More like gnashes and wails and long paper trails –that’s what this little boy’s IEP will be made of! While Nik is still battling the upper respiratory bug and the ear infection which have kept him down (but never out!) for nearly ten days now, I’ve spent the last few days doing some research in preparation for another IEP meeting.
I’m hopeful that the next one will go better, or at least leave us a little less battle weary. We’re going to take a very different tack on this next go ‘round and will do everything in writing and record the session. We’ve already got some specific points we need to follow up on which weren’t addressed in the last IEP. And, going forward, we’re going to be cordial but, frankly, a pain in the butt about requesting an independent educational evaluation (IEE). We have already provided our own privately done evaluation which school has virtually ignored. You may recall that Bobo indicated that it didn’t matter anyway. Well, we’ll see about that one.
We will play their game only better. We’re going to be looking over the goals and objectives with the proverbial fine-toothed comb. We truly feel the goals they have set for Nik are not appropriate and seriously underestimate Nik’s abilities. Of course, we’ll also be looking for an increase in services and now, with the change of Nik’s placement from school to “home instruction,” we’ll be pushing for a teacher to come work with him at least one day each week.
The challenge now is for me to sit down and write up cogent arguments supported by facts and concrete data. It’s a challenge getting my emotions and mama-bear protectiveness out of the way. But I have to in order to give Nik the best shot at a meaningful IEP. I don’t want to go through another year like last year. I mean, I know that Nik will grow and progress and flourish on his own (well, perhaps Niksdad and I might have a tad to do with it, too). But the things he could do, the catching up he could achieve if he is given the right combination of supports, services, and challenges… he could actually benefit from his FAPE instead of just filling space and marking time.
In the time since he’s been home, in spite of his being ill and running a continual low-grade fever, Nik has been so much more animated and focused. He’s consistently (well, almost consistently) cooperating in most requests such as “lie down so I can change your diaper,” or “turn the toy off and give it to Mommy, please.” Yes, that’s right. Along with the newly emerging skill of standing independently, Nik has already made significant progress on TWO of his IEP goals. Frankly, I don’t think it’s much more than the fact that he’s not so bloody overwhelmed by is environment. But, hey, what do I know? I’m “just his mom” and can’t be objective. (Sarcasm dripping from her voice…)
So anyway, I may be a little quiet online for a while as I gather resources and compile data. I’ll be lurking and commenting from time to time but I may not write much this week. Don’t worry though, I’ll be back!
I know you will! Focus where you need to right now. I am thinking of you and hoping it goes well and you get all that you know he needs.
I loved the opening of this post!
Good luck! I think Nik is so lucky to have you. You are such a good mom. I’ll be keeping good thoughts for you guys this week.
I hate IEP meetings. Our best advice is to putotgether a powerpoint. Helps to simply and organize, even if you never use it at the meeting.
***HUGS HUGS HUGS*** and lots of good luck!!!!
Go get ’em tiger!
Good luck this week. You are such an amazing advocate for Nik.
I more than look forward to hearing about what you strategize–and about Nik’s learning!
Wow. I am so impressed. Don’t take any you-know-what from them. What am I saying? I know you won’t. And these posts will be required reading for the rest of us as we prepare for our IEPs. Thanks for paving the way!
Ugh. It’s so hard to describe one’s own children – to substantiate the gut feelings that are too easily dismissed. Sometimes, the more time I spent analyzing it all, the more confused I get.
Gulp, no pressure there, eh Susan? 😉 Just kidding. That’s what I love about blogging…we all get to learn from and teach each other through our experiences. Kind of like having a really awesome bunch of sisters. 🙂
B&P, you said it exactly! Sometimes I get “analysis paralysis” and get so stuck for a while. Ugh.
It may take a but for me to formulate it all but we’ll just keep plugging away until we get something *close* to what we think works.
So nice to know I’m not alone out here! Thanks. 🙂 xo
You know what I love about IEPs?
NOTHING.
Aside from that, I find that going in with the “Rock Brain” fortitude/attitude that they want my daughter to avoid – that seems to get me whatever I want.
I just never say yes or sign anything and keep rescheduling.
There’s something to be said for rigidity.
That said, I’ll bet you are a formidable advocate.
Those Catholic Kids are still praying for you.
P.S. I checked my email – do you have the right one? If not, send on my other: tkizzle50@gmail.com
xoxo
You sound like you have a good plan.
For me, it’s the sitting down and writing out the reasons for what I’m is requesting that just doesn’t get done (so far). It makes sense that you will need to be quieter online than usual. I feel as if I need to hire a sitter in order to get away and think (and write) clearly.
I also really understand the feeling of knowing your child is being under-estimated and not challenged. This happens a lot with B. I hope they’ll listen to what you have to say, and take it to heart.
–“But the things he could do, the catching up he could achieve if he is given the right combination of supports, services, and challenges… he could actually benefit from his FAPE instead of just filling space and marking time.–“
Ugh. These words….they run deep within me. Blessings to you all.
Hi dear Niksmom!
What a week, eh? Do yourself a favor and think of something wonderful to do to celebrate just getting through this week. Hell, getting through one day of what you’re going through deserves massive celebration! Prepare as well as you can, and do exactly what you said – be cordial, but just keep repeating yourself and back up your requests. ALL your hard work this week will be SO worth it.
And if you’re up late and can’t sleep, just relax by thinking up something – it could be eating a mango or getting a pedicure, or whatever – to do for YOURSELF.
We have no doubt whatsoever that you’re going to kick major arse. You MAKE US PROUD!!! 🙂 🙂
XO R
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