Need help getting IEP process started...

[Want2Learn]

I should have experience with this since 2 of my kids have had one in the past, but this is a different situation. My daughter keeps getting suspensions, detentions and her grades are dropping. The dr. gave her a diagnosis of ADHD today and has given her medication. He also recommended getting an IEP started for her so at least she could work with the school counselor. Can you guys help me make the right steps in approaching the school to get one done? What if they don't think she needs one. Or after testing determines she doesn't need any special services?

Any advice or sharing of experiences would be greatly appreciated.

TIA,
Jen

 

[whateveryousay2007]

I'm in the process of having an IEP for my difficult child. He's getting one for Asperger's Syndrome. All you really need to do is send a request in writing to her teacher. (Ours was started prior to getting the diagnosis).

Of course the children's hospital requested it be done also. The school has either 60 or 90 days (I'm not sure) to get it set up. It would be a good idea to get a letter from the doctor also.

I've been told that the school district does not have to comply with everything that is needed, only what is required to allow the student to learn. (Whatever) but I was told that they may not agree that he needs it.

So, I had him tested at Vanderbilt because the school doesn't do Autism testing. He has qualified for speech through the school. (I've been after them for 3 long years) It took IEP testing to get it.

Hang in there. Hope I helped out.

 

[Sheila]

If you want to get the process started without a lot of delays, we strongly recommend that the request for evaluation under IDEA guidelines be put in writing and sent via certified mail to the district Special Education Director.

There is a getting started thread in the Special Education Archives.

 

[Mickey2255]

I would also formally request a Functional Behavior Assessment be done to develop a Behavior Intervention Plan in conjunction with the IEP. If at all possible, push to have "real" behavior specialists to the FBA, and not just the school counselor/psychiatric. When the BIP is actually written try to mention as often as possible that her specific behaviors are related to her ADHD. This will be of a big help later if she passes that golden 10 day mark of suspensions and you have to have a Manifestation Determination meeting.

After that BIP is in place, be super diligent in making sure that the school is actually following the plan. EVERY time she gets suspended for behavior ask to meet to review the BIP and revise as necessary. And make sure the BIP has a whole lot more positive than negative to it - our kiddos can't help some of this behavior and getting in trouble for it can be so demeaning for them. Trust me on this topic - we are now homeschooling because the school didn't do enough and I wasn't as diligent as I should have been (though I sure as heck thought I was!).
Michelle

 

[Want2Learn]

Thanks guys! I did send the letter and the principal called to let me know she received it. She didn't tell me when they would start testing. How much time should I give her to get the ball rolling on her end? Also, I'm not sure I understand what happens once she reaches the 10-day mark of suspensions? She's had 4-inschool and 4-at home, so she's up to 8.

 

[Sheila]

The school district must refuse to evaluate and give the specific reasoning why they refuse OR complete the evaluation within 60 days (unless your state regs say differently -- some are 90 days).

Be sure and hang on to the info regarding behavior, grades falling, etc. I've seen it happen time and again where kids are refused an IEP because when you get to the IEP eligibility meeting, information given is contradictory to the facts, e.g., "no problems." Children can qualify for an IEP based on academic OR behavior problems.