I am FREAKING OUT about school.

[Jenifer]

Joy's dad and I separated in June. I moved to a different town, about 20 minutes from her dad, closer to my work. This put us into a different school district, and I thoroughly agonized over the decision to switch Joy to a different school. After meeting with the principal and being reassured that the sp ed program would meet Joy's needs, and that her IEP would be followed, I decided to enroll her.

School started last week, and as far as I know, her general ed classroom teacher has yet to see her IEP. She has not been pulled out of the third-grade classroom for sp ed instruction, as specified in her IEP, nor has the sp ed teacher assigned to her spent any time with her. I asked Joy what the sp ed teacher's name is, and she did not even know. I am certain Joy's IEP is not being executed, and have been promised a phone call several times from the sp ed teacher, and have not yet received one.

I also learned that the children are not allowed to play on the playground equipment, and spend recess on the blacktop with jump ropes and balls. I haven't figured out yet why this is so, but plan to visit the school tomorrow to get some answers.

I have to say, I'm pretty much freaking out and crying my eyes out any time Joy is not in the room because I feel I have made an enormous mistake in changing her to this school. She had been in her school for four years, and was absolutely flourishing. I moved because we were spending more time in the car than at home, and all of our commuting left little time for living. But now I feel I've made a selfish decision, and almost feel it would be better for Joy to relinquish weekday custody to her dad so she can go back to her old school. I don't honestly think that would be any better for her because she would be away from me, and I'm the best mom that ever lived (ha - joke!), but WHAT HAVE I DONE?

And what should I do? I need advice from the moms out there who have that wisdom I clearly lack right now. Please, please give me guidance UnoMoms.

Jenifer, mom to Joy Daisy

[lespring]

Oh my goodness. Ok...hmm....clearly an unannounced visit to school is warranted. The teachers (both special ed and mainstream) should have read the IEP BEFORE school even started. They're supposed to know the students BEFORE school starts, not weeks later.

They're ALREADY in non-compliance since they're not providing the service minutes as listed in the IEP. So if you wanted to get REALLY technical, and just let them know that you're not about to let things slide, you could let the term "Compesatory services" slip out during your visit tomorrow, as in "Yeah, the first week is always a little tricky getting everyone's schedules straight and everything. I'm assuming this week you have it all sorted out and the compensatory minutes will be worked in over the next couple of weeks?"

I have to say, our kids don't go back until the 7th, but I was at school last week and happened to pop my head into the special ed classroom, and the teachers and aids were at at the big giant round table going over everyone's schedules, who was going to be where and when and for how long! It's called "workshop week" here, and that's when all that stuff gets figured out!

[samanthajosmom_12]

i would go and see how the classes are going. if they are not answering your calls with a phone call back i would go to the school and request an iep meeting with everyone to show up so your questions and concerns will be answered. my dauthers school allready had open house and my parents went for me to see her teacher,. samantha has been sick and missed the first week due to illness. keep working on the iep. sounds like your a great mom!! sue

[Googsmom aka Jennifer]

Jenifer......... you are a wonderful Momma!! Don't forget it!!

Brook is in year three of preschool and I don't really worry about following her IEP. Truth be told I have never even read it LOL

BUT>>>>>>

Mary girl has been in Spc Ed all her school days. She is a Junior this year. I found along time ago that teachers don't always look in the files before school starts. I make it a point to email all teachers involved for each semester and remind them to take a peek at it and get with me before school starts. Her IEP is sort of complicated so I really have to keep track of if it's being followed properly.

I have implamented many new rules for the district to follow not just for Mary girl but for all the involved parents who had a hard time getting anwsers to questions/concerns they may be having. Now the teachers have 12 hours to get back with the parents either by email or a call. Is there a rule on how long a teacher has to get back with you at Joys school?

Jenifer, just stay involved. Keep asking questions and document everything. The first week can be hecktick but Joy has rights and Leahs right, compsentory services might be in order. Just go visit school. Make your presence known. Stay as involved as you can. Teachers are swamped with a massive workload. Instead of getting angry first off, ask questions. Make it known you know the laws and are waiting patiently for them to be followed. As you may know, i'm not the sweetest peach in the pile LOL but I always start out super nice with the teachers with just a tinge of "don't mess with me or your day will be screwed" kind of attitude Now thats just me. LOL So far it's worked.

I'm Praying for this situation to be resolved with minimal headache. If all else fails do what I do.... ask A She has the anwser for everything!!

[Debi]

Oh,Jenn............. I feel SO bad for you right now!! i understand ALL the conflicts all too well. I think I told you that Gabe was born in Des Moines and I had quite the struggle cause I KNEW that school system would be a better one.. yet also wanted Gabe & Ariel to grow up around cousins back here in E. Iowa. I certainly didn't have as many conflicts as you do right now but wanted you to know that you and Joy are in my heart and soul .. and that you WILL get through this and you are NOT even a little bit selfish.. a little crazy right now perhaps, which is not the same thing.
I had to smile when I read Leah's post about "comenstory education which is JUST what I would say. It is always a struggle and always takes lots of energy and heart in education, but my two favorite phrases in IEP language are:
Prior written Notice & Comp Ed. That will make staff & admin sit up & look around when almost nothing else will.
Hope you can get to that playground/ school very soon and have a chance to report back.And if you need a cheer up---and use Facebook...try Ariel Rose Glasman for a TON of awesome camp pics including some darling ones of Joy and her boots~~ sorry they are kinda buried at the moment but will try and send you a link!! She DID have an awesome week at camp I know.. so go dwell there in your thoughts when you are frazzled!!

[Googsmom aka Jennifer]

What is the verdict Jenifer? Any news?