I don't have much experience in this area-just wanted to wish you luck and hope your teeth are okay. I would say if you can swing it, bring in the advocate.
foxl- I would just get an advocate now. This dealing with SD's and IEP teams and SLP's is too much...at least for me it is. I made a vow to myself never to set foot in another meeting w/o talking to or walking in with an advocate. Im not unintelligent, there is just too much termanology, laws, ect to know inside and out to make sure your getting the best "deal" you can for your kiddo
good luck
yes, having someone on your side makes you feel 100% better and less like your crazy. I have my home consultant go in with me, and plus, if need be, she can be the bad guy in suggesting things. Don't give in to them, get someone to back you up!
LOL
BTW...the district doesn't "approve" or not "approve" your request for an IEE. If you disagree with their evaluation and state (again in writing) that you disagree and request the Independent Evaluation, they are required to honor your request. That's the law.
EDTA: Or they have to take you to due process (snoopywoman is correct down the thread) and prove why they should not have to agree to an IEE.
If you haven't got the book From Emotions to Advocacy that's is so often recommended here, do so. Amazon carries it, or you can get it at www.wrightslaw.com. It's one of the best resources out there for knowing how to deal with all of this. The other thing...keep in mind that states' laws may be slightly different from federal law, but although they can be more lenient, they cannot be more restrictive...and ultimately federal law trumps state regulations if it comes down to it. Particularly for school districts who receive federal funds.
You can do this! And without ruining your expensive dental work
Also...keep in mind Tzoya's mantra..."If it isn't in writing, it didn't happen!" Make sure you follow-up with written documentation that you disagree with their evaluation and have requested the IEE. Paper trail, paper trail, paper trail!
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Actually the name and number I was given was for a person who would "approve" my getting the IEE. I have yet to figure out just who she is. I am thinking a volunteer advocate, locally, would be a step in the right direction, I am SURE I can find one who knows the district staff!
I am going to my dentist next week so will be setting up that crown prep appt ... crown #5. ACK! But ... at least I still have all my teeth. For now.
Thanks guys! AnamCara thanks for the reminder to reiterate conversation in an email!
I am already looking into advocates, but since my son is not "really" SN, just speech/language with no diagnosis, not sure if I can get a volunteer one ... and prefer to not pay ... ouch. We are getting hit with a lot of unforeseen expenses right now!
I really, really like the school special services -- this is the pre-K special services that is denying us!
I'd say go for an advocate or a lawyer (use the lawyer to consult, not to bring to the meetings). My experience is that the the school staff spend a lot of time at meetings and you don't spend much so there is a clear mismatch in experience.I too would probably just get the advocate now. I was worried about getting one because the school this year with Mason has been so willing to try everything I suggest...so I thought bringing in an advocate would make them feel like I don't trust the team.
But this advocate is so great in just helping me understand what I should be asking for and how to do it.
It's funny because you think the school would just know what's available and how to go about it, but in all honesty they seem just as clueless as me!
Good luck and I hope things go well. Keep us posted.
Well, I believe the school district can take you to due process in order to not do an IEE. But, usually they don't because it is often more expensive to go to due process then to just do the IEE. That may be why they are saying they have to approve it - they're just not using the right language. They have to agree not to take you to due process over it!
We asked for an IEE initially when they denied our son services. The SD asked for a meeting with us (mediation basically) and agreed to do a few more tests. I reserved my right to still have the IEE done if I wasn't satisfied. They did the tests and qualified ds on an "override" basis. We still got bubkus in the way of services until our dev ped wrote a scathing letter to the school district. The next day, we got offered two days a week of ECSE with pull-out OT.
We took an advocate to each meeting - but I ended up doing all the talking. But, that's my former line of work (I was a social worker who advocated for kids!). It was good to have someone else there because it's hard to make sure that you're hearing everything they are saying and that you got it right.
Good luck to you!
Sorry for the cracked molar, but certainly understand gritting the teeth.
As far as the Independent Evaluation...go for it. If the person you are expected to approach for the "outlandish request" is actually who they are sending you to for the IEE, then use that to determine their credentials, make sure where you want to go has comparable credentials, and if so, get it done where you want to. The districts usually give you a list, not just one person, that they feel are "qualified" - use that list to know what credentials they feel are necessary and who NOT to go to, then choose someone with the same credentials who can give you an honest, independent eval.
And as far as getting an advocate - now would be a good time, as they'd be knowledgeable on where to go next, and can walk you through it. It allows you to be the parent and someone else to keep your strategy balanced, and hopefully prevent any more cracked molars.
Also...keep in mind Tzoya's mantra..."If it isn't in writing, it didn't happen!" Make sure you follow-up with written documentation that you disagree with their evaluation and have requested the IEE. Paper trail, paper trail, paper trail!
But I think I cracked a molar.
We had an "assessment meeting" for my DS, 4.5 this morning. He was denied speech services ... by the SLP who WOULD provide the therapy, had he qualified. It all seemed so subjective, despite our being presented with a list of consonant sounds as they developed by age, AND a list of letter difficulties for ESL (as our son heard Spanish for his first two years).
When I asked for an Independent Evaluation at the district's expense, I was told, "I'm not sure we've ever done that." To which I responded, "Well it is in the Procedural Safeguards notice you sent me." The coordinator left the room for ten minutes and came back with a name and phone number for the person whom I am to approach for this 'outlandish' request. No, she did not say it. It hung in the air though.
The SLP was meanwhile writing up the form ... and pressing so hard we expected scratches on the table. So ... what next? When do I bring in an advocate? I know where I would like to get the IEE done.