Lisa Lightner

Retaliation can be hard to prove. There are some tips in here: https://adayinourshoes.com/retaliation-iep-parent-special-education/

Yes, everything must be done in writing and especially at these 5 points in the IEP process. https://adayinourshoes.com/iep-must-do-for-parents/

Here you go-- https://adayinourshoes.com/all-about-me-printable-worksheets/

Ok, since you said you just wanted to vent, I won't offer any tips. But, as August gets closer and you have questions, feel free to ask!

I tend to dress business professional "and up." I got rid of my suits a while ago. But I still usually wear skirts in warmer weather, nice pants in colder weather. I've had to attend several IEP meetings in the days leading up to the 2018 and 2023 Super Bowls, and everyone at the table was in Eagles gear lol. I LOVE my Eagles....but, I'm not wearing a jersey to an IEP meeting. Even if I feel like sacking someone.

Now is the time for you to read and use your Procedural Safeguards. You're going to have to prepare arguments that what they are offering is NOT FAPE for him, and why an IEP is.

Oops, forgot this link too: https://adayinourshoes.com/shortened-days-week-modified-schedule-iep-504/

What Carolyn said. And, please know that our knowledge and mindset shifts are changing. ABA is found to be very flawed. Just make sure you know exactly what you're getting into, and what ABA will look like for your child. https://adayinourshoes.com/school-fba-behavior-plan/

This exact scenario happens all the time and is a huge pet peeve of mine. The child on paper should match the child in front of you. Period. https://adayinourshoes.com/emotional-disturbance-category-iep-criteria-accommodations/ https://adayinourshoes.com/iep-disability-classification/

I agree to seek an attorney's input on this....because you'd be seeking comp ed, if they child went through an entire academic career without needed supports.

ANY change to FAPE requires prior written notice. You said "cdc" in your original post, so I'm guessing that you live near me. Make sure they provide you with a PWN/NOREP, and that you read and use your procedural safeguards. In our state (PA) if you do not sign it within 10 days, it automatically goes into effect. https://adayinourshoes.com/iep-prior-written-notice-pwn/

What Judi said. And, you can do both ESY and credit recovery over the summer. It doesn't have to be either/or. I think you really need to get with him, and develop a vision statement. Your IEP is the roadmap--the vision statement is the destination. You need to make sure that your IEP is pointing toward where he wants to go. No child should fail a class, imo. But, if he can reasonably be expected to pass chemistry with the right supports, then his IEP is insufficient. https://adayinourshoes.com/iep-vision-statement/

This will be listed in the school district's policy. And yes, they must have a written plan for RTI/MTSS.

Unless IDEA or your state were to change terms, I would stick with the language we've been given. Over the past 13 years, I've seen sooooo many teams do so many mental and verbal gymnastics....rather than say what needs to be said. If only they'd focused on meeting kids' needs, rather than trying to cook up new verbiage.....

I did a call with PILC yesterday. They asked me to share this.

What you're asking is bordering on asking us legal advice...which we don't allow here. It wouldn't be ethical for any of us to tell you how to make sure your group of advocates is safe. I have an attorney and a CPA who have guided me through establishing my business and protecting myself and the business, and my clients. I suggest you do the same.

I am just trying to figure out how to live stream in the forums...which I have been told I can do. So don't mind me, if you see me popping in and out, and this thread will be deleted once I figure it out.

Always something!

What is your end goal? Do you believe he needs specially designed instruction, or just accommodations for the sensory issues?

Here you go-- https://www.berrycast.com/conversations/dea61fad-2345-5177-b1af-706f62aff7c7

