Ok so I have been presented with a new IEP and so far have not signed it. It is cutting 1/2 hour from my wonderful 2.5 hours a week. ha ha not to funny
They tell me I don't need to sign it and I so want more services like speech ( but aparently not having any more than lableing at 2.4 doesn't get you speach in MN )
I know I need to order that anger to advicate book. But have any of you run into this and if I don't sign they say it just goes into effect anyway.
Any ideas - I'm so tired of all the red tape and crappy insurance and hoops but yet I trudge on for my little one
FROM EMOTIONS TO ADVOCACY at www.wrightslaw.com They need to explain to you why they plan on cutting your child's services. They must present an evaluation that shows your child no longer needs so much intervention. Since they have now had their chance to evaluate your child, if you disagree with this evaluation, ask them (IN WRITING) for an Independent Educational Evaluation at their expense. They MUST pay for this or they MUST take you to a Hearing to explain to a Hearing Officer why they think their position is the correct one. They won't do this. It's more expensive than just paying for the IEE. They don't HAVE to follow the IEE, but that will give you more ammunition if you choose to take them to Due Process over this issue. My guess is that they won't pay for the IEE because they will simply capitulate to your request once you make it clear that you plan on going forward with this.Don't sign it. You have a certain window of opportunity - in our state it is 10 days - to give them written notice that you disagree with the IEP and are requesting an IEE. So, don't delay! Write that letter, keep a copy for yourself, deliver it in person if you can and have someone initial at the top (and have them make a copy for you) that they received it and have them date it as well. I live in MN so you best get going! I don't know what the reqs are for speech as we never got it, but that just doesn't sound right to me.
Call PACER and speak with John Hoffman - he is in charge of Early Childhood (or was the last time I called which was about 8 months ago). They are an advocacy center and can give great advice. They happen to be based in Minnesota so it is a very valuable resource for you to use! Their website is www.pacer.org . Their number is: 952-838-9000 . I thought they had an 800 number but I couldn't find it on their website.
Do not Sign it. Reject the IEP. They can not change this without your permission. When you reject the new IEP they have to follow the previous IEP. Can you prove the cut will cause regression or be ineffective? Who is recommending the cut? ie the speech therapist or school administrators. Do not let them slide on this one.ok here is the deal they have JUST started this toddler model class ( 3 weeks into september LATE ) and there are only two kids in it ( that is crazy). The other little boy can only last 1.5 hours before it melts him down - and I needed it to start at 9:30 vs 9:00 because of our BAD sleeping problems so I said starting at 9:30 and going only two hours was ok - but when I read the paper it only said my DD could not handle the time and that is not true I never leave early even if she is melting down ( hell she does that at home so who cares) and it did not offer any other home services.
And I like the idea of this class setting but they are pushing to hard with the other child IMHO . and I'm sure they will drive the other mother away - he is deathly scared of faces and stuffed animals and they are shoving them in his face and chasing him with them (CRAZY)
This is the first services we ever have had because I signed a waiver of service in july when I was 40 weeks PG and they said there was only 3 weeks left and DD would never see the same people after that.
I have asked for a copy 2 times and they still have not given me one and it has been 10 days - also my husband has been out of the country for 2 weeks so I have not even had the chance to chat with him about it AUGH I SUCK.
I do not see how they are working to the goals in the IEP and I didn't even see them on the change order. AND yes I am ordering the book and thank you snoopy I will give them a try again I have called 5 times and never get a call back - story of everything.
THANKS for reading
They are VERY busy at PACER and John may take 3-4 days to call back. Keep trying and the best of luck to you!