How_To_Advocate_for_Your_Special_Needs_Child_in_the_School_System-_Margo

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cathy: My first question is How many times can a child be suspended from school if he or she has an IEP (Individualized Educational Plan)

cathy: What is considered as suspension if I pick my child up at the request of the teacher...Is that counted as a suspension?

Margo : Cathy, this is an actual suspension if you pick your child up because the school calls. Many times a teacher will try to avoid using suspension and ask you to pick up the child to allow them to regroup. The child actually has to have written paper work that states they have been suspended for a number of days.

Margo : Yes, a child can be suspended. It is usually brief and may just be for the rest of the day until a meeting can be gathered to discuss the problem. However, Kim, I would have to do more research to see if a child with a 504 can be expelled.

Kim: I was told by the school system that my child could be put out of school for the rest of the year if he was suspended 2 more times.

Margo : : Kim, if your child has an IEP he cannot be put out for the rest of the year. They can have an IEP meeting called and look to see if there is a better program that would support your child's needs.

Margo : Which they can move from a severe profound class to a psycho ed. center.

cathy: Margo, when you go to an IEP meeting, should you be accompanied by someone?

Laveda: Hello Margo, When a child is in this position...with possibly being suspended how do you suggest Parent's advocate for their child in the new IEP? Is there specific preparation that you recommend?

Margo : Cathy, You can if you do not know..., however, if you know your rights... there is less tension.

Kim: I have been told my child does not qualify for an iep and what defense do I have? I have given them many dianoses what else can I do?

Margo : Laveda, first view the old IEP. Look at the target problem, check to see if it is addressing the current problem. Then suggest that the IEP focus on those problems first before moving the child.

Margo : Kim, you can go to supp9ortive services and have your child staffed for an IEP. You can always ask for an appeal hearing where you can present….the IEP, and you can bring any supporting information you can gather.

Margo : I do not know a lot about the 504 but from what I read briefly, it does give every child the opportunity to have an education.

cathy: Margo, is it a good idea to take someone with you to an IEP meeting?

Margo : If you bring an attorney you are required to let the school know ahead of time.

Laveda: For those who would like more information on 504, we have that information in our Lending Library on video and reading material (books & articles). Please call to check out or use this website.

Margo : However the best thing is to learn about your child rights so you can advocate for you child . I suggest that you take the surrogate training offered by the school system

cathy: Is it a good idea to tape record your IEP sessions or will that make the staff uncomfortable?

Kim: Do you have any suggestions for me to give the school concerning my child refusing to do homework and class assignments?

Margo : Cathy, I think that this can make people uncomfortable, however minutes are being taken and you should read the minutes and make sure every thing is covered before you sign them

Margo : Kim, first you need to try and find out why your child is refusing to do the assignment. Then you can work better with the teacher to address this problem

Gigi: Can you take the surrogate training if you child is currently homeschooled? I plan to send him back to school for the High School work program.

Margo : Kim, does the child understand the work? Is the child capable of doing the work? These are questions you need know to handle this problem

Margo : GiGi, yes this training is open to anyone, however, the school is going to try and get the parents who will help service students first.

Kim: He is very intelligent, In 10th grade reading in 6th grade, he has emotional problems, and refuses to do his work, and they want me to be resoponsible for this.

Margo : Dekalb County has a resource library with a staff person available to help you understand your child's rights and the various laws that pertain to educating your child.

cathy: Margo, is there anything else that you can suggest that we as parents can do to be prepared when we go into an IEP meeting?

Margo : Know your child needs, know what works best for your child and try to know what the school can offer

Margo : Many times the teachers are relying on you to give them information about what works best for your child. If your child is in therapy and the therapist can offer suggestions, have them come or provide a written statement.

cathy: Margo, in conclusion how can parents learn about our child's educational rights?

favring: Margo, at the IEP that I attended a few weeks ago, I was informed that the people present at the meeting were the "professionals" and knew what was best for the childrens placement and if I disagreed that I could refuse to sign the placement, but that doing so meant that the children would NOT recieve ANY services for their needs in the school invornment. What recourse do I have and how should I follow up ?

Margo : Favring, there is an appeal process where a hearing is held and you can talk about what you feel your child needs. Also you can call the supervisor of supportive services and talk with them directly to get advice and express your concerns and suggestions.

cathy: Concluding...how can we as parents learn more about our child's educational rights?

Margo : First, I suggest that we take the surrogate class, because this is where the Board of Education trains people to advocate for children who are in the system but do not have legal parents(foster children).

Margo : The Resource Center is another good place to gather information about your child rights and look-up Title 9 which addresses why every child has a right to education

cathy: Margo, thank you for being our speaker tonight and giving us such resourceful infomation. You have been very helpful!

Margo : Thanks for allowing me to speak with you. I hope I have been helpful

cathy: Thanks everyone for participating in the chat. Good night to all.

How_To_Advocate_for_Your_Special_Needs_Child_in_the_School_System-_Margo_Gentry,LCSW

Thursday, the 11th of September 2003