Going Through IEP Process and need some advice

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone,
My child (1st grade) is currently going through the IEP testing process due to behavioral problems at school. The problem that has arose is that since testing has begun he's been sent to the office almost every day, suspended from school, and more recently had a teacher discipline him inappropriately (was told by principal who is "disciplining" her). I am not happy, to say the least, with how the administration has handled disciplining him. We all know that when he gets in trouble he has a hard time calming down and instead of safely removing him from the classroom, keeping him calm, and then talking about what happened they seem to immediately escalate the issue which then results in more extreme behaviors.

I know from others that the school does not have a strong Special Ed program. I am wondering if after all the testing is done, his IEP is in place, we finish the diagnosis with the behavioral pediatrician, etc, etc that he would benefit from a school with a Stronger Special Ed program in our area. How hard is it to advocate for this? I have at least three incidents that document that they just do not have his or others best interests at heart.

[Anonymous]

OP, I'm sorry your son is struggling. I would invite you to assume positive intentions and step away from statements like "they just do not have his or others best interests at heart."

He does NOT have an IEP right now and because of that, teachers and admin are somewhat limited in how they can respond. Right now he has no access to services or a more restrictive setting. Sounds like they're struggling with some pretty significant behaviors. They may not be staffed to handle the behaviors he's exhibiting.

If I were you, I'd focus on getting all the help you can from the behavioral pediatrician.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I'm sorry your son is struggling. I would invite you to assume positive intentions and step away from statements like "they just do not have his or others best interests at heart."

He does NOT have an IEP right now and because of that, teachers and admin are somewhat limited in how they can respond. Right now he has no access to services or a more restrictive setting. Sounds like they're struggling with some pretty significant behaviors. They may not be staffed to handle the behaviors he's exhibiting.

If I were you, I'd focus on getting all the help you can from the behavioral pediatrician.

I can't disagree more. The school can and should devote resources to behavioral issues, whether or not they stem from a disability. There are absolutely things they can do.

OP have you met the social worker, school psychologist, and special ed staff at the school?

[Anonymous]

OP Here, I've assumed positive intentions throughout this whole process, but unfortunately based off three extreme incidents-one where they lost my child- and others' experiences I no longer believe they have our best interests at heart. I truly believe they just don't know what to do with problem children who don't fit inside their "boxes" which is very sad and frustrating for everyone (administration, teachers, kids, parents, etc) involved. We have a BIP in place, which they have not followed. We have a 504, which again they are not adhering too. This is why I'd really like to push for another school. It's just not the best environment for a child who is struggling.

I've been focusing all my energy on our side of things, but it's come to the point where I now need to shift some of that energy towards the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I'm sorry your son is struggling. I would invite you to assume positive intentions and step away from statements like "they just do not have his or others best interests at heart."

He does NOT have an IEP right now and because of that, teachers and admin are somewhat limited in how they can respond. Right now he has no access to services or a more restrictive setting. Sounds like they're struggling with some pretty significant behaviors. They may not be staffed to handle the behaviors he's exhibiting.

If I were you, I'd focus on getting all the help you can from the behavioral pediatrician.

I can't disagree more. The school can and should devote resources to behavioral issues, whether or not they stem from a disability. There are absolutely things they can do.

OP have you met the social worker, school psychologist, and special ed staff at the school?

I didn't say that they couldn't do anything. I'm saying that there may be limitations because he is not a student with an IEP. For example, he cannot be placed in a self-contained special education classroom.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I'm sorry your son is struggling. I would invite you to assume positive intentions and step away from statements like "they just do not have his or others best interests at heart."

He does NOT have an IEP right now and because of that, teachers and admin are somewhat limited in how they can respond. Right now he has no access to services or a more restrictive setting. Sounds like they're struggling with some pretty significant behaviors. They may not be staffed to handle the behaviors he's exhibiting.

If I were you, I'd focus on getting all the help you can from the behavioral pediatrician.

I can't disagree more. The school can and should devote resources to behavioral issues, whether or not they stem from a disability. There are absolutely things they can do.

OP have you met the social worker, school psychologist, and special ed staff at the school?

