Is your child on an IEP? What can I do?

Question

My son is on an IEP at school (WA state) and recently expelled for bringing a pocket knife to school. He was sent to an alternative school (HomePort) even though we both wanted him to go to a different alternate school (TimberRidge). After a 2 week trial period my son and the teachers at HomePort decided that this was not good placement for him and are working on communicating to the High School the desire/need to go back to TimberRidge. Do you have any suggestions on what can be done to expedite this process?

Answer 1

Depending on what is written in his IEP, he may be "excused" legally from his actions with bringing a knife to school.  Look into the laws of your state regarding students with disabilities.  If you son has a behavioral disability, or is cognitively delayed and does not understand school appropriate behavior, he may be able to return to school with restrictions.  

I would also look into the possibility of having an aide with your son at all times.  Depending on your school district, he may be eligible for government services for behavior modifications, counseling, or mediation during school.

Answer 2

When a child is placed into an alternative setting with an IEP, a school system has a long process to complete before moving the child.  I'm not familiar with the complete situation or school system there, but I would remain in contact with the school staff.  Hopefully, it can be resolved within a week or so.  If your child is unable to have his IEP fulfilled at the initial school, bring up the phrase compensatory education.  It means that your child will receive "make-up services" that he should have received while waiting on the administrative okays and the paperwork to be processed.  Do understand that there have been many worthy and unworthy lawsuits in this area, so the school system is probably checking and doublechecking everything that they are doing.  It's just a fact.  Sorry it is taking so long.

Answer 3

if its that bad i suggest you should put him in the mental hospital if they said that it was that bad then i suggest thats ur only alternative. putting him on medication will only make it worse

Answer 4

Your best bet is to get in contact with a child advocate who is familiar with the current laws and regulations regarding special education in your state.  Bring this person in to any IEP meetings to help make your requests heard.  An IEP meeting can be a very difficult and confusing process so you definitely want someone on your side who knows what can and can't be done.  You don't want to agree to something you don't feel is in the best interest of your child.  Look online for child advocates in your particular area.