who to take to an IEP meeting in Missouri

Parents can invite people to attend the child’s IEP meeting.  We know of no regulation that requires parents  to inform the public school whom the parent brings.

If the public school district in Missouri is uncooperative, contact the civil rights advocates at The IEPCenter.com™  We are available to go to IEP meetings when invited by the parent, in Missouri and Kansas*.

The more information a parent has before entering an IEP meeting, the better they can make informed decisions.  A parent’s failure to ask the right questions in an IEP meeting may result in the child getting “left behind”.

One of the most overlooked people to invite is the paraprofessional(s) who work with the child.  Parents can notify the special ed administrator in advance that the parent is inviting the para.  Often the para is the person at the school who knows the child the best.

Some districts disallow paras to go to IEP meetings; contact our advocate to learn strategies to overcome this obstacle.

Districts’ sometimes place a heavy burden on paras, especially when the para has no skills related to the disability.  Paras usually go through a “training”, however it is often unrelated to our child’s special need(s). Often paras never see the IEP document.

Many times the para is not a good match for a student and problems arise.  Parents can find ways to privately talk to a para about what’s going on at school.

In Missouri call 816 865 6262

The more information a parent has before entering an IEP meeting, the better they can make informed decisions.  A parent’s failure to ask the right questions in an IEP meeting may result in the child getting “left behind”.

 

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©2018 Special Education Parent’s Advocacy Link LLC dba The IEP Center™ are  civil rights advocates. Special Education Parent’s Advocacy Link LLC advocates have special knowledge related to the problems of children with disabilities. We are not attorneys and do not give legal advice.  We do not represent parents or children.  We are not licensed to practice law in any state. Consult an attorney.  Nothing in this blog is to be considered legal advice.

We offer low-cost advocate (non-attorney) services.

*arrangements must be made in advance

IEP team change of placement “temporary”

The IEP “team” tells a parent that a “temporary” change of placement is homebound with no services for a month.  The parent is told this “temporary” situation is so that everyone can regroup and the student can be allowed time to calm down.  Student had exhibited some inappropriate behaviors at school for several months.  Parent is presented with paperwork to sign.  After all, the parent had been reported for the student’s truancy the year before when the student was aggressive at school and the parent was concerned the school would hotline her again if she didn’t sign the paperwork that the school is now insisting on.

A “change of placement” typically  is not a temporary scenario.  In this instance, school staffers were tired of dealing with the student’s behaviors and didn’t utilize available outside resources to rectify the situation.  Sending the student to “homebound” was a quick and easy approach to eliminate the problem.  After all, the parent doesn’t know any better!

The parent is concerned that she would lose employment during the one-month homebound scenario.  Decisions made by schools impact more than just one student.  Sometimes the tipping point to meltdown for a family is just moments away.

Some public schools continue to bamboozle parents because they can and will continue until that one parent takes a stand for their child.

Advocates at The IEP Center provide information to parents so the parent can advocate effectively for their child.  Time is precious for our children.

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Advocates at the IEP Center are not attorneys and do not give legal advice.  Consult an attorney.  Special Education Parent’s Advocacy Link LLC dba The IEP Center.

Schools don’t test for ADHD in Missouri

Parents ask the public school for help for their child who is struggling.  The child has a diagnoses from a medical professional of ADHD and has provided that document to the school.

The school staff tells the parent the school doesn’t test kids for ADHD, and, they don’t have a program for kids with ADHD.  This is true, however, students with significant ADHD might qualify for “special education” under a category called “Other Health Impaired”.   This is often referred to as “OHI”.  This is within the process known as “special education under the IDEA”.

Another approach which parents choose is separate from the IDEA process. Some students who have significant ADHD may qualify for a “504 accommodation plan” under a civil rights law.  Most school districts don’t make this known and have experienced developing few of these plans. Parents may get a blank stare from school personnel when a parent requests a 504 accommodation plan.

504 accommodation plans are to allow for students to not be penalized since the student is different from other students. I have helped parents deal with this scenario multiple times.

Advocate Marilyn McClure, 

theiepcenter.com

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