IEP Goals and Services

Thanks for your support on our behalf. This years IEP went quite smoothly compared to last years. I didn't even have to whip out the Special Education Golden Rules handbook:) I really did feel like all parties involved had Crew's best interest in mind and it didn't hurt that little Crew had 12 months to capture the hearts of so many.

The majority of last years goals were not achieved but some of them were. We are making progress... it's just a little slow. Last year Crew could walk short distances in his walker with the use of forearm supports and a sling seat. Currently, Crew walks using regular handholds without the sling for support. It was reported that Crew can now walk 250 feet. Yippee!!! It is so amazing that he has made this progress considering we still have not achieved a rolling goal. What is that all about?

Last year Crew started preschool with a vocabulary of about 12 words (signs included). Now, we are up to....

DRUM ROLL.....

35 words!!!

I had no idea:) Our goal for the next year is to double that and to attain a MLU (mean length of utterance) of 2+ words. It was explained to me that children usually do not combine words until they have a vocabulary base of at least 50 words.

We added vision and hearing support to the IEP while maintaining services in PT, OT, ST, and "Motor Services", with an additional goal in the area of Social Interaction.

I also changed the days of preschool attended from 4 days a week to 3. I just felt strongly that we needed to free up his schedule some so we could add private speech therapy to the mix:) So, I am looking forward to having that additional time that I can spend one-on-one with Crew. He is just growing up way to fast!

IEP again!

Living in a rural area has its advantages and disadvantages. I love the feeling of open spaces, a close-knit community, small-town celebrations, etc. However, when it comes to getting some of the services such as therapy.... its a challenge.

The school district here has somehow squirmed their way out of providing PT services for those kiddos in need. As far as I know, its been 3 years since they've either staffed or contracted with a Physical Therapist. The Special Education Rules state that if a child qualifies for "related services" the school is required to provide those services.

Last month at the IEP, we were not willing to agree with the district to use what they call "Motor Services" in place of PT services. The school district agreed to obtain an "independent evaluation" and meet again the following month.

Meanwhile, I have been doing my homework in preparing myself to ADVOCATE for my child. With an excellent support system, my sister and our Early Intervention team, I felt prepared for todays shootout.

After a grueling 2.5 hour meeting, we were successful in obtaining weekly PT and weekly OT services for Crew during his Pre-school hours. This is a MAJOR breakthrough! I wouldn't say that I am thrilled with the services but I feel content which is okay!

Advocating for Crew is emotionally exhausting. I don't like confrontation and I don't like it that I have to stand and "fight" to get him the services that he is entitled to. It shouldn't have to be so painful and negative. I don't like it.... but I'LL DO IT!

My first IEP

In order to transition from Early Intervention services to the School District Special Education Program each "potential" student must have an IEP (Individualized Education Program). An IEP is basically the detailed plans including goals and services appropriate for that child. Today was the big day. I've been dreading it, yet looking forward to getting it in place and having it out of the way.

Yesterday, I spent the entire day finalizing my plans and educating myself in regards to the State Law and what Crew needs to receive through Special Education. I had an awesome team there in support of Crew, his therapists and my sister (best advocate ever). I was surprised that some things went smoothly and other areas turned ugly.

I'm too tired for details right now but to sum it up:
3 days a week in the AM (yeah!)
School bus transportation (yeah!)
Excellent Speech and Language services :)
Audiology services including an FM system in the classroom

And the ugly fight still to come:
PT Services
OT Services

The school district is fighting against providing those services seperate from one another by "Certified" PT and a certified OT.

We didn't give.
They didn't give.
It's not over!

After 2 1/2 hours we ended the IEP with a Diagnostic IEP to conclude in 30 days during which time I will be doing my homework.

I'm annoyed because it's not over! Uggh!

Planning for the IFSP

Our summer so far has been a bit crazy. I haven’t had even one day where we didn’t have somewhere that we had to go. Some would say it’s my own fault. I’m the one that signed the boys up for baseball, swimming, golf, gymnastics…. True. However, I still feel it’s worth it to give them the opportunity blah blah blah. On the other hand, we are also running for Aqua Therapy, Mobility Class, Special Needs Gymnastics, etc. While this can be taxing, I really am happy that Crew has these opportunities for more therapy. He loves it all and I really can say that I think he’s the happiest kid ever. We are lucky enough to have a great team of therapists (through Early Intervention- EI) to help him progress. With EI there is an evaluation (IFSP) every six months. At the IFSP meeting, all his therapists come to the home to determine in what areas Crew will continue to need services. We discontinue or alter some goals, check others off as completed and make new ones. Our IFSP meeting is to be held next week. We will have about 8 therapists here at the home. Some of these therapists have bent over backwards to help Crew any way that they can. Mainly the PT. I want to show my appreciation to them. Because Crew is about 2 ½, this will be his last IFSP, I think. In the past I have been really lame and haven’t provided these people with anything when they come, like drinks or treats. Okay, can you tell I’m really crappy at this kind of thing? So…… I’m hoping you’ all can give me some ideas on what to do for these people. I can’t really afford gifts (saving that for Christmas) but would like to treat this awesome group. What should I serve? Lisa, I know you did the pizza thing which is a really good idea.! The appointment is for 10:00 am. Which is pretty much between breakfast and lunch. Any ideas? Help me! I'm begging for comments here:)