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Post by didmyheartgood on Aug 3, 2004 23:54:21 GMT -5
Wish me luck guys... This is our first with the school system....
Any advice?
I have written down things so I will have my thoughts in order and not get side tracked from what I feel are important objectives....
Kim
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Post by christie on Aug 4, 2004 0:56:10 GMT -5
MANY positive thougths going your way for your first IEP 
Alls I can share is Christopher's IEP's were GREAT, :(NOOOOO problems till he got older 
Just remember you DON't have to sign right there and then you have 15 days I believe it is to put in writing if you don't agree
BEST of LUCk and will be thinking of you ...
CC
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Post by Emilysmom on Aug 4, 2004 6:42:10 GMT -5
Kim~
I've posted this here before I think, but the best advice I got years ago was to keep a notebook with all of Emily's IEP info in it to take to all meetings. I got a 3 ring binder.....I think at that time it was about a 2 inch binder, but it has grown! I used subject dividers in it for medical information, ST, OT, PT, current IEP, past IEP's. The front page when you open the notebook is the "rights" of the child that they always give you.....I read it carefully and highlighted stuff that was most interesting. The front cover of the notebook had a clear plastic area where you could slide something into it, and I put a 5X7 photo of Emily in it to remind us all that we were making important plans for this little girl, and that the decisions we made on that day would affect HER.
~
The notebook really really has helped me over the years. For one thing, it is a very organized way to keep track of all her school information. But most importantly, just walking into the meeting with this notebook gives the IEP team the immediate impression that you have done your homework, that you know your child's "rights", and that you plan to be an active member of the team. I've had numerous comments over the years on Emily's notebook, and they have always been positive and it sure has made me feel more "ready" for the meetings.
~
Christie's point about not signing the IEP right there at the meeting is a good one.......if you have any questions or concerns about the IEP, simply tell them you want to take it home and review it some more and will sign it soon and get it back to them.
Another thing I've run into before is that sometimes they like to come to the meeting with the whole IEP filled out, simply review it and get me to sign it quicckly! LOL that will never work cause they are not supposed to write on it till the meeting begins!
~
On the section of the IEP where it asks about the parents concerns/goals for the child and the part where it asks what you feel are your child's strengths........I have learned that they really do pay attention to that. I have found that this is a great time to bring up things such as my goals for her to be fully included, for her to be as independent as possible, etc and I do not shy away from telling them her good points! (I used to wait on the teachers to pay her compliments, and they would do that......but I realized I knew her so well and I had things to add to that list!) Those things do play a part in how you write the goals for your child.
~
Ok....I'm rambling. What I really wanted to say was that I'll be thinking of you on Friday. Let us know how it goes!!
Susan
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Post by Robin on Aug 4, 2004 9:30:13 GMT -5
Ditto to everything Susan said, couldnt of said it better myself ;D The only thing I could add is that I keep his notebook nearby because I am always thinking of something I either want to ask the school/teacher or have an idea or something I would like them to work with him on and if I dont write it down, I forget it, its a pain to be so busy you forget things so fast:D
Good luck and I too will be thinking good thoughts for you on Friday.
hugs, Robin
PS btw like CC, we never had any problems with IEP's until Chase was older and into first grade, there the differences and problems arose.
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Post by rickismom on Aug 4, 2004 18:13:52 GMT -5
Good luck!!!
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Post by shellk on Aug 4, 2004 19:25:01 GMT -5
 GOOD LUCK TO YOU !!!! Remember never let em see you sweat LOL ;D Wish ya lots of luck my next one is in March..Welcome to the school system Hope all goes well Michele
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Post by steffipoo on Aug 4, 2004 21:57:18 GMT -5
HI!!!! One more tip... Ask for ESY for summer and holiday breaks. IF it's written into the IEP then they can't deny ya. BUT if you decide you want to take summer class off or the holiday and NOT go to ESY then you can just say no we aren't going to use this service when the time comes up. BUT if it's not written then its tough to get in a lot of states. ESY= extended school year. If ya ask for it and don't use it thats okay but if ya don't have it written in you could be SOL if ya want it.  GOOD LUCK.. Livs first IEP was awesome. |
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Post by alisonzmom on Aug 5, 2004 0:50:03 GMT -5
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Susan, Proud mom of Michael (32), Justin (25) Emily (22ds), and Jordan (20).
GOOD LUCK.. Livs first IEP was awesome.