I bring:
(1) Digital voice recorder with new batteries. I can transfer the files to a PC through a USB cable for archive purposes. Also, backup batteries. Be sure to give the necessary warning in writing, but stress that this is so you are not distracted taking notes.
(2) Pad/pens for notes, but let the recorder do most of the work.
(3) Copies of IEP (IFSP in your case) and evaluations etc. (I bring copies so I do not have to worry about them). I will have already given copies to the school district if they do not have the evaluation(s).
(4) Both parents - we go as a team. Or try to. Got to get those ducks in a row before you start.
(5) Outside evaluators as appropriate to discuss goals and placement. We still have not hit on good ones. We had one that turned out to be contracting to the school district. Another decided (different meeting) that the goals were too bad to fix, and left. You probably need one that the school district will regard as an equal.
(6) Advocate. Another person to get ducks in a row with, however. I heard it suggested someplace a friend/relative who knows the child and you trust if you do not have a better choice. I can't imagine going to an IEP meeting alone.
Things which I have not brought yet, but plan to in future meetings:
(1) Parents' report on child, and goals. I am thinking of one page that I can read in the meeting so the SD knows where I'm coming from. Also I might want to make it part of the IEP if a concern/goal is ignored.
(2) Spread sheet of concerns and what the decision was, who is responsible for implementing it, and deadlines agreed to.
If you are currently enrolled with EI, you can also have your service coordinator w/ you (or anyone else you want, for that matter!). Mine is wonderful & has been a HUGE support through our transition process. We are having 'prep' meetings now, to be ready for the upcoming meetings (eval is first wk in May). We're also getting all our ducks in a row should the school deny or not give enough services, having our options ready, and also alternative schooling/therapy. She's been great as far as gathering all critical info from dd's current therapists & doctors too.
Also, there is a link somewhere on this forum, for an advocacy group, or you could check out your autism society website too. Sorry, I don't have the link nor can I remember where the post is.
Thanks. I will record it.
Kristy, you brought up a valid point.... Some schools often like the "gang up" mentality. Even if the people don't need to be in the room, they like to invite people for intimidation. Not all schools do this, but a lot of them do. That's why a tape recorder is so great.... for future evidence if it gets out of hand and you need it later.I bring a tape recorder! lolLast year, at C's IEP meeting to discuss kindergarten placement, there were 17 people there.
I brought: me, my hubby, my private SLP, my private OT, and the director of the private clinic that has been treating C since he was 2.
They brought: early childhood teacher, 2 kindergarten teachers, principal, special education case worker, director of special education services for the county, director of early childhood programs, district SLP, district OT, learning specialist, district psychologist, social worker.
I should have brought a tape recorder, though I did take copious notes!
Hi- Who do you bring to your IEP mtgs? We have our initial mtg- the Transition mtg this month.
Sooooo nervous that the services will not be interactive, intense enough to be appropriate.
Especially since I'm in NC - someone was making a good point (Tony's mom?) that NC is so TEACCH oriented and their goal is not to mainstream...good freaking grief!
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