Empowering Missouri Parents Act SB 318 in 2023 legislature

This Act would allow parents (of all students) to access to public school curriculum, choice of educational options for the child. https://senate.mo.gov/23info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=44446

In the meantime, parents struggle in IEP meetings; for example:

Several educators surround the parent and present their plan for the child for the year, based on the school’s staff schedules and the number of other children who also need services.

The parent asks for additional time in a service area and is quickly told that wouldn’t fit with the schedule.  Parent expresses concern that the child is getting left behind.

This was another “rubber stamped” meeting where the educators worked to just get through and out of the meeting. As long as the parent is not assertive, the student will likely stagnate.

The March 2017 US Supreme Court decision was clear; children with IEPs are to have challenging objectives. https://sites.ed.gov › idea › files › qa-endrewcase-12-07-2017.pdf

Parents can take more control

Advocates at TheIEPCenter.com™ support parents solve schooling problems by providing information so a parent can effectively advocate for the child with special needs. Schools often don’t put plans into place legitimately unless a parent advocates. Advocacy can involve systems outside of the school district.   It’s what a parent doesn’t know that can deprive children of needed services.  We go to  school meetings with parents.

Don’t be bamboozled!  Waiting and hoping for problems to go away allows our children to regress.  Hoping the problem will go away will only delay getting the problem addressed.  Waiting too long to address concerns eliminates opportunities for correction.

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We help parents at low-cost.  We help parents prepare for school meetings and also go to school meetings with parents.

Special Education Parent’s Advocacy Link LLC dba The IEP Center™ provides information to parents regarding the problems of children with disabilities. We are civil rights advocates.   We are not attorneys and do not give advice. We are not licensed to practice law in any state. We do not represent anyone.  Consult an attorney.

©2017, 2023 Special Education Parent’s Advocacy Link LLC dba The IEP Center™

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IEP school tips for Missouri parents

Schools often don’t put plans into place legitimately unless a parent pursues action. Many parents are contacting us to share accounts of student’s who now  attend in a new building but the positive behavior strategies mistakenly aren’t implemented  from the previous year, although though the IEP continues in effect.

Public school staff often don’t understand the importance of proactively implementing behavior plans and accommodations.  Many students with ADD or ADHD need time for extra movement; or to do their desk work while standing.  Advocates at TheIEPCenter.com™ inform parents how other parents solved IEP problems  so the parent can advocate for the child with special needs. Schools often don’t put plans into place legitimately unless a parent pursues action.  Educational “systems” move slowly.  It’s what a parent doesn’t know that can deprive children of needed services.  We go to IEP meetings with parents* or participate online or telephone.

Don’t be bamboozled!  Waiting and hoping for problems to go away allows our children to regress.  Hoping the problem will go away will only delay getting the problem addressed.  Waiting too long to address concerns eliminates opportunities for correction.

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Special Education Parent’s Advocacy Link LLC dba The IEP Center™ helps parents at low-cost.  SEPAL provides information to parents regarding the problems of children with disabilities. We are civil rights advocates.  We are not attorneys and do not give advice.  Consult an attorney.  Thankfully, we are not affiliated with any government agency.

We support parents who prepare for school meetings and also go to school meetings with parents*.

©2018, 2023 Special Education Parent’s Advocacy Link LLC dba The IEP Center™

*prior arrangements necessary; travel limitations.

Note:  Spring of 2023, the Missouri legislature has bills related to the power parents have for our kids with special needs’ who utilize public school.  Senator Eigel’s bill “Empowering  Missouri Parents Act” is worth considering.

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My child needs help at school in Missouri; Senate Bill 318 Empowering Missouri Parents Act sponsored by Senator Eigel in Missouri Senate

Parents call describing how they have tried to get the public school to help their child for YEARS!  Usually they talk to staff at the school who brushes off the parent with comments like “he’ll grow out of it“, “wait and see”, or “we’ll test the kids in the spring”.  Then years pass and the student is so far behind and frustrated resulting in emotional and social issues becoming a problem.

Parents who suspect a child is struggling at public school need to communicate it in writing or e-mail to the special ed director. As a result, many schools will then include the child in use of interventions.  If after a few weeks of intervention with no  progress , a parent can  request a comprehensive evaluation in all areas of suspected disability.  Parents aren’t obligated to pay for testing by outside professionals; the public school district usually is required to perform testing/evaluation.   A reasonable person would believe that a school district would know to do these things without the parents insistence!  Contact us for help with any struggles doing this;  http://bit.ly/iepconsult

SB318 will give parents more power to pursue appropriate programming for our kids with special needs. https://www.senate.mo.gov/23info/bts_web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=44446

Some districts are difficult to work with, and make it difficult for parents to navigate.  That’s where the advocates at The IEP Center ™ are available. We support parents over the phone, and, often in one hour empower the parent!   Don’t let another semester go by with a child struggling needlessly;   Set a phone consult at  http://bit.ly/iepconsult

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Special Education Parent’s Advocacy Link LLC dba The IEP Center™ provides information to parents regarding the problems of children with disabilities.  We are not attorneys and do not give advice.  We do not represent parents or children.  Consult an attorney.

Thankfully, we are not affiliated with any government agency.

We consult with parents at low-cost.  We support parents in preparing for school meetings and also go to mediation and IEP meetings with parents*.  Go to our website to set a telephone consult.

©2018, 2023 Special Education Parent’s Advocacy Link LLC dba The IEP Center™

*availability contingent upon availability, scope, technological requirements, other.

 

 

school suspension of special ed student in Missouri

More parents are contacting me about out-of-school suspensions for students with behaviors related to the disability.  The most frequent disability mentioned is “autism spectrum”.

Many districts believe, in error, that these students can be suspended up to ten days on a whim.  Although state regulations allow for such consideration, it is not necessarily compliant with the district’s duty to provide a free education, nor how people with disabilities are to be treated by public entities. Yes, school boards have been known to make policy that is not consistent and state and federal law.

A strong advocate can make a huge difference in the relationship a parent has with a public school district.  Many parents have told me that the school now respects them and no longer manipulates them.  There are several approaches parents can use to take control!

Don’t be bamboozled!  Waiting and hoping for problems to go away allows our children to regress.  Hoping the problem will go away will only delay getting the problem addressed.  Waiting too long to address concerns eliminates opportunities for correction.  Time is your enemy.

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Contact an advocate here:

Parent/Adult name(s)(required)

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Describe school concerns(required)

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MO KS OK TX Other

If child not attending school, why?

Parent phone numbers and best time to be reached (10 digits)

Optional: name of school district

Is a school meeting scheduled within ten days?

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We help parents at low-cost.  We help parents prepare for school meetings and also participate in school meetings with parents, including manifestation determination meetings.

Special Education Parent’s Advocacy Link LLC dba The IEP Center™ provides information to parents regarding the problems of children with disabilities. We are civil rights advocates.   We are not attorneys and do not give advice. We are not licensed to practice law in any state. We do not represent anyone.  Consult an attorney. Good news: we are not a government agency.

©2021-2022 Special Education Parent’s Advocacy Link LLC dba The IEP Center™