Hey there-- I just wanted to make sure that everyone is aware of this. I have already sent out a few emails letting you know that registration for my online advocacy training will be open next week. I am offering a special discount to two groups of people who have been supporters--those of you who purchased an IEP toolkit, and those of you who are early adopters of my discussion forums. I will only send out 1-2 more emails about this, so don't delay. Or delete! This weekend only: Use code THANKYOU2022 to get $44 off the training. This code will only work through Sunday, November 20 at midnight. Thanks for being a supporter! And yes, you can share this code with a friend. Is my online training for parents, or advocates? Short answer: BOTH If you want to be an awesome IEP advocate, you need to master the IEP process. Mastery isn’t as hard as it sounds. Mastery=Tactics + Tools/Knowledge + Strategies Don’t IEP Alone will give you this, and so much more. Hiring an advocate is expensive. Many charge $50-$200 per hour and more. For the same price as what you would pay an Advocate for just a few hours, you will have a lifetime of advocacy skills. Don't IEP Alone Academy is $297 for lifetime access. I get lots of questions as we do registration, so here are some answers. What can you expect from Don't IEP Alone Academy? Don't IEP Alone Academy will walk you through my proven process for addressing IEP concerns. It will show you how to avoid the most common mistakes parents make when trying to resolve these problems and instead show you how to be heard and get results. The curriculum is extremely comprehensive, and over the course of 7 lessons, it will literally walk you through the exact process and framework that I use for all of my 1:1 advocacy clients. My framework fits within the defined IEP process in IDEA and state regs. (and we talk about those a lot too!) WHAT'S INCLUDED WITH DON'T IEP ALONE ACADEMY? Don't IEP Alone Academy is 4 courses in one Academy-- Special Education Advocacy-7 recorded sessions plus weekly live chats Professional Advocacy-14 recorded sessions so far, plus weekly live chats Deep Dives into IEP Topics-36 recorded sessions so far, new one is added each week New for 2022-a course dedicated to learning how to lobby your legislators (3 sessions) You have access to these pieces of training, live or recorded, for a lifetime. Including all the printable materials. WHAT’S THE INVESTMENT? Don't IEP Alone is $297. This is a one-time fee, and you will have lifetime access to all of the content. When life gets in the way...take a step back. We'll be here waiting for when you're ready to return. Most Special Education Advocates charge $50-$100 per hour and more. For what you'd pay an Advocate for an hour or two of work, you will have a lifetime membership to my library of training and resources. Do I need to be struggling with my IEP right now to benefit from this training? No. Even if things are going well for you now, these are strategies you can implement now to prevent future issues. Don't IEP Alone is for anyone who is a parent with an IEP and wants real solutions for addressing their concerns and being heard. It’s for anyone who has been gaslighted at IEP meetings, or repeatedly told "No" or "Let's wait and see." My 4-step process works on any IEP concern, large or small. Before enrolling in Don't IEP Alone Academy you should already have a child with an IEP, or be trying to obtain one. HOW DO I KNOW WHETHER DON'T IEP ALONE IS RIGHT FOR ME? If you parent a child with an IEP, then this is for you. Friends, caregivers, grandparents, Godparents...you're all encouraged to take the course so you can be a support person for the one(s) you love. If you wish to become a professional advocate, this is for you. If you already are a professional advocate, this is for you (I have heard from many working advocates that the live weekly chats are invaluable!) CAN I BECOME AN ADVOCATE WITH THIS TRAINING? Yes, but know that there is no licensure or certification with this program. But, there is a separate section just for professional advocates, or those who wish to be. Don't IEP Alone is fantastic for those who wish to become advocates. Other places charge $1100-$2000 for their training. That can be daunting when trying to launch a new business. WHAT WILL I LEARN? In Don't IEP Alone Academy, you'll learn: How to do an IEP Records Review How to develop an action plan for your Annual IEP Meeting. How to be prepared with data for your asks. How to Effectively Use your Parental Rights Have a 4-step formula for every IEP issue or concern. How to Be a Better Advocate for your child. Too much to list on one page! HOW DOES THIS WORK WITH THE LAWS? Many training agencies just take you through IDEA and other laws, pointing out a few things here and there. I'm turning the advocacy process upside-down--we're taking an advocate's approach and working within the framework of IDEA. Memorizing the laws isn't helpful. Having an action plan to implement, that follows the laws--that's helpful. Many of the Deep Dives go over relevant laws. Please note: I am not a lawyer and do not play one on the internet. I will be teaching IEP advocacy skills only. Not to be construed as legal advice. Hope to see you there!

First, yes, what Judi said. Read the IEP and see what it says specifically about this. Second, as far as them hiring a 1:1, I feel your pain. Really, I do. But this is one of those things that is really "nobody's fault" as we said in our advocate chat a few weeks ago. My son has been without a 1:1 nurse all school year. Beeelieve me when I tell you that I am the squeaky wheel. It was listed with one agency in September, now it's up to 8 agencies. But at the end of the day...it's on Indeed and all the other websites, and no one is applying. Can I really go down the route of getting them to change the pay rate for this? I can't force them to find applicants when I know that they are having monthly job fairs and all that. I would be amenable to trying school without a 1:1 aide because that is your end goal anyway, right? Just go through all the what-ifs, what the crisis or de-escalation plan is, and so on. Make sure it's documented in the IEP.