Transitional IEPs

Well, it's getting to be that time of year. The time when all good parents of children with special needs (and some in traditional classes) get to prepare for what is called a transitional IEP (Individualized Education Program). This is what determines which class a child will be placed into the following year. As we approach the transitional IEP this year, we are faced with the possibility of Daniel and Anthony being separated for the first time since they've both been in school. Unfortunately, because of the way the school system is here, they may not only be in separate classes, but could need to be place in different schools. (Which I have an extremely hard time even contemplating.)

Transitioning from one grade to the next when I was growing up meant that once you passed your class - tests - you would automatically be placed in the next grade in the upcoming year. If it

was Kindergarten through sixth grade - you were in elementary. Seventh through eighth grade was middle school or Jr High. Then came high school, Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and FINALLY Senior. It's a whole new ball game in the special education system. There is so much to learn, not only about what your child needs, but how they can best get what they need.

We are at the place this year when Daniel is due for his "triennial" review, (every three years), this means he will be totally reassessed this year. They will test him on what he currently knows, fine and gross motor skills, verbal ability, ability to follow directions and other things necessary to figure out what level he is learning at. They will also compare the information to the IEP assessment done three years before. In our case, we are unsure where Daniel lies on the current scale because he has been "consistently inconsistent" in his learning. On some levels he has been doing great, on other, not so good. He has virtually stopped talking altogether, speaking only with verbal imitation (copying what he's told to say) and requesting what he wants to eat. The requesting is even tough to figure out because he has started whispering.

It is quite stressful as a parent because you don't quite know how your little one is doing - according to the tests and the data the school has put together. Will they be ready for the next grade level? Will they get what they need in the next class? Should they move forward? Should they be held back? Like most parents, I check in almost daily with the teacher, so I get to hear what we need to work on at home, I find out how they are doing on a daily basis. This is daily so it doesn't show the complete picture. It's kind of like having your picture taken and when you see it, you don't quite recognize the
"large" person in the photo (when did you gain weight? Why didn't anyone tell me? - at least that's what happens to me.

Anthony will have a regular transition IEP, we will go over the goals he's met, what he retained, and which type of class might be best for him in the next school year. The hardest part is to know what you believe your child is capable of versus the reality of what your child is capable of. Early on you need to think your child is capable of anything, so you don't hinder them. You never know what you child is capable of until you try to teach them. They will either confirm what you think, surprise you or make you realize that you need to maybe lower your expectations (just a little of course).

So, for all you parents facing "transitional IEPs" just remember that you are not alone. When you feel overwhelmed at the prospects, breath. Take a walk, relax for just a minute, and remember that with an IEP, you have the ability to request an emergency IEP meeting if your child is not getting what you think they should be.

From a mother's heart - remember that you are your child's biggest advocate.