Who do I consult with?

Princess_Lily

I am starting to get lost in this labyrinth. And I have some questions, but who can I consult with? DS' psychologist isn't available until a week from next Tuesday.

School is closed until Tuesday - no one is there to ask about this.

The school has scheduled a meeting for next Friday and the document needs my signature. There is no check for consideration for ESE, no fab check and an SLP isn't requested to be present for the meeting

I'm getting lost (and a bit scared)

MirandaHobbes

Does your district provide special education advocacy services? Otherwise your local disability services like Arc can provide help. In my area there are attorneys who specialize in special needs advocacy as well. I wouldn't hesitate to contact them and see if they can at least give you a free consult and see where you're at.

Princess_Lily

Is this a common occurrence, that parents look into an advocate or attorney?

MirandaHobbes

I have limited experience, but from our small school I just the other day talked to a mom who had to hire an attorney. Her son (ASD) was having violent outbursts in first grade and the school wanted to turf him to another school. She hired an attorney and they immediately backed down. I think consulting an advocate isn't a big deal. It's not like you're showing up to an IEP meeting with one. I'm an attorney and I find navigating the law in this area very confusing. Our district offers parent advocacy training classes monthly. There's one on IEP's that I need to go to. I haven't had any issues with our IEP, but I'd rather be prepared before something arises. Plus there may be things I don't even know to ask for.

Princess_Lily

Found an advocate organization through our district, thank you!!

Also I got a brief explanation of what the document is, and clarified things a bit better, thanks