Once you accept that your child will be different, not better or worse…just different, that’s the first step ~ unknown
Excelsior American School believes that every child is special and every child can learn. The school believes that if your child has learning disabilities he is a blue lotus very rare to find. The child needs love and nurturing just like any other child. He needs the chance to play and learn. And he needs your support to develop self-esteem and take part in school and social activities. We in Excelsior American School firmly believe that working with children with special needs is a rewarding job. We have developed extensive plans for inclusive education including special needs children plan-IEP. What is an IEP?An IEP stands for an “individualized education plan”. An IEP MUST be individualized and apply to one student. There should never be two IEP’s that are the same because there are never two students that are the same. An IEP document came about because of the federal law called “The Individuals with Disabilities Act” also known as IDEA. IEP’s may look different from school district to school district, but the overall content of the IEP should be similar. An IEP is a legal document and I always like to tell parents an IEP is like a contract between the school, you and your child about their needs and their education plan.
How does an IEP get started?
It’s not a Race, It’s a Journey! ~ Cynthia Carr Falardeau
One major issue emerges out of general observations and consensus globally and it concerns the knowledge and assessment of the students with disabilities and Special Educational Needs (SEN). What is an IEP? In my professional experience, there are 3 ways an IEP is started. Usually the classroom teachers notices that a student is having difficult in one or more areas compared to the other students for students that are already in school. Teachers see so many students come in and out of their doors, they are usually the first to think “hmm maybe that student can benefit from additional services” and then the school teacher makes a referral to the school psychologist or speech pathologist depending on the basis of the referral. If the classroom teacher does not notice something, but you do you can ask for a referral for evaluation at any time during the school year!
Related to this issue, there is an increasing attention for a specific need: making an accurate assessment of the disabled students’ strengths and weaknesses and, on this basis, building an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) that can really meet their actual characteristics and needs.
If your child qualifies for Special Education Services, you and a team of Excelsior school staff will help to write an Individualized Education Plan or IEP for your child. Your child may also participate in writing the plan.
The IEP explains and describes:
- Your child’s current education performance
- Your child’s level of performance
- Services to be received
- Amount of time receiving services
- Goals and objectives for the upcoming year
Preparing for the IEP Meeting – IEP meeting might be attended by the special education coordinator, a testing professional who can interpret the evaluation findings, at least one special education teacher, the child’s regular classroom teacher, and any other school specialists who will likely work with the student (e.g., physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, school nurses, etc.).
TIPS FOR PARENTS
- Talk to your child about school
- Visit your child’s classroom
- List your child’s strengths, weaknesses, and/or areas of concern
- Bring any medical or developmental history data
- List questions for the school staff
- Know your rights
During the IEP Meeting
- Ask questions
- Clarify the educational program proposed
- Work with the team to explore options
- Ask for another meeting if you need more clarification
- Request a copy of the IEP document
After the IEP Meeting
- Keep a copy of the IEP and monitor your child’s progress
- Learn about special education and your child’s disability
- Express your concerns in writing if you need clarification or help
IEP Review
Each year, the process of writing and reviewing the Individualized Education Plan(IEP) is repeated. Progress made on the last IEP will be reviewed, and new goals and objectives will be set for the coming year.
Parents receive meeting notices before an IEP is going to take place and a prior written notice after the meeting to record any new changes that the IEP team has suggested. Parental input is always welcome and encouraged in implementing a child’s IEP.
EXCELSIOR AMERICAN SCHOOLS PLAN FOR YOUR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD
Excelsior American school has embarked upon a journey of taking special care of these blue lotuses in the pond. We live the concept of equal education with the help of our dedicated learning support unit as we intermediate holistic and caring education to the children with special needs backed by a team of expert and compassionate educators, therapists and counsellors. Our endeavour is to nurture them with extra care and love. Our little steps of loving care can bring them closer to the normal world.
