California Special Ed how to exit services?

Question

We want to transfer our son to a private school. How do we exit or close the IEP? He has been in Special Ed for two years. He has progressed greatly and we feel it's time to move on.

Answer 1

To formally exit special education, most states require that an exit evaluation be done to prove the child no longer needs special education.  

In your case, an IEP wouldn't follow the child in most locations, because private schools have a different system set up.  There are different levels of service in any setting, so you could talk to the school and decrease his level of service.  There's actually one where teachers just talk to each other about accommodations, and the child doesn't even get pulled out, except maybe for exams if you like.

You could of course simply opt not to say anything about it.  I can't tell you how many parents do that.  Sometimes it works out, sometimes not.  It may help to keep the IEP in your pocket in case the work demands are different and your son needs the support again.  That way you won't have to start all over from scratch.

Answer 2

I have had an IEP in place all my life, and I still have one of sorts now that I'm in college. And with my father having served in the military, we had to move around a lot, and the IEP was always honored from school to school. And even if you don't feel he needs one anymore, it's still a good idea to have one in place as a "safety net" of sorts. Even though I didn't need one my high school years, I still had one just in case an overwhelming situation popped up, as it allowed me to leave the situtaion and gather my thoughts for a moment. But either way it goes, if push comes to shove, you should always have the right to refuse any accommodations. Take care, and good luck.

Answer 3

I don't think you should exit the IEP. You don't have to mention it to the new school. But, you have to understand that you may be wrong in thinking he doesn't need it. If you exit him from special ed and you happen to be wrong, you will have to go through the process again.

Your IEP has some value in that you can get some accommodations for your child both in the classroom and on standardized tests. My suggestion is that you show the school the IEP and tell them that you aren't sure if it is still needed. Ask him if they can run some academic tests to make sure he is on grade level. As of this moment you are just guessing that he is.

The IEP will lapse after a year if it isn't reviewed.

Answer 4

Check with the new school to make sure the necessary accomodations are in place and what record sand documentation are required.  You'll also need to work with the current school official(s) to this end--and possibly with Vocational Rehabilitation if they are involved.

It's essentially the same as any other transfer, just more paperwork.  Do be aware, however--the decisions are yours.  And you are under no obligation to place your cild under an IEP.  He/she still has every right to full accomodations under Section 504.

Answer 5

If you are unilaterally placing your child in a private school and not asking for any additional assistance from the school district you simply have to write the district a letter stating that you are placing your child a son in the private school and no longer need special educational services. You do not need to have a meeting or do anything if you do not want any other services or support from the school district. It is a unilateral decision you are making as a parent and you don't need anyone's blessing.

Answer 6

I would just arrange another IEP meeting to end special education  services for your son.Prior to attending a IEP meeting you will receive a notice of all the team members(and both parents if possible) and why the meeting is taking place.Make sure it states you will be exiting services.This means that everyone is on the same page and know why the meeting is taking place and will go smoothly if everyone is in agreement to end services.If it doesn't it means you will need to schedule another meeting.