Preparing for the IEP meeting:

R.M. writes:

1) Know your child's rights.  The Wrightslaw site is good.  Also, talk to other parents whose kids are in the same program.

2) Practice saying "no, that's not enough" firmly, while smiling.  As in "no, 30 minutes of OT every other week is not enough."

3)  If someone says "but we just can't do that" for something really essential, say "just because you've done it the wrong way up until now doesn't mean you can't change."  Worked for us.

4) Make sure to have liquid antacid handy.  I like Mylanta.

5) Pray.  Especially before the meeting.

Once she's in school:

1) Use a communication notebook -- a compo/sturdy spiral notebook that goes back and forth with your child each day.  You write the first message, something about how excited you are and how this is going to be a great year and please feel free to call me anytime.  You need to hear the good and the bad.  If a teacher tells you about something great that happened that day, give lots of praise.  Most problems start small; the teacher need to learn to "bother you" right away to address little issues before they get huge and ugly.

2) Volunteer to help out at the school; be the mom that collects the box tops or puts in the Scholasitc orders, etc.  If the teachers see you as helpful and easy to get along with, big problems are less likely to happen.

3) Do not critcize the school, teachers, etc. in front of your child or where she can hear you.  Even if she doesn't repeat what you said, she will pick up on the negativity.

Repeat 4) and 5) as needed.

May all your meetings be pleasant and fruitful!