No, I do not have an advocate. Please forgive, I am quite green in the whole process. As I mentioned, my son was just diagnosed in August. I am unclear of how this all works. What exactly does an advocate do, and how much will it cost?
There are things you can ask for like "prior written notice" (A bit misnamed for us lay folks) where they are supposed to provide written reasons for their decisions such as denying your request for more services. These reasons are supposed to include any test results that they are basing their decisions on. Just a warning, I once asked for PWN and got an answer that pretty much read "Because we said so --- that's why." This might give you some idea what you are up against.
An advocate, or lawyer, can guide you as to what questions to ask your school district, and what to ask for (procedure-wise, not educationally) and what is the right language to use (and to do it in writing). We have tried both, and found our lawyer more effective (and cheaper) than an advocate, since the advocate was de-railed by how obstinate our SD is. On the other hand, advocates can come to IEP meetings. Lawyers in the meetings up everyone's tension level. Our lawyer does not come to the meetings, but briefs us before, and debriefs us after, and reviews the IEP. So what you want may depend on your ability to tolerate IEP meetings without someone there to help.
It is hard to estimate the costs since they usually charge by the hour, but you have no idea how effective they are per hour. Around here they are a couple of hundred per hour. But that's cheaper than the alternative (which is privately financing services). Our lawyer is more expensive than an advocate per hour, but uses far fewer hours, so the net cost is less.
If your report is as you describe, then I would guess that the SD is counting on the fact that you are new, and you do not know your rights. If it were my school district I would say that you'd save money in the long run by getting a lawyer now so that things are done right from the git-go. You mileage may vary, of course.
Hi-
I'll give just a brief overview of what we have been going through.
I have a four year old son who was recently diagnosed (August) with PDD-NOS. Before his diagnosis his school services were as follows: Integrated Preschool 2 1/2 hours a day (four times a week) Speech 2x 30 a week, OT 1x 30 a week, both of which he is pulled out of class for.
The doctor who diagnosed him with PDD now recommended in his report that he should be getting a full day, year round program. Keep in mind that this doctor is world renowned in the field of Neuropsychology. We waited a year for this appointment! So anyway, the school says, NO, we don't agree with said doctor's findings, his placement is appropriate, HAVE A NICE DAY.
What do I do now?
I haven't slept in two days because I am so upset from the TEAM meeting.
BTW we are in Saugus, Massachusetts
Hi!...We're in Melrose!