Just wanted to draw your attention to an excellent series of articles about the IEP (Individualised Education Programme) on Aspergers: A Mom's Eye View (http://asdhelp.wordpress.com/)
This is a very detailed article which covers;
- Does your child need an IEP.
- Three major steps for Preparation for an IEP
It's well worth a read!
Comments
I have 2 points regarding IEP's - not enough time is given. Teacher's think that 30mins is enough time to talk through every detail about your child.
Secondly, there is not enough funding and help given to kids with problems.
It sounds like you and your son arrived at a viable alternative, and I'm sure Cubby will find his niche successfully. For younger kids (my son is 10) though, homeschooling or private school might be the only other alternatives.
BTW - I was a pleasure speaking with you at the ASPEN conference yesterday. I really enjoyed your talk and can't wait to read your new book! Good luck with it!
Joanne
Doesn't Oklahoma have time limits by which things have to happen? (In NJ an initial meeting must be held within 20 calendar days from the date of referral to determine if an evaluation will be conducted. From that point, the school must conclude the evaluation and hold the eligibility determination meeting within 90 days.)
Perhaps you should investigate Parental Rights in Special Education for your state, if you haven't already done so. Knowledge is power!
And if your state doesn't have any official policies regarding timing, I would still follow-up frequently on status to keep your child in the forefront of their minds....you don't want to lose a whole school year if you can avoid it.
Good luck!
Very relieved that homeschooling lets us avoid the battle of IEPs!