My oldest (9) has an iep. Currently it only focuses on his poor fine motor skills, he sees ot once a week (yeah right!) and he is given special accommodations (extra time for tests, can use the computer to write his homework and reading journal, etc he has a diagnosis of ADHD from his doctor, started medication this year because it was affecting his school work, was evaluated at school and was found to exhibit ADHD type behavior (of course they cannot diagnosis) but would not amend his iep to include front row seating away from the hallway, help with his organizational skills (I know kids that get homework buddies to help them organize and make sure they have all their homework) just to name a few things I feel they could be doing to help him at school he isn't so much the hyper kid but he cant get organized or focus on things without medication there has been a definate change in his test grades (for the better) since starting meds. Is there a specific form my pediatrician needs to fill out? Tomorrow is the last day of school and I'd like to get things moving as soon as possible at the school so having that form already filled out before the next school year will be a plus. I also have a friend going with me to the next meeting to help me out she is very familiar with how ieps work and she also isn't afraid to open her mouth I ge to overwhelmed, nervous, and flustered at them.
Edited: I want to know if there is specific form I need to ask the school for. That's my question.
What exactly do you want to know? How to get what you want at an IEP? How to start the process? I'm sorry, but I never figured out your exact question!
Your pediatrician could supply any medical diagnosis you have. The school may ask you and his ped to fill out a questionaire to help them in writing the IEP as well.
IEP meetings are overwhelming. Take notes and ask questions.
My son is only four and his last IEP meeting was an hour and 40 minutes long. I needed a nap to decompress after it.
The school should be working with you and not against you so offer ideas and let them see if they can accomodate them.
Before you go, write down all your concerns and what you would like to see happen. If they are not willing to accomadate your suggestions, ask them why, write it down, and ask what suggestions they have that would have the same outcome as yours.
Hi, Rachel,
This sounds very frustrating! I was a teacher for many years, and saw this with a lot of parents. As another poster suggested, just talk to the teachers. I was always happy to help a child with organizational tasks. It was easy and saved a lot of frustration later on! : ) Also, have you looked up "executive functioning disorder"? It may not be what your son has, but you can find a lot of really helpful organizers/ checklists if you google that term.
A few suggestions for things you might do at home that may carry over to school:
-Try making checklists at home for things so that your child gets used to using them at home and at school. So, instead of just a checklist in his locker or cubby for homework, gym clothes, etc., he could also have one at home for bedtime (brush teeth, put clothes in hamper). That would give him some pride in independence and you some downtime!
-Get him separate notebooks for each class that are different colors, but keep them in one 3 ring binder, so he never comes home without the homework sheet he needs to fill out for the next day.
-Ask the teacher if he can check in with him/her at the end of the day to see if his daily homework is written down properly in his agenda. That's better than asking in class or at lunch, when everyone is rushing around.
I hope that some of this was helpful! Good luck!
It sounds like you want more accommodations added to the IEP, is that correct? If so, write to the school and request an IEP meeting. It won't be until the fall though. Like people have suggested, come to the meeting with a list of your questions and concerns. However, if you only have a few changes you want, I'd just try to schedule a meeting with your son's teacher at the beginning of school and tell her your ideas. It's possible s/he might just make the changes in seating, help with organizational skills, etc. rather than formally changing the IEP, but that's your choice and probably will depend on the teacher.
However, if you think he'd be better served under Other Health Impairment (ADHD falls under this category), you can request an IEP meeting to discuss that. They'll probably need to do an evaluation in that case to see if OHI is a primary disability that's affecting your son's performance more significantly than his OT issues. Good luck and definitely bring your friend. I work in a school but always want parents to feel as supported as possible so I always welcome friends or family members.
You can request a ppt meeting at any time, the school must respond within a specified time frame. You should put your request in writing, and be sure to specifically request a ppt. you can ask that the school amend the current iep or request that the school perform an evaluation. You are asking that his category be changed. The school may determine that he does not meet criteria for the educational category (ohi-ADHD). He may have the condition, but it may not make a significant enough impact on his ability to be educated in the least restrictive environment. Btw, I am a school social worker. You are not the only parent intimidated by the process and it is your right to have whoever you want present to support you.
I work in Spec. Ed and the most important thing I can tell you is that there is no better advocate for your son than YOU. You know him better than anyone. If you feel that front row seating or a peer helper is what he needs, do what you have to do to make that happen. Write down the questions or concerns that you have before you go to the meeting and having your friend go with you is a good idea if you get flustered. Make she she knows exactly what you want to happen. Good luck!!
