I was talking with my husband today, telling him that things at work are going to get very busy. This is the time of the school year when most students have their triennial/ transition IEP's. These IEP's occur in the spring to determine a child's placement when they are transitioning from the Early Childhood Special Education Program to the Kindergarten through 12th Grade program. These IEP's are different from annual IEP's because the child is re-evaluated by a psychologist to determine if the child still qualifies for special education services and if their placement is appropriate for the next school year.
I brought this topic up with my husband, because of a comment a psychologist made. She said, "I don't know why these re-evaluations are needed. It is obvious that the child still has Autism and still qualifies". Not much of a deal on the surface, however, it is the federal law and the child has the civil rights to this re-evaluation. This is not something that should be taken lightly.
I speak from my own experience. My son did not receive a triennial evaluation from the time he was diagnosed in 1994 till I demanded it in 2005. His IEP team would still meet and discuss his eligibility, but there was no attempt to actually assess his level of ability. I think, as a parent, that the team and I did my son a big disservice. We brushed aside what was his right by law, because, "It was plain to see that he was still autistic and needed services". I hope that other parents learn from my mistake and do not allow school districts to skip over these assessments to save time or money. It is truly for your child's best interest and it will show you where the child really is compared to their same age peers. This is crucial information the IEP team needs to plan for your child's academic future.
I brought this topic up with my husband, because of a comment a psychologist made. She said, "I don't know why these re-evaluations are needed. It is obvious that the child still has Autism and still qualifies". Not much of a deal on the surface, however, it is the federal law and the child has the civil rights to this re-evaluation. This is not something that should be taken lightly.
I speak from my own experience. My son did not receive a triennial evaluation from the time he was diagnosed in 1994 till I demanded it in 2005. His IEP team would still meet and discuss his eligibility, but there was no attempt to actually assess his level of ability. I think, as a parent, that the team and I did my son a big disservice. We brushed aside what was his right by law, because, "It was plain to see that he was still autistic and needed services". I hope that other parents learn from my mistake and do not allow school districts to skip over these assessments to save time or money. It is truly for your child's best interest and it will show you where the child really is compared to their same age peers. This is crucial information the IEP team needs to plan for your child's academic future.
Hi Mary - I'm so happy I found your blog! Since I, too, teach preschoolers, I will enjoy reading your posts. I found you through Kevin on FB. Good to know I have a resource when I might have questions about some of my preschoolers' development.
ReplyDeleteSheryl Cooper
(Kevin's HS friend)