Getting ready for IEP

[Anonymous]

This week We are heading into a combined eligibility/IEP meeting for rising PK4 DS in DCPS charter school. For various reasons, DH and I want to move as fast as possible to get an IEP in hand. Two questions: how quickly after your IEP meeting did you have the IEP in hand? And, any good rules of thumb for us to keep in mind as far as what to lobby for? Like regular progress reports in writing from the therapists (we will likely see OT, PT, and ST)? I think I saw that in a previous topic. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This week We are heading into a combined eligibility/IEP meeting for rising PK4 DS in DCPS charter school. For various reasons, DH and I want to move as fast as possible to get an IEP in hand. Two questions: how quickly after your IEP meeting did you have the IEP in hand? And, any good rules of thumb for us to keep in mind as far as what to lobby for? Like regular progress reports in writing from the therapists (we will likely see OT, PT, and ST)? I think I saw that in a previous topic. Thanks.

There are rules about how long from a decision re eligibility to when an IEP can be finalized. I don't remember the timeline (30 days?) but someone else will. If they are combining your meeting (?) then perhaps eligibility isn't really in question and they will jump right in.

As for progress reports - you should get an IEP report card at the same time which indicates progress toward each IEP goal (e.g. 4 times a year). Our always included narrative comments as well. More frequent written feedback may be hard to get, and the school will likely push back a bit.

[Anonymous]

At our charter, the IEP is written and finalized at the meeting and I get a copy emailed to me within 2 business days. Services usually start within a week.

[Anonymous]

The IEP must be drafted within 30 days after the eligibility meeting. Services and accommodations will depend on the needs of your child. I don't recommend signing the IEP at the meeting. Remember, it is a legally binding document. Review it and make sure it captures everything you want for your child.

[Anonymous]

Also, since school hasn't started yet, there should be an IEP meeting 30 days into school to make sure goals and services are appropriate. Use that to address any unexpected problems.

Make sure goals are specific and measurable. Too often school systems want to put things like, "Will read at grade level." But what does that mean? Better "Will sound out 2 syllable words" or "Will read at 50 words per minute" or whatever is appropriate to your child. There are lots of IEP goal banks on line; take a look at them for whatever subject matter your child needs help with.

[SPEDLawyer]

Try to set up a meeting with the principal to discuss placement with an appropriate teacher. An understanding, dedicated teacher will make a tremendous difference.

[Anonymous]

At our charter, I don't allow them to finalize the IEP at the meeting because I want time to reflect on it and see how it all got written down. Usually I have minor changes to request. So my advice is to read the thing before it is final and you sign off on it,

Reports are officially three times a year. The OT was sending home weekly summaries for a while.

Services actually started before finalization for us it I imagine DCPS will take longer alas.

[Anonymous]

Ah I see you are at a charter as well. You had me thrown! I think they move faster than DCPS since there is little bureaucracy. At least if it is a good charter!

[Anonymous]

As far as what to lobby for, I would focus more on the hours and services than the reports. And the accommodations. What are the issues? That drives what you'll want to lobby for, and why you'll want time to think about it and digest it and see if there is anything else you want.