Yes, and I requested another emergency meeting after the more recent event. I am looking into an advocate to attend as well.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like you are questioning whether your child needs a more restrictive environment. In Montgomery County, it is called the ED cluster program (what I’m familiar with), but I know that all of the local jurisdictions have them. This program is for children on at above grade level with behavioral challenges.

As you move through the iep process they will discuss if the current placement can meet your child’s needs. You are part of the team and can help decide.

For us, the move to an ED program school was amazing. We no longer got called, they knew how to handle our child, and both his and our overall stress at going to school was greatly reduced.

Good luck as you move through the process.

[Anonymous]

No OP does Fairfax County have something similar?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No OP does Fairfax County have something similar?

Yes, they do. Once the team, which includes you, reviews the testing results and determines IEP eligibility, you look into placements. This part is very important. Do your research, hire an advocate if you can, but make sure you look into all options available in the county.

[Anonymous]

If you get an advocate, they will take your concerns way more seriously. I've BTDT.

First, as a child with a suspected disability, he does have special protections. I would use the phrase "suspected disability" in all written communication with the school.

Second, I know that kids with IEPs cannot be removed via suspensions or sent home for more than 10 total days w/o triggering a mandatory meeting to determine, among other things, if the child is in an appropriate educational setting. So please keep track of how many days your child has been suspended and whether these are directly related to the suspected disability.

third, you cannot get a change of placement simply bc you have heard that the sped staff at this school is not good. I know that sucks, but that is your reality. The child's needs determine placement. And if the home school is deemed as what he needs, then he will remain at the home school with an IEP if he is found eligible. If you want him to attend the school across town bc of staff you have heard is better, then you will have to move.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It sounds like you are questioning whether your child needs a more restrictive environment. In Montgomery County, it is called the ED cluster program (what I’m familiar with), but I know that all of the local jurisdictions have them. This program is for children on at above grade level with behavioral challenges.

As you move through the iep process they will discuss if the current placement can meet your child’s needs. You are part of the team and can help decide.

For us, the move to an ED program school was amazing. We no longer got called, they knew how to handle our child, and both his and our overall stress at going to school was greatly reduced.

Good luck as you move through the process.

It seems to early to tell -- they haven't been implementing the 505 or BIP, and there's no IEP, it's impossible to tell if he needs a self contained class.

[Anonymous]

The school may suggest an ED program. Often I feel like the school's intentions are as clear as mud. It sounds like the principal is being straight with you, so that's a good thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It sounds like you are questioning whether your child needs a more restrictive environment. In Montgomery County, it is called the ED cluster program (what I’m familiar with), but I know that all of the local jurisdictions have them. This program is for children on at above grade level with behavioral challenges.

As you move through the iep process they will discuss if the current placement can meet your child’s needs. You are part of the team and can help decide.

For us, the move to an ED program school was amazing. We no longer got called, they knew how to handle our child, and both his and our overall stress at going to school was greatly reduced.

Good luck as you move through the process.

It seems to early to tell -- they haven't been implementing the 505 or BIP, and there's no IEP, it's impossible to tell if he needs a self contained class.

Your first step is to insist on strict adherence to the 504 and BIP. They shouldn't be suspending a kid with a 504 plan if they aren't following the plan. An advocate can definitely help. They can observe your kid at school at make recommendations. You can arrange to observe yourself too and suggest your own changes.

[Anonymous]

How was your child in kindergarten? It seems surprising that these behaviors are only starting this year. I would suspect a teacher issue unless similar concerns occurred last year.

To an earlier PP, if there are severe interfering behaviors they can switch placement quicker than other programs. Different people interpret that differently- some feel it is for the best while others get upset.

OP- do you think just a different teacher would be enough or do you feel that your child needs a more restrictive placement? Big difference. You will not get a change of school just for a new teacher.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How was your child in kindergarten? It seems surprising that these behaviors are only starting this year. I would suspect a teacher issue unless similar concerns occurred last year.

To an earlier PP, if there are severe interfering behaviors they can switch placement quicker than other programs. Different people interpret that differently- some feel it is for the best while others get upset.

OP- do you think just a different teacher would be enough or do you feel that your child needs a more restrictive placement? Big difference. You will not get a change of school just for a new teacher.

Most issues actually arise during specials. His teacher is fantastic and there is no better match at the school.