So I've specifically avoided blogging about my crazy "IEP that still hasn't been presented to me or signed after 4 months experience" that I've had with the school district...Mostly because I know that Hailey's old teacher sometimes pops over to my blog and I didn't want to throw her under the bus or hurt her feelings...*so if you are reading this Mrs. Old Teacher please forgive me, this is not your fault...we love you*.
We had an IEP in early May and I felt like it was a good one. The district mostly gave in to everything that I asked for and those things that they didn't agree to, I asked for Independent Educational Evaluations for. Everything was great. But the School District has a habit of presenting the IEP to sign with the notes at least a month after the IEP actually takes place. This is the reason that we have only actually signed one IEP in the three years that we have been in this school district. It is really irritating and to tell you the truth I could never really understand the reasoning for waiting so long to present it for my signature.
So this time, we had a great IEP and mostly agreed on everything so I asked for it to sign but of course, it wasn't ready and I by the time it was presented to me, it was all wrong. The things that we discussed weren't even in the notes and the important things were all wrong. PISSED is only a mild word that I would use to describe my feelings for all of the preparation that I did for the IEP and all of the time that we spent in the IEP to have it come out wrong. GRRRRR!!
So then I worked with the teacher and got everything ironed out but before I got the IEP to sign...she left the district. She took a position closer to her family *which we solidly understand and support*. The problem is that when I emailed the program specialist, her response was something like "if you agree with the placement, just sign it"...WHAT???? I wanted to scream and yell and kick and have a fit. Actually I did scream and yell and kick and have a fit in my own bedroom...and I think I probably posted a few nasty things on face book (which I deleted).
An IEP is not just about placement. It is about services and details and what happens where and what is going to be worked on and how my child will learn and who is going to teach her what and who is going to pay for what and who will be called when and what information will be collected and on and on and on and on...It is all of the details that tell everyone who ever works with her and everyone who ever sees her or evaluates her or assesses her who she is, how she learns and where she is at. It is the document that forms her future years. It is everything with regards to her education!!
So I called an advocate that I have worked with in a limited capacity with an IEP last year and she agreed to help me!!
YAY!
I am really happy to be working with someone who can help me get everything ironed out. I am actually really excited to just have someone who is dealing with the district. I haven't had to speak with the district directly for 3 weeks and it has been a huge relief!!
In the meantime I am trying to just relax and get the advocate everything that she asks for when she asks for it. I am just trying to let go of some of the control and let someone else worry for a minute...
And that gives me a peaceful feeling that I haven't had in a very very long time. And for that I am grateful!
Wow..I'm sorry! I have decided along with my husband to plan my life around Sophie, work from home. From what I have seen lately I am afraid of sending her to school, and this is one of the reasons I have my fears. As of now I plan on homeschooling her until I am financially able to have someone come in one on one to work with her. I just don't understand how people can work with children and not care. It's really sad! Hang in there, you are doing all you can to provide her with the best!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry that your IEP process is so stressful. Yay for finding someone who can do at least some of the tough stuff for you. Your description of what an IEP is is spot-on. It's so much more than a piece of paper and a 'placement.' You keep on roaring, Mama, Hailey's so lucky to have you on her side.
ReplyDeleteI think that all of the people who work with Hailey care but they are limited in what they can say and or do because of the system. It is unfortunate but a reality. Although we struggle with the school district and her IEPs, I wouldn't change the experiences that she has had in public school. She has learned much more socially than I could have ever taught her at home. I know a lot of parents who have home schooled their children and it has turned out great for them. It just isn't an option for our family or for Hailey. Not for my lack of interest or sacrifice (I quit working years ago) but because of Hailey's social needs and her strengths in learning more while her peers are around.
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