Signing IEP's Hmm just wondering...

[CC]

I have read many times here that one will not sign the IEP and I was thinking Hmmm here its not required that the parent sign. Actually the only IEP that is required for parent signature is the very first one, after that doesn't matter if I sign it or not. If I don't agree with it then I have to put in writing and get it on record but honestly me saying HEY I am not signing that IEP, LOL doesn't mean a thing in my area.

Now I should know the answer but I don't and am to lazy tonight to research, so is this a state to state thing, district to district thing?? I would think it would be the same everywhere that a signature is either required or not BUT I tell you it is not here

Anybody know, Hmmm A~ what you know on this??

CC

[momofrussell]

Yep.. I know the answer LOL Shocked? LMAO

Ok... no.. you don't HAVE to sign an IEP.. but this is how it works... it's IDEA not state to state... IF you choose to sign the IEP given to you at a meeting, it is then enforced THE NEXT DAY... if you don't sign the new one? Then the old one stays put for 10 days and the new one becomes in effect on the 11th day. Does that make sense? So, yes either way, the new one will kick in.

When we went to our workshop the gal told us she has NEVER EVER signed an IEP and she does this for a reason. She said it give her a chance to go home, think things over and then say "WHOA WAIT A MINUTE" if need be. Then she has that 10 day period to put things in writing and get a stay of the old IEP if need be and work on the new IEP. And if she is ok with it, she knows on the 11th day, the new IEP come in effect.

A.

[CC]

THANKS A~ and NOPE I am not surprised you knew I too have never signed any IEP except the very first one. I knew one had time to submit complaints/disagreement so called if there were any BUT I got a bit confused cause I have read some advise "well then don't sign the IEP" BUT I never read much bout why like follow up with letter of disagreement or such, KWIM So I was wondering what exactly the law was on that. For some reason here I thought you had 15 days but I am sure your more up on that so I will go on your advise of 10 days Hard for me to keep up on what is state, federal, or district THANKS for clarifying that for me girl

CC ~

[momofrussell]

Well, I am just glad to clear that up and that I JUST learned it!!!

I have this page given to me from a gal in our PAC of timelines... and then I just learned this deal here too.. because all the timeline stuff gets confusing actually and I am still learning to keep it all straight!

A.

[mystery guest sign in please]

Just a little test, please ignore this post. -- A. Friend

[momofrussell]

LOL.. Thanks Mystery Guest

***note.. leave this mesage and the mystery guest post for now... MMC needs to alter something on the new IEP forum... these two posts need to stay for now

A.

[Emilysmom]

When Emily was about to enter kindergarten, we had the worst IEP meeting ever. It was just horrible. After four hours, they handed me the IEP to sign (and I think everyone in the room thought I would not sign it), and I took it and signed my name. I almost heard the huge sigh of relief, and then I began to write..........and I wrote all over the place. I used every blank spot on the page and stated that I was signing that I attended the meeting but did NOT agree with anything in the IEP, and listed all the things that I disagreed with. To me, it seemed at the time to be more appropriate than simply not signing it and having them do whatever they wanted to do anyway.

One time after that (I think it was about a year and a half ago), they sent home an addendum to the IEP that stated that they were discontinuing the swimming program..........no notice or anything; just that it had been stopped! I signed the addendum, but wrote a list of reasons that I disagreed with it. The next day, I got a call from the special ed supervisor in our town to say that they had received the addendum and had worked things out so that swimming could continue. There were other parents who did not sign it, and I know they also got their message across too.........I just wanted a place to voice my concerns and decided the actual IEP document was a great place to do it.

Susan

[wrblack]

Not really the right place to post this, but just sharing something that I recently read. Some Sp Ed wag noted that, at least in some respects, changing a school system is similar to moving a cemetery. You're not likely to get much help from the inside.
Well, I liked it. But not worth creating a new thread. -- Bob

[momofrussell]

LMAO.. Bob.. what WOULD we do without your wit!?

;D

A.

[Kristin]

I don't sign the IEP the day it is written. I take it home, look it over, and often have another friend look it over who knows IEPs and my daughter. If everything is okay, I sign it and send it back. I feel that this signals my support for the IEP. If it needs changes, I request them in writing. If they aren't to my satisfaction, I call another IEP and we start all over again. I've had little trouble with good IEP's as long as I could justify my reasons for my requests.

[godsgirl]

Curious about this... I just signed my recent IFSP, which is not to my liking. My district currently doesn't even have a PT. The options for placement was one. Not really an option and the OT was only willing to give 30 minutes once a week for the first 3 months. It was not good. I didn't even get to the speech issue but according to my speech path I needed to sign.
I am really feeling like I am ready to opt out of the whole thing and go private.
If signing doesn't matter, then what power do you really have. Is it that you just be the worst pain in the world for them...calling IFSP meetings over and over? I am not sure that is the best way to go because you will end up making enemies with those you want help from. Do you bring an advocate to every meeting? I am wondering how can I get my son placed in a typical preschool, that is close to our home? It is the LRE and by law it is supposed to be in his community. When they are 3, does the district decide, the state, and Federal law is that after 3?
Anyone know? Again, if signing doesn't matter, then if you sign and then write complaints, why would it change anything?
Curious.