Experience with a MCPS middle school IEP for emotional disability?

[Anonymous]

Can anyone offer any advice or experiences related to having your middle Schooler receive an IEP for an emotional disability? Was this a good thing for your child? Since my child’s behavior and success at school cannot be attributed to any learning challenges, with the exception of some ADHD, they are recommending this classification for for an IEP. How has this worked out for your child? What kind of accommodations have they offered at your home school?

[Anonymous]

My son is a high schooler with an ED classification. The issue isnt really the classification. The issue is what services and supports he needs. The classification just helps the staff understand the needs of your child. It’s hard to help you without more specific information.

ADHD can get you an OHI classification as well but if the issue is mental health or behavioral, that’s not likely to happen. Have you seen the questions that must be answered to get an ED classification?

[Anonymous]

OP yes I’ve seen the requirements for the classification. Has trouble with building relationships with teachers and students and behaves in a manner that other kids don’t. Primarily attention seeking behavior and avoidance of work he doesn’t enjoy completing.

[Anonymous]

The services are much more important than the classification code used to qualify your child for service. The primary code simply ensures that teachers will have a greater awareness of the primary need and this also drives selection of relevant services. If your DC has an ED code, MCPS specialists in this area can consult with the school to ensure that proper supports are put in place in the home school.

[Anonymous]

Assuming the behaviors are generally mild in nature, the home school might provide things like daily check-ins with a specific staff member, a Resource class to provide more support, breaks, postive reinforcement, etc. So much of it depends on the behavior itself. In my experience, as long as the behaviors don't significantly interfere with the learning of others or require an inordinate amount of staff's time/energy then the homeschool can meet the child's needs.

[Anonymous]

NP here. What is the difference between ED support offered at the homeschool and the specific ED programs embedded at some schools?