Aide in IEP........

[andrewsmom]

Hi guys! I'm kind of looking for a quick response so I'm going to post this in more then one place.

We have rejected Andrew's IEP and have scheduled another meeting for this Thurs. I'm looking to get Andrew an aid in the classroom. In his IEP he has a paraprofessional/special ED teacher for the extended year program but not for general year. I have no idea why. I was told verbally back in June that he would have an aide in the classroom with him and even spoke to the woman who was supposed to be his aide.
When he started school in Sept. this woman was with him all the time and was absolutely wonderful. Some time in November, all of a sudden she was not with Andrew anymore and hasn't been since. I know, I know...my own fault for not having something in writing.
So anyway...now they are saying that he shouldn't have an aide until he is in more "academics". They're not giving me reasoning for this sudden switch.
So...I'm turning to all you smart people to help me with some wording for this meeting on Thurs. I'd like to change their minds back. Anyone have any key words or phrases they would like to share??? I am trying to prepare as much as I can and am having trouble with my wording. Any help?

Thanks!
-Trisha

[Debi]

Trisha...they kinda have to tell YOU their reasoning, whether or not you had this in his IEP. They are making a statement that he won't need an aide until he has more academics
but at some point they must have had a rationale as to to why he needed an aide in the first place.
I think a lot of people here could give you some good "wording advice" and if you sit down and list the reasons that you think he should have an aide right now.. whether one on one or perhaps more in general... that will give you the focus and wording you need. To re translate it back into the correct educational jargaon is THEIR job not yours!!
Let us know what happens!

[Connie]

Trisha,

Collin had a 1:1 aid at that age when he was in a "typical" preschool. But, when he switched to a special needs preschool they just had an aid in the class and to my surprise worked out wonderfully. The class really did well together and he thrived.

Now in Kindergarten he has a 1:1 aid and he does need her for reinforcement/explanation of what the teacher is teaching but to my dismay has become to dependent on her. Now my school won't write it in the IEP they just provide it....go figure because I never asked for one!!!

Connie