Has anyone else here had trouble getting their school to assess their ADD/ADHA child for an IEP because they were "too smart"? Any advice on what you did about it?
Ahhh....that's a sigh of relief. I want to thank everyone for there help. I called the Warmline and got involved with SEPAC. I'm slowly educating myself about what my next steps need to be. It's just really wonderful to know I'm not alone and not the only one who has struggled with this. Thanks so much for all the advice!
I had a huge problem with getting the school to cooperate. bottom line is they cannot deny him a full evaluation. You must put the request in writing, do not just ask for an IEP ask to have him evaluated. They must respond to you within 30 days and comply if they do not keep copies for yourself and then call the school district. You must be persistant with them.
Yes, we ran into exactly the same thing in Roseville. Our son was three and having severe trouble in preschool, so the school recommended an IEP. When the district evaluated our son, he scored too well academically and was deemed "not extreme enough" for the district's help. A few weeks later, his preschool kicked him out for being too extreme.
We start kindergarten in the fall and figured I'd see what to do then. I've also heard the 504 plan is the way to go when an IEP isn't possible. I clearly spelled out our son's medical condition when we filled out the school application and mentioned the accommodations necessary. We'll see how it goes.
Good luck to you!
I am a high school teacher and from what I understand- the students has to be tested to qualify for an IEP. I think who score high enough to not qualify for special ed can possibly have 504 accomadations. Does your child need accomodations? Are there grades bad? I have kids in my class with ADD that don't really need any modifications to be successful in class.
I have had the same issue. A written request must be acted upon within 30 days, but I have not had much luck getting any help because my kids were not failing. If the testing does not find any issues, you can still get help. Since ADD is a medical diagnosis you can get accomodations through the Americans with Disabilities Act. This is called a 504 plan, based upon the section of the law it is covered by. You will probably need a letter from a doctor or psychologist to the school confirming the diagnosis. Our district has always been reluctant to call any accomodations a 504 plan so you need to be persistant. They will do most things we request but they do not want to use the label. I don't know why. When I started dealing with this the district did not have a policy on 504's but they soon put one in place although it is not always clear to the schools what they are supposed to do. I had a difficult time with the High School counselor last year until she got a visit from the district Psychologist and the Director of Student Services.
HI A.. I'm in Roseville too and know it depends on the school district. You can contact the Warmline Family Resource Center at ###-###-#### and they can walk you through specifically the timelines and how to do everything. The Warmline is a non-profit group ran by parents of special needs kids to provide information and education. They have an IEP class coming up next week. I think it's one you have to RSVP for so you may want to call them today.
In a nutshell, you need to request the assessment and IEP in writing either return receipt requested if you mail it or have the secretary stamp your copy received and have her initial it if you hand deliver it. They have a certain amount of time to get that done (30 days?). The Warmline can give you all the timelines. I have forgotten them because we it's been so long since we've had any problems.
L.
Did you get a response on your request?
I work as a learning specialist in a private clinic. Part of the problem in getting help for children in the public schools is that they have to be 2-3 years below grade level before they qualify for help and sometimes even for referral. Although ADD children have difficulty with attention and sometimes behavior in a classroom setting, if a child is functioning fairly well in the classroom, he or she usually isn't referred. What objectives are you looking for the school to address with an IEP? Is he having problems with focusing in class, following directions, etc. or more behavioral issues? Can you work with his classroom teacher to make adjustments?
C. B
