An Interim IEP is a very important part of the “living document”. [...]]]> We are about half way through the school year and it is time to make your appointment with your school based team for your child’s Interim IEP.  If you don’t hear from your school, make sure to take the initiative to call them.

An Interim IEP is a very important part of the “living document”.  Living Document meaning that it is never finished, you should be updating it, revising things that aren’t working, and keeping your school team aware of your child’s goals.

Melanie, a parent of young man with ASD in grade 4 says “The school has given us, the parents, and every opportunity to speak into and make valuable contributions to my child’s IEP.  If the school’s paperwork was to be audited – this MUST be in your child’s file… and if you find inaccuracies on your IEP (it says the principal was in attendance, but truly was not present, it says the school has implemented this support, but it hasn’t been done, etc…) that must be corrected. Your IEP is a legal document and it’s the parent’s job as much as the school’s to verify paperwork and ensure programs are followed through. That’s what the IEP’s are for.  If the IEP says the school will do it – it’s legally binding.”

Here is a link to “PARENT’S GUIDE to Individual Education Planning… Step by Step Roles in Planning Making it Work.” from British Columbia School Superintendents’ Association, British Columbia Ministry of Education

http://www.bcssa.org/topics/IEP.pdf

Also, here is a new document that should be included in your IEP.   New Form from the Ministry – This form must be signed annually and attached to the student’s IEPhttp://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/independentschools/is_forms/spec_ed/se_parent_consent.pdf

In closing, an IEP is a legally binding document that spells out exactly what special education services your child will receive and why. It will include your child’s classification, placement, services such as a one-on-one aide and therapies, academic and behavioural goals, a behaviour plan if needed, percentage of time in regular education, and progress reports from teachers and therapists.

Remember:  (School Act - http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/legislation/schoollaw/revisedstatutescontents.pdf)

The Legislation says…

“WHEREAS it is the goal of a democratic society to ensure that all its members receive an
education that enables them to become literate, personally fulfilled and publicly useful, thereby
increasing the strength and contributions to the health and stability of that society;
AND WHEREAS the purpose of the British Columbia school system is to enable all learners to
become literate, to develop their individual potential and to acquire the knowledge, skills and
attitudes needed to contribute to a healthy, democratic and pluralistic society and a prosperous
and sustainable economy;”  for more click on the link above.

If you feel you are not getting the services your child needs to learn like everyone else in their classroom, or feel as though your school team is not providing what your child is entitled to; it may be time to look into obtaining an Advocate.  For more information on Advocacy email our office at info@kidsmattercanada.com.