Not so infamous really ;) Although when you write those types of things up they may feel that way!
Ok so as you travel along the yellow brick road of the spectrum undoubtedly you get to the stop known as the IFSP (or for older children the IEP) meeting. The IFSP meeting for early intervention is run through the Department of Health here in NY. An IEP meeting would be run through the Department of Education. While there are differences between the two, what makes them similar is what I am going to focus on for now.
1. You as a parent have a right to feel informed. This means that any parent who does not feel comfortable or knowledgeable with this whole process has the right and the responsibility to bring in anyone who might help them through the process. One example would be a parent advocate. As a teacher I have worked with advocates, friends of families who have gone through the process, one time even a medical professional attended a meeting with a parent.
There are many sites you can access on line to help you. Here are a few to start you out:
http://www.advocatesforchildren.org/
http://www.advocatesforchildren.org/pubs/ei.html
http://cochlearimplantonline.com/site/?p=3582 ( I know this is for the hard of hearing but the info is good for all ifsp/iep meetings!)
http://www.wrightslaw.com/
There is even an app (although I have never tried it) for the IEP checklist: http://www.peatc.org/peatc.cgim?template=IEPChecklistiPhone
2. These documents are legally binding. Although you can request to reconvene if you feel your child's needs are not being met, the annual IFSP/IEP meeting is your chance to make sure your voice is heard as well as your child's educators, providers, etc. As a teacher I have had times when a parent has disagreed with something I have felt. Let me assure you...I do not hold it against parents who avail themselves of their rights. As a mom I am doing the same for my child. All I suggest is you measure your ideas of what is best with the evidence before you. Some parents have fought for more services...some for less. The only times I have felt concerned was when it was obvious the parents were more concerned about the words "special education" than what a child needed. The good thing is that example is the rarity...most families strive to get the best for their children!
3. Go in prepared. Bring in evaluations, medical notes, written communications with educators, and whatever else you have that provides an accurate snapshot of your child's abilities and needs.
4. Don't be afraid to ask questions! This is your child's future and you have every reason to ask any and all questions you may have. Many parents feel intimidated by the amount of information thrown at them. I try to break my words down into non "teacher lingo" but not all teachers do that. Asking questions now can help you avoid being angry or upset with results later.
Now to talk about the process:
1. You will sign an attendance sheet stating you were present.
2. You will speak to providers, coordinators, psychologists or any other professional who is involved with your child. You will discuss the results of evaluations and these professionals will ask you questions about your child.
3. You will collaborate on goals pertaining to your child. Make sure you read through these. Many parents thumb through them and later are upset about a particular goal. If you find something a little "off" about a goal, now is the ideal time to discuss this.
4. Services will be assigned as needed.
5. When the meeting is over, a copy of the new IFSP/IEP will either be made for you or sent to you.
When you break it down...these meetings are not as overwhelming as they seem. It’s all about preparation and willingness to communicate. In the end you walk away with a tool to help your child reach his or her highest potential!
Ok so as you travel along the yellow brick road of the spectrum undoubtedly you get to the stop known as the IFSP (or for older children the IEP) meeting. The IFSP meeting for early intervention is run through the Department of Health here in NY. An IEP meeting would be run through the Department of Education. While there are differences between the two, what makes them similar is what I am going to focus on for now.
1. You as a parent have a right to feel informed. This means that any parent who does not feel comfortable or knowledgeable with this whole process has the right and the responsibility to bring in anyone who might help them through the process. One example would be a parent advocate. As a teacher I have worked with advocates, friends of families who have gone through the process, one time even a medical professional attended a meeting with a parent.
There are many sites you can access on line to help you. Here are a few to start you out:
http://www.advocatesforchildren.org/
http://www.advocatesforchildren.org/pubs/ei.html
http://cochlearimplantonline.com/site/?p=3582 ( I know this is for the hard of hearing but the info is good for all ifsp/iep meetings!)
http://www.wrightslaw.com/
There is even an app (although I have never tried it) for the IEP checklist: http://www.peatc.org/peatc.cgim?template=IEPChecklistiPhone
2. These documents are legally binding. Although you can request to reconvene if you feel your child's needs are not being met, the annual IFSP/IEP meeting is your chance to make sure your voice is heard as well as your child's educators, providers, etc. As a teacher I have had times when a parent has disagreed with something I have felt. Let me assure you...I do not hold it against parents who avail themselves of their rights. As a mom I am doing the same for my child. All I suggest is you measure your ideas of what is best with the evidence before you. Some parents have fought for more services...some for less. The only times I have felt concerned was when it was obvious the parents were more concerned about the words "special education" than what a child needed. The good thing is that example is the rarity...most families strive to get the best for their children!
3. Go in prepared. Bring in evaluations, medical notes, written communications with educators, and whatever else you have that provides an accurate snapshot of your child's abilities and needs.
4. Don't be afraid to ask questions! This is your child's future and you have every reason to ask any and all questions you may have. Many parents feel intimidated by the amount of information thrown at them. I try to break my words down into non "teacher lingo" but not all teachers do that. Asking questions now can help you avoid being angry or upset with results later.
Now to talk about the process:
1. You will sign an attendance sheet stating you were present.
2. You will speak to providers, coordinators, psychologists or any other professional who is involved with your child. You will discuss the results of evaluations and these professionals will ask you questions about your child.
3. You will collaborate on goals pertaining to your child. Make sure you read through these. Many parents thumb through them and later are upset about a particular goal. If you find something a little "off" about a goal, now is the ideal time to discuss this.
4. Services will be assigned as needed.
5. When the meeting is over, a copy of the new IFSP/IEP will either be made for you or sent to you.
When you break it down...these meetings are not as overwhelming as they seem. It’s all about preparation and willingness to communicate. In the end you walk away with a tool to help your child reach his or her highest potential!
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