Help with Headstart IEP

Tashia - posted on 05/09/2012

Thanks you so much. I've been reading everything I can find about SPD, KY laws & IEP's I wasn't aware but my neighbor used to be an advocate for special needs children & she said she'd be happy to help us so I'm gathering all my paperwork & meeting with her probably this weekend. I'm kicking myself for not knowing if I requested it in writing they would've had to have it completed in 60 days. He is currently receiving OT, speech, & chiropractic services at our local hospital 2 times a week. He just started them last month so hopefully it helps.

Michelle - posted on 05/07/2012

Don't believe a word school people say to you. Some of them are just misinformed and others will flat out lie. I think your teacher is misinformed. If you have a doctor who has diagnosed your child with developmental delay and ADHD the school MUST do an IEP! Until you learn your rights all I can say to you is 3 things:



1. EDUCATE YOURSELF - You have to learn your rights for your child or you will never get the full benefits your child is entitled to educationally. I would suggest googling Wrights Law. They are two attorneys who had a disabled son and ran into problems. So then they began to specialize in educational law and their website is a gold mine of information. They also sell books and other things. I have their books and all I can say is that they are GREAT! Especially the IEP one. I use it as a guide and reference.



2. NETWORK - Find groups in your area that deal with disabled children. Get to know parents from these groups. They are a WEALTH of information because many of them have been there, done that. Below are some groups that might be able to help or you can ask them what groups are out there that can help.



I got these from Wright's Law Yellow Pages:



Child Advocacy Center

1821 Summit Rd., #110

Cincinnati, OH 45237

(513) 821-2400



Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders (CH.A.D.D.)



Parent Mentors of Ohio

JoHannah Ward, Educ. Consultant

Office for Exceptional Children

25 South Front Street, Mail Stop 204

Columbus, OH 43215-4183

(614) 752-1378 ; (614) 387-0967 (fax)



University Affiliated Cincinnati Center for Developmental Disorders

Pavilion Building

3333 Burnet Avenue

Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039

(513) 636-8383



There are a LOT more but you will need to look at the list.



3. GET AN ADVOCATE - I CANNOT stress this point enough. Until you know what the rights are for your child and yourself YOU WILL NEED SOMEONE WHO DOES. I had an advocate go with me to my first IEP and she was able to get me 2 additional hours of at-home therapy each week for my autistic children than the school district was going to give me. The advocate will be a big help and support.



Some possible advocates:



State Support Team Region 13 (ADVICE ONLY)

Sue Bitsko

HCESC

11083 Hamilton Ave.

Cincinnati, OH 45231

(513) 674-4261



Special Needs Resource Directory (INFORMATION DIRECTORY)

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

3333 Burnet Ave. MLC 9012

Cincinnati, OH 45229

(513) 636-1970 ; (513) 636-7151 (fax)



Nessa G. Siegel, Esq. (ADVOCATE WHO ATTENDS MEETINGS)

4070 Mayfield Road

Cleveland, Ohio 44121

216) 291-1300 ; (216) 291-9622 (fax)



Judi A. Hughes, M.Ed.

9399 Montgomery Road

Cincinnati, OH 45242

(513) 984-3555



To answer your questions:



1.does anyone else have an iep for their child in headstart & whats included in it



It is complicated and it depends on a lot of factors like what services are offered in your area and the strengths and weaknesses of your child. This is where you could use an advocate.



2. after they do their evaluations what happens



Your son should begin services. If you can I recommend private therapy if possible in additional to what the school provides.



3. with school going out for summer this week will

they wait until August to do evaluations?



The school will wait until August but that does not mean you can't get private therapy in the meantime. My children make the greatest strides in private therapy.

Sharlene - posted on 05/07/2012

Where are you from? Im from Aust and my son got evaluated at 1.5 yrs old and they set you up with alot of intervention and peer support. Also do you have a good speialist that deals with childhood deveolpment. The right channels you will go through the more support your child wou;ld get and support for yourself and hubby and even some classes for you . We dont really have a waiting list here . And probably use the internet to see if you can get in earlier then auguest and dont apoligse for the long the post that's why us moms are here for to support one another : ) take care