We all want the best for the children in our community. Education is the key to a prosperous future. Parents of children with special needs can lose a lot of sleep over this issue.
They can be intimidated by the dizzying array of programs, terms and classifications. And most of all, they fear the consequences of getting it wrong for their children.
On behalf of Options for Independence, let me pass on these words of wisdom: Don't panic.
At this time of year, school districts and parents are conducting their annual re-evaluations of students' current Individual Education Plan (IEP). This is a legally binding document that lays out a school's plan to address the unique education needs of a student with a disability.
It identifies the child's areas of strength and challenges, strategies for meeting those special needs, and most importantly, sets goals for the student's educational and functional needs.
But, an IEP is not set in stone. It is a living document that is reviewed each year for a number of reasons.
One of the main reasons for this is to make sure that the student is reaching his or her full potential. To do this, it is important to assess the degree to which the student's academic and functional goals were met.
If the student's goals weren't met, then it is vital that possible causes be identified.
Annual evaluation of the IEP helps keep lines of communication open between school personnel and parents so students receive the quality, free, appropriate, public education (FAPE) to which they are entitled.
If the IEP has been followed, and the student is still not achieving, there may be needs that must be addressed.
The IEP review helps find the issues or supports that may have been initially overlooked.
IEP reviews are an important process; these meetings gather information from everyone involved in the child's life, and may lead to new rounds of evaluation of a student to better understand his or her individual strengths and weaknesses.
If this all seems like too much to handle by yourself, you need to know that you don't have to go it alone.
Options for Independence has resources to help you through this process. Our Education Advocate, Sara Douglass, can give you answers to questions you might have about services that are available, and evaluation tools that exist that might serve your child well in an IEP meeting.
As an education advocate, Sara can help you become a more informed, and therefore more effective, advocate for your child.
She can even attend Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings and IEP reviews with you.
Success is defined by attaining your full potential. A well crafted IEP is a powerful tool in your child's education. Annual IEP reviews are a vital part of ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed. Don't be afraid to reach out. There is help for you and your child.
Collin M. Sullivan is the ADA/access advocate for Options for Independence. He may be reached at 255-3447
On behalf of Options for Independence, let me pass on these words of wisdom: Don't panic.
At this time of year, school districts and parents are conducting their annual re-evaluations of students' current Individual Education Plan (IEP). This is a legally binding document that lays out a school's plan to address the unique education needs of a student with a disability.
It identifies the child's areas of strength and challenges, strategies for meeting those special needs, and most importantly, sets goals for the student's educational and functional needs.
But, an IEP is not set in stone. It is a living document that is reviewed each year for a number of reasons.
One of the main reasons for this is to make sure that the student is reaching his or her full potential. To do this, it is important to assess the degree to which the student's academic and functional goals were met.
If the student's goals weren't met, then it is vital that possible causes be identified.
Annual evaluation of the IEP helps keep lines of communication open between school personnel and parents so students receive the quality, free, appropriate, public education (FAPE) to which they are entitled.
If the IEP has been followed, and the student is still not achieving, there may be needs that must be addressed.
The IEP review helps find the issues or supports that may have been initially overlooked.
IEP reviews are an important process; these meetings gather information from everyone involved in the child's life, and may lead to new rounds of evaluation of a student to better understand his or her individual strengths and weaknesses.
If this all seems like too much to handle by yourself, you need to know that you don't have to go it alone.
Options for Independence has resources to help you through this process. Our Education Advocate, Sara Douglass, can give you answers to questions you might have about services that are available, and evaluation tools that exist that might serve your child well in an IEP meeting.
As an education advocate, Sara can help you become a more informed, and therefore more effective, advocate for your child.
She can even attend Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings and IEP reviews with you.
Success is defined by attaining your full potential. A well crafted IEP is a powerful tool in your child's education. Annual IEP reviews are a vital part of ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed. Don't be afraid to reach out. There is help for you and your child.
Collin M. Sullivan is the ADA/access advocate for Options for Independence. He may be reached at 255-3447
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