IEP goals are the future. IEP Present Levels is where the child is now; goals are where we want them to be. But, learning how to write an IEP goal that is both measurable and effective, is something that both teachers and parents should learn. Teachers and IEP staff need to know this, since they| A Day in our Shoes
ARFID 'Mom, I don't want another ham and cheese sandwich for lunch.' 'Well, you don't eat anything else for lunch. Give me something else to put in your lunchbox, and I'll do it.' And so began our journey with ARFID. A few quick facts about ARFID. Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake DisorderWas renamed in DSM 5Is| A Day in our Shoes
For as much time as I spent talking and teaching parents about IEPs, I don't think I've ever actually explained what an IEP and FAPE are. IEP meaning? What is an IEP plan? If your child is struggling at school (and not just in academics!) then perhaps someone has suggested that you pursue an IEP| A Day in our Shoes
Are you trying to get an IEP for autism, anxiety or ADHD? It doesn't matter, the process is the same. It's kinda weird that I have 100s of articles about IEPs, and I've never done a post on how to request an IEP. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in IEP issues and helping parents| A Day in our Shoes
I hear it often. Does your disabled child know how to tie their shoes? And are they past the age of when they should be able to tie their shoes? It's a pretty common problem. After all, if your child struggles with fine motor coordination, sequencing, and other issues that are elements of shoe-tying, it| A Day in our Shoes
The special education system is rigged against parents. It's not your imagination. It is not an even playing field. Lately, I've been feeling very deflated. I have written to several people I know in this field to reach out for help, reach out for ideas. Anyone who knows me, you know, I really try to| A Day in our Shoes
Insurance Appeals 'I just know you're going to do a blog post about this!' my friend Lisa told me. Yes, I knew I would. After all, any time I learn something that benefitted my child and could potentially help other children, I want to share the information. Particularly when it comes to navigating a difficult| A Day in our Shoes
Inside: Learn the IDEA wording about scheduling IEP meetings and parental participation. Whew, can we please put this issue to bed, once and for all? Because I have had it up to here (I'm pointing to my forehead, lol) with schools telling parents that 'we only have IEP meetings at 7 or 2.' Or something| A Day in our Shoes
You met, you documented, you collected data and have an IEP that you feel hopeful about. Then, it's not being followed. It's a common parent complaint. Your school, teacher or IEP team is not following the IEP. In non-compliance. Whatever the reason, your IEP is not being followed. Here are some steps that you can take| A Day in our Shoes
I find that 'IEP Stay Put' or 'pendency' is one of the most misunderstood concepts of the IEP process. Many parents ask me to send| A Day in our Shoes
I never realized how much misinformation there is surrounding asking for an IEP meeting. Who can request an IEP meeting? How do you request an| A Day in our Shoes
Any IEP team member will tell you--IEP meetings are a big deal. Trying to gather 5 or 10 people with various schedules is challenging. But,| A Day in our Shoes
I have a friend and there are 18 school staff people at her IEP meetings. I've mentioned many times before how large Kevin's IEP team| A Day in our Shoes
How many times have you heard phrases like these, at IEP meetings, when you've suggested something? I don't think he/she needs that. Why don't we| A Day in our Shoes
Not only is IEP placement one of the most debated topics among parents, it's also one of the most contentious issues you will have with| A Day in our Shoes
IEP Goals How many goals should an IEP have?Who writes IEP goals?Can parents submit IEP goal ideas?What if my child doesn't meet their IEP goals?| A Day in our Shoes
Different variations of questions come up about IEP evaluations all the time. Parents are unclear about timelines, what tests to ask for and sometimes get| A Day in our Shoes
'Make sure you cry at the IEP meeting, it shows them how passionate you are about your child!' I still cringe when I think about| A Day in our Shoes
Draft IEP Timelines 'Well, Mrs. Lightner, we are not going to be making any changes to this IEP today. Oh lordy. Do I remember that| A Day in our Shoes
Inside: When you hate having an IEP it can be tough to stay positive. Here are tips for staying positive, even when dealing with unprofessional| A Day in our Shoes
As an advocate, I have attended literally hundreds of IEP meetings. I know you, Moms. You're stressed and anxious. This IEP meeting checklist is one| A Day in our Shoes
How long is an IEP meeting? How long should an IEP meeting be? How long do IEP meetings last? There's an easy and short answer| A Day in our Shoes
Inside: How long does the school have to respond to an IEP meeting request? And, what are the guidelines for an emergency IEP meeting? All| A Day in our Shoes
Inside: After the IEP meeting, here is what to expect. Including the after IEP meeting email, and when you should receive the final IEP. It| A Day in our Shoes
