Bridging relationships between school and home
The first thing we request is that our clients send us the most recent IEP's, evaluations, report cards, progress reports, and conference notes. This allows us to get a better understanding of the student's needs. We request these documents so we can see the student's present level in all areas; such as academics, social, emotional, independence, and communication as well as in their transition IEP's. In preparation for any upcoming meetings with school or private providers, parents should share any updated information with the entire team. This is the first step in getting to know your child and creating a team approach. It is important to share evaluations and goals with all therapists and teachers. Parents should provide a copy of the IEP to any member of your child's team that is outside of the school system. The ultimate goal is that everyone working with your child is working on the same goals. The team should put a system in place to keep an open line of communication between school and home. This can be done with a home note, a notebook/journal, or email. Our office assist with creating the collaborative and team approach. It is individualized for each student that we represent.
Observations/Conferences
We will either observe your child or attend a parent/teacher conference before attending an IEP meeting or staffing. We feel this is key in being a productive team member. The more we understand our clients needs and concerns, the more effective our services are. Observations are scheduled with the school on an agreeable time and day. Student observation allow us to speak to the school staff as to what questions or concerns they may have. Students never know who we are observing as we do not interact with the student. Observations and/or conferences assist us in determining if additional ESE services or eligibilities should be considered, additional accommodations need to be added to an IEP or 504 plan, and/or if the goals are appropriate.
Attend Meetings: such as Annual and/or Interim IEPs, RTI, Staffing & 504 plan's
We attend meetings with our clients either in person or virtually. We prepare our clients for what is to be expected and provide support during the meeting. We insure that appropriate goals and supplemental services are in place and that the documents are in compliance. This helps families not only learn more about the IEP process but gives them complete peace of mind knowing we are there for their child and the team.
Parents need to assist us with this by updating and checking in with us during the course of the school year. If parents do not make us aware of any concerns that may be occurring, the schools do not always inform us. Since we frequent many of the same schools, we are more then happy to follow up on any concerns. We ask that parents send progress reports and report cards as they receive them or simply contact us should they have a questions or concerns.
Early Steps/Preschool Transitions
We assist with the entire transition process from Early Steps/Part C to County Preschool services. We prepare our clients and help them achieve a better understanding of the transition so educated decisions can be made for the child. School districts offer several services and placement options. We are here to obtain a better understanding of the needs and to ensure that the recommended services are appropriate for the child.
We believe it takes a team and early intervention is key to a more successful start in this process. We review all services and therapist plans to make sure that progress continues in the new recommended setting. We are also here to answer any questions or address any concerns that may come up during the process.
Parents need to assist us with this by updating and checking in with us during the course of the school year. If parents do not make us aware of any concerns that may be occurring, the schools do not always inform us. Since we frequent many of the same schools, we are more then happy to follow up on any concerns. We ask that parents send progress reports and report cards as they receive them or simply contact us should they have a questions or concerns.
Early Steps/Preschool Transitions
We assist with the entire transition process from Early Steps/Part C to County Preschool services. We prepare our clients and help them achieve a better understanding of the transition so educated decisions can be made for the child. School districts offer several services and placement options. We are here to obtain a better understanding of the needs and to ensure that the recommended services are appropriate for the child.
We believe it takes a team and early intervention is key to a more successful start in this process. We review all services and therapist plans to make sure that progress continues in the new recommended setting. We are also here to answer any questions or address any concerns that may come up during the process.