I got the "draft" copy of Jack's "new" IEP today in his school folder. The meeting is in a week, and parents have to get the materials ahead of time. Fine. I didn't want to look- the fact that it even came with the disclaimer that "not much will be different because Jack is going to be reassessed" should have tipped me off. And this is true, next Thursday I will be signing consents for this reassessment- his "label" thus far has been developmental delay, and this will be changed to autism. OK fine. But I looked anyway.
Really? After all I have heard and been told this year, the talk of the weakness of his grip and his sensory issues, he still only needs 3 30 minute OT sessions a month?? They did increase his special education time, which was an hour a week. They increased it to 2.5 hours a week. Out of 35 hours in school. When I already know that he has been having an aide an hour a day and this is not adequate- this per his teacher. So this increase doesn't even cover what he's getting. How does this make sense??? Someone please explain this to me....
Once I sign consents for assessments they have 6 WEEKS to complete them. And then when they draw up the new IEP they have 4 weeks to implement the changes. I am not a mathematician, but doesn't that take us almost to the end of the school year?
Really? After all I have heard and been told this year, the talk of the weakness of his grip and his sensory issues, he still only needs 3 30 minute OT sessions a month?? They did increase his special education time, which was an hour a week. They increased it to 2.5 hours a week. Out of 35 hours in school. When I already know that he has been having an aide an hour a day and this is not adequate- this per his teacher. So this increase doesn't even cover what he's getting. How does this make sense??? Someone please explain this to me....
Once I sign consents for assessments they have 6 WEEKS to complete them. And then when they draw up the new IEP they have 4 weeks to implement the changes. I am not a mathematician, but doesn't that take us almost to the end of the school year?
I am a brand new reader to your blog and I can totally relate to this post. When my son was in preschool we got next to nothing for one on one support. Even now in Kindergarten he only has access to 90 minutes per day with a special education teacher and 20 minutes per day pull out time for a Social group. With the delays my son is experiencing that just isnt enough.
ReplyDeleteI know it is stressful to wait for the changes to be implemented into the IEP, especially when the changes will take place so close to the end of the school year. Try to remember though that even though they are allowed so many weeks to complete the assessment and implement the changes that doesnt mean that it WILL take that long. Also remember that the IEP will most likely carry over to the next school year as well so you will have these changes in place when your son enters the next grade. Big Hugs from one Mom to another.
Thank you!!!! Keeping my chin up :-)
DeleteThat is an extremely low amount of OT and other services, I think! It always makes me kind of sick that services aren't standardized or at least close to equal. Here in MA, there are rich districts where kids get so many services you wonder how there are hours in the day for them, and others where kids get almost nothing. Janey is probably in between. Just as an example, she gets OT twice a week, speech 3 times a week, PT once a week, music therapy once a week, ABA 7.5 hours a week. I feel for you---I hope the school steps up and does what it should.
ReplyDeleteis all of that through the school system?? Jack is very high functioning and doesn't need quite that much, he does get 2 hrs of PRIVATE OT a week, but obviously that's not being provided by the schools. We have an advocate now, so I am hoping for a positive outcome but steeling myself for a fight.
DeleteHi... have you looked into CEASE Therapy? Have they been vaccinated?
ReplyDeleteAll the best,
Julie