IEP's

This is the time of year when we, as parents, make the trip to the school or division office to formulate a plan called the IEP - Individual Educational Plans for our child/ren. People at the table to discuss this plan varies from divisions; but generally it is the principal, the resource teacher, the teacher of your child, a division representative and yourself, the parents. Sometimes the speech & language teacher, school psychologist, Occupational Therapists, your child's educational assistant, even a daycare provider [if your child goes to daycare], and your child care worker can participate.

According to the IEP handbook, there are 3 teams to help in the making and implementing of an IEP.
1- Core Team: the Student, Parents, & the Classroom Teacher
2- In-School Team: Principal, Special Education Teacher, School Counsellor, Resource Teacher
3- School Support Team: Mental Health Professionals, Community Resources Personnel, Child and/or Adult Support Services, Personnel Health Professionals, Clinicians, Therapists & Consultants

So when you sit down the next time to do your child's IEP, look around the table; is everyone there that should be there? If not, ask where they are, or if you feel someone should be there, contact your Resource teacher or division office ahead of time and let them know of that person who you feel should be there. Because it doesn't hurt to ask? And remember, everyone at the table is there to help your child, so be honest, because you are the one who knows your child best! You are their best advocate!

NOVEMBER 30th @ 6:30, *weather pending* Anne Kresta from Community Living will be joining us once again, to discuss IEP's. Please remember IEP's are not just for Autisic children, it is for any child who needs modifications to his/her educational plan! So please feel free to join us at the Boundary Trails Health Centre