Yeah IEP, yeah you know me!

I realized yesterday how random my blog was and how it was all over the place! It probably didn't help to type it up when I was being interrupted by a child and losing my train of thought. So I am back today with a more straightforward one.

One of our current struggles is the IEP process. I struggle SO much with this because A) I HATE politics, and policies, and black and white rules and B) I have absolutely NO knowledge or information about it. I'm sure I'm not the only parent that feels this way so know you are NOT alone. Autism is NOT linear or black and white so why should their schooling be the same? And by biggest issue: INCLUSION!!! My child deserves an equal opportunity education just the same as any neurotypical child. So this mama bear is up for a fight with our current school district and is NOT afraid to back down and hopefully change it for others who are following our footsteps. Here's our issue: Our 4K program is split into two different sessions: AM & PM. Most schools do this now if it's only half-day 4K I believe. There is only ONE special education teacher for Early Childhood Education (ECE) which is early intervention education for 3 year old kids all the way thru 1st grade. Just ONE. Granted our school district is smaller, but because of this, it limits opportunities for kids. Because my child has an IEP in place, he will automatically get placed in the PM section of 4K because the one and only special education teacher teaches the intervention class in the morning so they're not available to assist with other classes. Where is the inclusion with neurotypical peers and an equal education in this? It's not. For us, that's only a smidgen of the issue. We have FINALLY gotten our child's medications straightened out so that he is getting appropriate sleep and minimizing aggression and reactions and we work closely with our amazing ABA team to maximize therapy to help with transitions, reactions, behaviors, etc. With switching to a PM 4K class, not only would we have to redo his medications, which then in turn could lead to increased behaviors, aggression, reduced education, focus and participation, but then it also severely limits our access to other therapies. So how are they helping him get a free appropriate public education under the IDEA act? I know 4K is not mandatory, but why should my child miss out on something because they need more staff? Why don't they hire another part time special education teacher for morning coverage of the ECE class? Why should my child have to suffer through changing medications, sleep regression, reductions in therapy, and increased issues with transitions because of their lack of commitment to FAPE and inclusion?

Below are a few resources I was given by people I have contacted to help me advocate for my child. Never be afraid to be that voice for your child and to go against the grain. Your child deserves to be included and to show their gifts to the world as much as any other child!

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Articles:

https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-to-find-a-special-education-advocate

Free Resources:

Special Education in Plain Language Publication

Wisconsin Statewide Parent Educator Initiative (WSPEI)- Offers information and support for IEPs. Also has trainings on IEP topics.

 833-879-7734 or 833(USWSPEI) | E-mail wspei@cesa12.org

Wisconsin Special Education Mediation System (WSEMS)- Offers mediation and IEP facilitation between schools and families

WI FACETS (Wisconsin Family Assistance Center for Education, Training, and Support)- Provides information and referrals for IEPs and special education

877-374-0511

Wisconsin Family Ties- Wisconsin Family Ties offers various services to families of kids with social, emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. They aren’t specifically geared towards IEP help but I have heard of Parent Peer Specialists attending and helping at IEP meetings.

Connections Coordinator connect@wifamilyties.orgPhone: 608-267-6800, Ext. 1

Paid Consults/Supports/Advocates:

Please note, information on these are private companies provided for information only, not as an endorsement.

Intentions Behavior Consulting – Can provide support in navigating IEP, or school based intervention programs (telehealth only)

https://mishloveconsulting.com/ - Offers coaching, IEP Advocacy Autism and Literacy

https://wandamaloneeducationalservices.com/ - IEP reviews, consultations