I bring in a micro cassette player set it on the table and record all my IEP meetings for personal reference....Do not let anything slide.Request another meeting if necessary.I hope you have less difficulties than I have had...
Look into digital recorders. Some record in stereo to camera style flash cards (read: big and cheap) and have USB port to transfer the files (which are not that large, about 45MB per hour.) to your computer for backup, storage, and playback. And burning to a CD for archival storage. You can easily get one that will record for 4 hours on a single set of AAA batteries.
However, check that your state allows this. In mine, I have to give written warning and this does make the SD staff a bit on edge (can't imagine why) and in our case they always record also (which is why I know about the iPods). Although the tend to not have the recordings when I ask for them (in spite of this now being part of the permanent educational record.)
Thank you, all. The only services mentioned in the IEP itself is speech therapy (45 minutes/day, 6 days per month) and three 45 minute visits from an EC educator in our home.
Period. Anyway, I think I'll call the SLP today (as I was asked to in the note I got with the IEP draft), and ask her to clarify, so we can get this bad boy certified. I didn't know he had to be evaluated specifically for sensory issues, and I will be certain to ask about it.
Thanks again for all your advice, everyone.
It contains the stuff we discussed, and there is a pretty good emphasis on developing communication skills for him (expressive and receptive). The thing that is disappointing me is that they noted in the IEP that Jason has sensory issues, and the speech therapist indicated she believed Jason would benefit from some OT to address those issues, so that his focus, etc., would improve, enabling him to learn better.
However, I am not seeing anything in the IEP that appears to be addressing this AT ALL. No mention of OT services at all. I'm going to call her on Monday and ask about this...try to get it clarified, since this isn't the final copy of the IEP. I'm a little frustrated, but I'm just hoping that this was overlooked, and will be addressed.
Worst comes to worst, I can wait the first nine weeks, see how he's doing, and if he is still having trouble, at least I'll have a paper trail to back me up in requesting OT services for him. I'm probably going to send him to school at that time, too.
Any suggestions as to how I should go about documenting this stuff? Or am I overreacting? I'm going to give it the first nine weeks (depending on how the conversation on Monday goes, that is), so I think that isn't unreasonable...give them some time to see if his sensory issues actually do interfere with his ability to learn.
What was actually agreed to in the meeting. Don't walk out of any IEP meeting without getting at least a verbal list of the things agreed to. THen, the very next day, write to the IEP Chair thanking him for the meeting and listing the things you've all agreed to. Mention in the letter that if you are mistaken or have forgotten something, could they please write back with the correct agreement? That way, you have it in writing. Not every district in every state requires that parents sign an IEP. This makes it even more important to write everything down. If you think the IEP Team agreed to OT services, assume they did and write to the Chair mentioning the "omission" of sensory integration OT. On the other hand, your child might be in a program where OT is integrated directly into the program. What you need to know is if your child is going to get this service and, if so, when and how. I suggest you buy a copy of FROM EMOTIONS TO ADVOCACY and read up on keeping a paper trail. That way, everyone knows what's agreed to , when, where, how, how much and by whom.If the IEP states a deficit than the IEP is supposed to include services to treat that deficit area. I'm betting a call to the SLP who brought up the issue to begin with would be a good place to get the ball rolling here since it sounds like you have her on your side. There would have to be an actual OT eval cocumenting the sensory issue and recommending treatment though since sensory isn't in the SLP's scope of practice to diagnose or treat.What does it say for what he qualifies for? Was there any OT testing/evaluations noted in the IEP? Typically in my county if another service is suggested on an IEP, there is a follow up evaluation from that service, which probably takes place at the next IEP Revision Meeting. I am assuming if those needs were mentioned in the present level of performance. Call the chairperson that was in charge of the meeting aboout your case. I am not sure how the procedures are in your state/county.