Advocate for fcps

[Anonymous]

We got a bad iep and I'm thinking I need an advocate. What I want is for DD is st and ot that fcps will not provide. In our iep the ot told us that these skills would come and it has not. No words yet. DD is in the fcps half day preschool program. She's such a social butterfly she loves it.

I really don't wan to go to battle with the school system and if i can better service I would just pay out of pocket and send DD to private school for K. Any thoughts or experiences?

[Anonymous]

We had a bad experience with an advocate who was supposed to be very good.

What's in the IEP now for ST and OT and what do you think she needs? Does your insurance cover outside therapy?

[Anonymous]

Hello,

The first thing I would do is to make sure the Present Levels on the IEP are solid and accurate and measurable in concrete terms. That is the backbone of the IEP. The goals are driven from the PLP statements. If the PLP statements are not specific and do not have data to support them, then the goals do not mean anything and you cannot tell if your child is making progress. Yes, I agree that you should work collaboratively with the school as they are with your child every day. You can request work samples from your child's teacher that supports progress or their lack of progress towards the goals in the IEP. If the school tells you that your child is not supposed to have a skill yet, I would request that they provide you with a developmental timeline of that skills so you can have a better understanding. If they do not provide you with a timeline, then document that in the IEP notes. Put it in a section of the IEP called, Prior Written Notice. I hope this helps.
The decision to use an Advocate or Educational Consultant is difficult because it is a very personal decision and it has to be a good fit. Start with the information I have given you above and see if that helps. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

If your school, I.e. Principal, is not meeting your child'S needs your best bet is to contact your regional superintendent and the office of due process. Email your regional superintendent and cc your principal. State you are concerned your child isn't not receiving fape and you'd like to meet to discuss your concerns.

If you disagree with the IEP, DO NOT SIGN IT IN AGREEMENT! Sign in partial agreement so you can begin services but include a statement that the IEP as written does not provide fape to your child. Request mediation. Do not waste any time on a administrative review. Go straight to mediation if your regional superintendent is unresponsive.

Mediation is free. No lawyers involved.