Theresa: My 10 year old son has an IEP. The school follows it on occasions. He received a D in reading and a F in Math. Is there anything I can do? This year he has really regressed.
Regression: FAILING SPECIAL ED
Special Education Law and Advocacy
Hello, I received a draft of my child’s IEP. Before the COVID 19 shutdown, my child received 1 hour a week of direct occupational therapy service. On the draft, it was recommended that OT services be significantly reduced from 1 hour of direct service weekly to 30 minutes of consultation quarterly. I have spoken with the occupational therapist and principal of the school but this recommendation still stands. According to the occupational therapist, she has sufficient data to make this determination although my child did not meet 2/4 objectives and has not been in live school since mid-March. What about possible regression upon return to school? I don’t agree with the drastic change of OT services. If anyone has suggestions on what I should do moving forward, I would appreciate it. Thanks.
I am concerned about REGRESSION during this COVID 19 outbreak/shutdown.
I know of a 21 yr old special needs student who will be 22 in August. The student will be ineligible for services and has seriously regressed. Will states and districts extend the eligibility date for SPED services due to the COVID Shutdown?
Mr. Wright discusses this issue in the webinars that he just participated in.
Theresa –
You have a couple of options here.
You imply that the IEP is not followed consistently. If the school consistently followed the IEP, do you think this would lead to your son’s success?
If yes, I suggest that you start with a Team meeting to discuss the lack of IEP compliance. If the non-compliance continues, you may want to consider filing a state complaint.
If no, you think he would still struggle even if the IEP was followed, I suggest that you ask the school to reevaluate him. A good evaluation should help you and the Team better understand his current needs. If you disagree with the reevaluation results, you can exercise your right to an independent evaluation. And at any time, you can consider requesting mediation or a due process hearing.
There is a lot you can do. First of all there is no such thing as they follow it on occasion. I would suggest that you ask for a review and revise meeting and bring someone with you who has the knowledge and experience to assist you. I often tell parents that the first thing that they need to do is have someone who is familiar with IEP’s to review the entire IEP. Once they do that hopefully you can have that same person attend the IEP with you and ask the relevant questions.