First IEP, any advice?

[hdirks]

Lani turns three next month so we are moving from our IFSPs into her first IEP next month and I'm pretty nervous about it! She is profoundly deaf with Cochlear Implants, she has global delays (she is almost 3 and just started walking), and currently no communication mode. We have been really pushing ASL and speech and even trying the PEC system but currently she just isn't responding to anything. (she knows some signs but will not do any back). So given her different areas that need work what advice would you give me for her IEP? I am just so worried I'm not going to get everything that she needs and I do not want that to happen!

She is supposed to be stating preschool in the fall (I'm still really torn about this decision and do not want to send her for another year, but to keep here AEA services she has to start school).

ANY advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Jen Muise]

I suggest writing down your concerns and desired accomodations before hand, these things have a funny way of slipping your mind in the moment.  Its very easy to get off on a tangent and forget something.  Also, if you don't have a binder started, start one.  Take notes at meetings, make sure you get down who said what could or couldn't be done and why, and who all was there.  Not only does the simple act of taking notes make it clear that you mean buisness, but you will have your own record of what happened in the event that your memory and their memory doesn't match up later, or something gets missed.  http://www.wrightslaw.com/advoc/articles/advocacy.intro.htm has very good articles about advocating, your child's rights, and how to get them.  GL!  - jen

[Emmeline II]

I just started reading "The IEP From A to Z" so I can't tell you how good it is but it is interesting so far.  There are books with full IEP examples but I'd check your library if you can instead of/before buying.

You could also try googling her diagnoses and "IEP" or "IEP examples." You may also benefit from an advocate; your state dept of education probably has a special education section that includes federal and state law, and may also have a list of free/low cost advocacy services.

[hdirks]

I actually bought that book too, I just need to sit down and read it. Thanks!