Can you ask somebody not to come to an IEP or case conference?

Question

She is rude, and she isn't even from my child's school. I think they invite her because she isn't afraid of being the bad guy and disagreeing with me.Can I ask she not come? Is it my right as a parent? Where would I find the answer?

Answer 1

THis person is what they call the 'gatekeeper', disagreeing with you and making everything hard, hoping you'll just go away.

All schools have these.

I'm not sure of the legalities, but you do have a right to request people to not be at the meeting.

Make sure you ask in writing and keep a copy for yourself.

Go to this message board, they can tell you for sure --

http://www.millermom.proboards107.com/in...

Answer 2

Yes, you can request that this person not come.  You have the right to have whoever you want at the IEP.  Put it in writing, as well as the reasons that you do not feel that she needs to be there.  Something like:

Dear Mr/Ms (special education director),

       I would like to request that (name of person) not be in attendance at the following IEP (list the date and time, and name of child).  I feel that her representation is not necessary due to the facts that she does not attend the school in which my child attends, nor has she worked with my child in any capacity that would require her input in the IEP process.  

Thank you, (your name)

But, before you write this letter, make sure that this person has been invited by the school district... No point in sending this letter if this person hasn't been invited.  You may ask for a written statement of the intended attendees at any time.  You can find your parent rights at your state's department of education website.  Here is a sample:

http://wvde.state.wv.us/ose/ProceduralSa...

Answer 3

Yes you can ask, but they don't have to oblige. In much the same way you can bring to an IEP anyone you want with advance notice the district can do the same. The IEP notice should specfically state who they have invited to attend in your notice of IEP form.

I have had parents say that if the school principal was coming she would not attend. We generally tried to find a replacement to meet the parents request, but if we couldn't we would let the parent know as having an administrator is mandatory. HOwever in teh case you state it doesn't sound like the person is fulfilling a mandatory role so there is no reason they shouldn't comply, but again I don't think legally they have to. Most districts are motivated to get IEPs signed so if you don't attend you can't sign.

A good resource to know your rights is www.wrightslaw.com

Answer 4

Ask the school.  If she does not have anything to do with the case, then she has no right to be there.  However, if she is a team player in your child's development, they may insist she be there despite what you want.  Again, call the school and find out if it is important that she be there and if not, ask them to exclude her from the next meeting.

Answer 5

You have the right to know who will be at the meeting.  You may agree or disagree with the invite list.  This information is on the invite that should come home two weeks prior to the meeting.  Do not attend any meeting to which you have not received an invite for two weeks prior (sometimes they will try to get you to sign the invite letter at the actual meeting, this is a no-no).  Get yourself an advocate!!!!  You can get one for free. Look on your procedural Safeguard packet for information on how to obtain one.  By law the school needs to provide the procedural safeguard letter once per year.  This is a packet detailing your child's rights.  An advocate can help you navigate a truly confusing system.  Good Luck!

Answer 6

I dealt with special ed for 10 years ... had some good battles . I would demand that someone take this rude woman's place ... Always be sure of what you want and what your rights are in dealing with school systems .

The battles were good natured , though serious ... the team was always looking to save the system money ... I was always my son's advocate ... good people will all work for the good of the child ... Some people only care about saving the schools money .

Answer 7

IF she is part of the iep team or therapy she must attend whether you like it or not. You can have and advocate as well. Each state has orgs to help in this area. go to wwwi.disabilityinfo.gov and www. idea.ed.gov and www.nichycy.org

btw report here to the board of ed and state board of ed in your state.

Answer 8

You didn't say "who" she is that you are asking not to come, but it never hurts to give your opinion and ask for someone else to take her place.

Answer 9

It depends on what that persons role is.  If they are the designated special education rep or a specialist in a specific disability area - likely they need to be there.

I am interested however in the phrase about "disagreeing with me."  Now it may be that the person is rude - I don't know - but every member of the team including you has a role and it is important that we all listen to each other and what we have to offer.  That one phrase implies that you only want people that agree with you when it is important that we all focus on the needs of the child.  I don't know if you meant it so come out quite that way.  Any information that anyone has should be a part of the puzzle in the development of your child.

All of us can learn by listening but I get the feeling that your process evolves to be adversarial which I don't think you want.