How can I get my child back into special education?

Question

My daughter was in the special education program till after kindergarten (PEEPprogram, then First steps, then collaberative k in Virginia) then they said due to her progress they pulled her out. Last year in first grade she was having alot of issues ranging from her attention due to adhd, to writing problems, to comprehension, to fine motor skills. I want to put her back into the program to give her the help she needs.

Answer 1

Schools don't want to admit that when a child has learning problems, and gets help with special ed, they will do good with this help.

So they want to get the kid out as soon as possible. What they WON"T admit is that it is the HELP that make the kid ok and WITHOUT the help they will regress.

What you do is write to the district special ed director requesting 'an initial full educational evaluation testing in all areas of suspected disabilities to determine if my child qualifies for special ed as specified by IDEA law'.

The start of special ed servcies is getting this eval done.

They will try to do everything they can to get out of doing this eval. If they do, and if you need any other help  email me

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Oh, when they took her out of special ed, was she REALLY progressing or did they just say that? Did they show you PROOF she was progressing?

Did they do a full educational evaluation to determine she no longer needed special ed? They were suppose to.

Answer 2

Request a comprehensive evaluation based on lack of academic progress but remember the role of special ed is not to make your C student an A student - need for services is based on specific criteria that demonstrate an academic need.

I would also guess that a diagnosis of ADHD from the MEDICAL MD might also be required.  You might want to look at a 504 that is NOT special ed but provides some supports and modifications that may help your child.

Answer 3

the last thing a school printable wants  is an angry parent

that might go to the school board

Answer 4

I am assuming that you were a part of the process and the final IEP/Triennial review in which the team fully assessed your daughter. What do the assessment results say? Has she made progress? Request further evaluations or discuss with the principal a plan that can be put in place in the regular education classroom to assist your daughter in successfully learning and socializing. A 504, as recommended by one of the other responders, is a great idea. Truthfully, without knowing your daughter, it's difficult to say what would work best for her. I get the sense, however, that you want to know what the teachers are doing to ensure that she continue to progress. I would be excited that she has progressed so greatly in the eyes of the school but don't be afraid to talk with the teachers about what your concerns are, as you know your daughter best. With the onset of Response to Intervention, the goal is that all educators within a school and service providers, work collectively to ensure that each child is receiving the supports that he or she needs. The team that reassessed your daughter should have collected data on her progress in order to evaluate that she no longer needs services, but, as stated, you should have been part of the process. Ask that data be collected again to determine how she is doing. The IEP process is one that can be revisited if need be, but don't be afraid to let her current teachers know that this a transition for your daughter and perhaps she is used to having a lot of support. It could be simply that- a transition to independence. Best of luck to you and your family.

Answer 5

If your child doesn't qualify for special education, you might be able to use her ADHD diagnosis to get her services under "Other Health Impaired."

Answer 6

have teh school reevaluate--

if tehy still say she doesn't qualify-insist on an independent eval

Answer 7

That happens sometimes when kids transistion from preschool to school aged.  Although an evaluation is required by law at the age of 6, it's tough to assess academic skills in at that age and come up with discrepancies from cognitive skills (which also isn't that great to do at 4 or 5)!  

You will need to request a new evaluation be conducted.  Most schools have a child study teams that get scheduled quickly, so get on the list early.  The team will meet and this is where you can bring your concerns and documentation you have.  This is not a scary process, nor is it a delay tactic- you want the people who will evaluate your child to know what your concens are, and you can get a good feel for who will be working with your kid.  It's good to build relationships with them- get phone numbers and e-mails so you can be appraised of progress or any concerns that may arise.  If she's moved schools, make sure the new school knows her educational history, as this school doesn't know her past the way you do.  Also bring information you have regarding her ADHD.  Ask her previous teacher to attend the meeting as well.  The school may want to put interventions in place, which is fine, but they can complete an eval at the same time.  Go ahead and request to waive the time between an intervention and evaluation.  For your eval, be sure to ask for an occupational therapist to participate as she has motor problems.  Once the data is complied, you'll meet again.  As a school-aged child, if her difficulties are severe enough to warrant special education, she would likely be called a child with an Other Health Impairment.  Then an IEP would be written. If she doesn't seem to have severe enough needs to benefit from special education, request that a 504 plan be considered and written.  This can provide classroom and testing accommodations to your child.  This plan can provide reduced homework, study partners, extra books, etc.  Sometimes this is the best option for ADHD kids who really don't need pull out, but need help focusing in the classroom.  For the record, in my state, occupational therapists can provide services for kids on 504 plans.

On your part, make sure she has good attendance and that medical needs are met (glasses if she needs them, any medical treatment offered by your doctor, etc.)