It all depends on your school. My DS has been on an IEP for the last 6 years and we have never ever had to fight for anything we wanted, they even gave him accommodations we didn't know existed.

Don't go in with a combative attitude, unless you know for a fact that your child's school has given other parents a hard time.

A lot depends on the quality of the teacher and classroom and school. We've had good experiences with schools and bad.

We don't have a lawyer but I spend an inordinate amount of time following up on everything. I track progress, show my child's work samples and how the work does or does not demonstrate progress toward goals. I submit private testing reports, etc.

Working successfully with your IEP team takes a lot of time between meetings so that everyone knows your child and his/ her strengths and weaknesses. I am in frequent contact with the team. So far, we are having a positive experience.

But I know there may come a time that they can't or won't give what I think we need and we will reassess the need for an advocate.

It really depends on your needs, your school, and your expectations. I am a teacher, and for me the process has been very challenging. My DD's school has a very negative reputation for special education and I now know the reputation is deserved. I have loved all of the teachers and think they have done a wonderful job with my daughter. But the meeting are pure hell. They don't believe in following the law and do not let the teachers speak freely. We have an advocate for the meetings, but day to day everything is fine.

Find out the reputation for your school and talk to people who have been through the process at your own home school"

Yes, you're a Polyanna. They're not trying to screw your kid but they will.

Get an advocate if you feel the need to have someone looking out for you and don't want to go the lawyer route.

Look -- it's all going to depend on the nature and extent of what you're asking for. So don't get nervous now -- it's too soon. But to answer your question our experience was not positive until we retained an attorney

We're headed into our first IEP meeting at an MCPS elementary and I'm feeling the need for some perspective. I've read the cautionary tales and advice, and I believe we are going into this with our eyes open. But there seems to be so much adversary between parents and administrators, it's really getting me down. I know that resources are limited, parents want the best for their kids, and meetings can get intense. Most parents I know in MC hire lawyers to accompany them to these meetings - many recommend recording the proceedings. Maybe I'm naive, but I really don't want to strike a combative chord with my kid's school - at least not at the beginning of this journey. I'm an educator myself, and I believe that no one goes into public education for the money or to screw kids out of needed services. Am I a Polyanna for believing that my kid's public school wants what is best for her? Has anyone had positive experiences with special education services in MCPS? I'm so depressed by what I've been reading on these boards, I'm really wanting to hear some success stories. Thank you.