Jodi Z/IEP program

[Guest guest]

Hi Jodi,

I'm not very happy with our IEP program. It is through a secondary

agency the state contracted with. We rarely recieve services

because of their scheduling practises and when we do recieve

services we pay quite abet since, our insurance say's they

overcharge and they will not negotiate fees so we end up paying more

money out of pocket. I'm trying to get Braeden moved to a private

practice for feeding and OC but, I'm a little worried about

reprocussions from our current social worker who is part of his

current IEP program. She has a tendancy to be judgemental as well as

the fact I think she believes we have more income than we actually

do. Do you have any suggestions as to how to gracefully withdraw

him from his current IEP program?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Saundra Mom to Braeden (RSS) and Delaney 26 month twins

[Guest guest]

Saundra,

You have the right to withdraw from the IEP at any time. There is

no rule that you have to have your child classified. If you are not

happy with the program, then tell them that you do not want Braedon

classified any longer and leave it at that. You can always persue

an IEP at another stage and by another agency.

Why are you not working through your school district? Is it because

of his age? When he turns three, the school district takes over.

The rules change then. You should not have out of pocket expenses

then. The school should offer a preschool program free of charge.

Then again, you have to be careful of the quality. I am always

amazed at the quality of my school district's program. I work in a

district with a lot of lower-income, very poor families, yet they

receive an amazing amount of support and services - good quality,

too. I wish everyone were able to have what these kids get. It is

just wonderful to be part of it.

Let me know how else I can help.

Jodi Z