Wed chat

rwbeagles

Yes, it is a big deal. I have a book here that says even Private Schools are required to accomodate kids with disabilities so you might look into that also. The majority of private schools typically get some sort of funding from the Fed for something. So if you really think private schools might be better then you could look into it. There are also private schools out there specifically for kids with challenges...if Riley has something that requires an IEP, not sure if that's the case or not. Red tape can be frustrating. Ours moved along pretty expediently so you did the right thing in saying the magic word "noncompliance" LOL!

Because this is preschool the state doesn't provide private schools with the support like they do once she is in kindergarten.  That's why we had to move to the public school.  There are a few private schools out there for her that offer special education preschool, but the tuition is out of this world to the tune of $30,000/year - for 1/2 days.  We just can't afford that.  The preschool we were going to send her to was only $1500/year!

Yes, she does need an IEP.  She have an cognitive learning delay coupled with a lack of attentiveness.  Her summer therapist believes the attentiveness is a result of her cognitive delay not the other way around so that's good news.  Everyone agrees she needs the special education class, but its all this flipping red tape.  It's stupid.  So far we met with the speech therapist and the social worker.  We still need to meet with the psychologist and occupational therapist.  They haven't given me any paperwork - nothing.  Seriously its like the whole school is run my complete and total idiots.  The whole thing boils down to the fact they are behind because of this maternity leave and then the person they got to fill in quit.  I understand problems occur but this is my kids education. 

Yep, a little birdie who works in the system told me to specifically use those words.  I am sure/or hoping that people are running around with their heads cut off at the school this morning.  The only thing I worry about is that I am going to be labeled a trouble mom.  I don't care personally, since I have been called a lot worse!  However, I don't want my actions to impact how the school/teachers, etc. treat Riley. 

sharismom

know it's not a funny situation, but geez, didn't anybody notice she was preggers?  I mean, it's like 9 months, so it's not like they didn't have time to plan?  Maybe the teachers/admin need a biology refresher.

Oh, I asked that Tina to the head of the department.  I asked "didn't anyone realize that this baby was coming in early September or did the gestation time period change and no one told me". 

Hmm...well as I recall the initial eval's...took a bit to get done. Many times here at least the evaluators are covering the entire district and they get to you when they can.

They then passed those findings on to the main person at the school. Once all were gathered then a meeting was called to discuss the results of the eval's en mass, including their findings on whether an IEP would be instituted. At least that is how we did it. There ARE time constraints...I think it's 30 school days? Something like that. Ours took a solid 30 as well...most every step did.

We started with requesting evals in October...the ARD meeting and presentation of the IEP itself happened in January...just to give you a timeframe. Start to finish. Bearing in mind that there were time stretches in there where nothing was done or required to be done really because of Thanksgiving, and Christmas breaks, which do not count towards the total time.

The timing here states that they have to have the IEP's done within 30 calendar days of the intial referral request. 

Well, I initially called in June but the clock doesn't start until the 1st day of school which was September 6th.  My biggest issue is that she's still not in a classroom.  I wouldn't have a problem if the evals took a while if she was at least placed in a classroom during that time.  I thought on Monday, we would have the evals, they would get her signed up for the class and we would work on getting the rest of the evals done in the meantime.  I would be OK with that.  Instead, everything is on hold.  It just doesn't make any sense to me.  They KNOW she needs speech therapy so why not put her in the class, start with the speech therapy and then add the occupational and psych stuff once they get the IEP done.

Since this is a special class for special needs kids it's not like they are clueless to what she needs.  Every one of the teachers I met with agrees she #1 needs to get in the class #2 she can't be in a regular class.  It's like beating your head against a wall.  I have a very small timeframe to work with since there is no special ed for Kindergarten.  If they don't get her in a class ASAP and she doesn't have enough time to adjust, learn, etc. we will have to hold her back a year.  I don't have a problem with that per se, but if its because some school personel can't fill out a stupid form, that's just stupid.

Did you already see this link?

http://www.slideshare.net/meederv/ose-eis-policytimelineforinitials3017687

I thought it was helpful. I wish there was such a link for my state...might be...I'll have to check!

The reasons for the delay are totally lame. I am glad you're poking them about it...rules are rules and if you do not choose to allow it then their being in noncompliance is a big problem for the school...so they better get their asses in gear.

HAH! I bet they try to give you this paperwork now,

http://www.misd.net/SEForms/Repository/Others/09FallMISD_IniEvalExtensionForm.pdf

hey...did you guys at least get the parental consent forms? You mentioned they hadn't given you any paperwork...I hope they at least gave you that form?

Yep, I found the top link yesterday which is what light a fire under my butt. The first evaluation they didn't have me sign anything that I can remember, they did have me sign permissions on Monday.  So they are probably going to say that's when the timeline started; however, I beg to differ from them since we went in for our 1st eval on September 16th and have written acknowlegment from the director regarding that date.

Yep, I have no doubt that extension form will find a way to my inbox very soon.  LOL

ROFL, Tina.  Situation isn't funny, but, seriously?

Again, in my experience, being the mom who is a lioness when it comes to her childs education, isn't a bad thing.  With teachers and anyone working directly with my child, I was a lamb and very helpful.  With the upper folks who dragged their feet?  Nothing but one GIANT PITA.  The teachers know the system and ho screwed up it can be....they care about the kids and want it almost as badly as you do.  Special needs teachers are a very special breed.

Is anyone else's Blackberrys being wonky today??

Deb W.

Theres an article about this at Yahoo today Deb. I had no idea people still used such dated tech but hey...LOL *DUCKS*

LINK HERE!

Darn took a nasty fall this morning when outside with Ava, fell over the gutter drain flat on my stomach in the grass but my jaw his the sidewalk! ouch thought it was broken at first but not.  Now have a whole black and blue jaw, looks like someone punched me.  Sore right arm too.  Bet tomorrow I'll be sore all over.  Oh well, this too shall pass, I hope.  So glad I did not break any teeth!

Face getting blacker and bluer by the minute!

eeek! Be careful Auburn! Might take some Tylenol or put some ice on that jaw...or both!

rwbeagles

Theres an article about this at Yahoo today Deb. I had no idea people still used such dated tech but hey...LOL *DUCKS*

Do I get any points for pre-ordering the Kindle Fire?

Deb W.

Oh no Auburn!  Hope you get to feeling better soon!

Lisa (((Hugs)))  RIP Dominico.

Have had 60's and rain for 2 days...it is awesome! 

Lydia is back at work and Maverick is doing amazingly well.  They thank all of you for your continued support :)

Have a great day all....

iluvjamison

Is anyone else's Blackberrys being wonky today??

From our IT dept this morning...

Good morning!

We are presently experiencing an issue with blackberry service.  Email, Blackberry messenger and the browser are all effected.   Verizon is aware of the issue and is working

with RIM to resolve the problem.  Updates will be sent out as they become available. 

Thank you for your anticipated patience

 XXXX Help Desk

----------------------------------------------------

I am grumpy and irritable and would love to punch someone, anyone....  I'd rather have stayed in bed today.  *sigh*

Edit to say, having just read through Lisa's issues with the school, I'd particularly appreciate a plane ticket to MI to go punch every one of those stupid school officials on Lisa/Riley's behalf.  Then she can't be labeled as a trouble mom.

I agree with Gina, get some ice on it with or without Vodka - perferrably with!