IEP Documentation and Information

I'm not sure where I came across this information but I gathered it sometime over the past 12 months. I'd like to give credit where do but...Here is some good information for caregivers who are preparing for an IEP(s).

IEP Meeting
Before every IEP you must :

1. Send an Email to your SD (1)

2. Send a letter to your SD (2)
II. Pick your battles
Example : Don't fight for services you know will be provided by a quack. Try to get your private insurance, Medi-Cal provider or Regional Center to provide it.

III. Relationships
You don't need to cultivate a good relationships with everybody. You must cultivate a good relationship with the teacher(s) the Aide and service provider(s).
You don't need to be "cute" but always be polite.

IV. IEP Document
Never sign an IEP at the meeting. If you expect to be pressured to sign, ask for a phone conference IEP.

V. Private Assessments
Your private assessment must be done by a person appropriately credentialed, and the document must be very specific re : recommendations about amount or services, where, when , how and by whom.

VI. Complain Loudly & Often
Complaining often and loudly by itself won't get you anywhere. You won't be taken seriously unless you send an Email stating i.e : IEP says that X,Y.Z will be provided and it wasn't. I plan to file a complaint with CDE next week if the situation is not solved immediately.

VII. Assume the Worst
Your SD is a bureaucracy with its own interests to protect. You must learn basic knowledge re : your child’s rights and your responsibilities. Treat the professionals with whom you deal as professionals, not as relatives or friends

VIII. Due Process Hearing
A Due Process hearing is financially, physically and psychologically exhausting and trying. Even if you prevail you'll just get thrown a bone and you will probably have to start again at the next IEP.
A complaint with CDE is cheaper faster and always works.

IX. Specific, accurate and valuable info
You will get specific, accurate and valuable info re : your SD's culture, personnel, schools from parents, especially older parents. Don't hesitate to pick up the phone, meet for a cup of coffee. You will always learn something and never regret it. Always respect confidentiality and never disclose your sources unless authorized.

X. Community
You will do a great service to the community by sharing the info you acquired during your child's school years. Always ensure you gave younger parents a summary of everything you think they should know, and ask them to do the same when they leave their SD.


(1) Phone conference IEPs * are good for the following reasons :
- If you expect to attend multiple IEPs, a phone conference IEP will ease the process.

- The presiding person always calls you when everybody has arrived : no need for you to wait.

- The presiding persons immediately states the agenda for the meeting and proceeds without any delay.

- If you plan to tape record the IEP, you won't have to take time to set recording material and be embarrassed.

- You can read your pre IEP letter (2) as you go, and remember what to say + state your questions/concerns without being intimidated or/and distracted.

- If you wish to take the IEP home for review + signature, you won't have to ask and be pressured to sign it at the meeting.

- A phone conference IEP is always less physically, psychologically and emotionally trying.


*From : http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/,root,dynamic,TopicalBrief,9,
"When conducting IEP Team meetings and placement meetings pursuant to subparts D and E of Part 300, and carrying out administrative matters under section 615 of the IDEA (such as scheduling, exchange of witness lists, and status conferences) , the parent of a child with a disability and a public agency may agree to use alternative means of meeting participation, such as video conferences and conference calls.

[34 CFR 300.328] [20 U.S.C. 1414(f)]"
Sample Email requesting phone conference IEP
... We request the next IEP to be a phone conference IEP. I am available on ( 3 dates/time ). Please state on the IEP notification that the purpose(s) of this meeting is/are:

( list )
The following persons can be excused from attending the IEP meeting :

( list )
We request the following persons to attend the IEP meeting :

( list )
We request the following persons to be invited to the IEP meeting :

( list )
Thank you.

etc...

(2) Sample letter to send before IEP :

How to use it ?
- Send or email or fax or hand deliver etc.... before your IEP. Request confirmation of receipt by email/fax/mail ( not verbal ).

- Edit according to needs/situation ( full inclusion/ partial inclusion/ special Ed class ) etc....

- Edit and/or add appropriate tone ( very nice or assertive or firm etc... )

- Use word "Paraprofessional" and not " One to One Aide "

" (Your name + address+email+ phone #)

Date:

To :

RE:

Dear ............ ......... ......... ......... .....,

Enclosed is a Parent Attachment to the ( mention annual review, Triennial or Transition ) IEP of ( date )

The federal law provides that the IEP team should revise the IEP as appropriate to address information about the child provided to, or by, the parents… 34 C.F.R. 300.343(c) (2)(iii). The law also states that the information that the parents provide regarding their child must be considered in developing and reviewing their child’s IEP. (C.F.R Secs. 300.343(c)(iii) and 300.346(a)(1) (i) and (b)).

The federal law provides that “In developing each child’s IEP, the IEP team shall consider the strengths and concerns the parents have for enhancing the education of their child.”

The IEP team must consider information and concerns about my child that I would like to provide and to have included in the IEP.

Please attach and number this letter, and the enclosed Parent Attachment to the IEP that contains my concerns and requests that I have for enhancing the education of my child.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

( Your signature ) "