AS.

Follow me
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-20-2001
Thu, 04-13-2006 - 11:48pm
Thats Awesome!

 


Powered by CGISpy.com

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 04-14-2006 - 12:14am

That sounds great Evelyn and I love that it is at your school. It also sounds set up better than the similar program they wanted to put Mike in a few years ago.

I love hearing when things work out well at a meeting.

Renee

Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-19-2005
Fri, 04-14-2006 - 6:31am

Hurray! I am so happy for you Evelyn! And for your son. This sounds really good for him.

It is true about the increased need for these programs. The "new" program that my son is in for Pre-K HFA children was in 4 schools this year and next year will be in 11. It is sad that the need grows, but I am glad to hear in your area they are doing something for older kids. The problem here seems to be all the resources go to Pre-K and Kindy, after that it is harder.

I'm hoping your experience is part of a trend.

I know you are going to have a great weekend now!

Katherine

Avatar for betz67
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 04-14-2006 - 11:21am

WHEEEE! is right! wow, that is so great, Evelyn! I'm so happy for David! sounds like the perfect program for him!

Betsy

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-24-2004
Fri, 04-14-2006 - 12:39pm

Evelyn,

WOW!! Sounds like a great program! Glad you're IEP went well. Our meeting also went really well when we had our IEP. It's nice when you have a school that's willing to work with your kids.

michelle

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-26-2005
Fri, 04-14-2006 - 12:43pm
Evelyn,
That's great news and sounds like a perfect fit. Wish me luck my IEP meeting for Jake is next week!
Teresa
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 04-14-2006 - 12:56pm

WOW!! How awesome for your son! The new program sounds great! I LOVE to hear good news!

Christie

Avatar for insideout418
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Fri, 04-14-2006 - 9:33pm

I don't think it's that there are more kids with ASD, I think it's that it is being recognized more.

Follow me