How to Build Up Your Self-Confidence and Get IEP Services for Your Child
Dore E. Frances, Ph.D. will be offering Parent Training and Information Seminars starting in March 2012.
These seminars are mainly for parents, especially those that are “beginners” in the IEP process, however, anyone wanting to learn more information is welcome to attend or schedule a seminar in your area or at your program or school.
Parents will learn valuable assertive communication techniques so that they are able to ask and answer questions in an unthreatening manner during an IEP meeting and while communicating with the IEP team, of which they are a part.
This is a very understandable and down to earth seminar, with step-by-step instructions that each parent can take with them and use.
Parents will be delighted with these seminars because they are spoken to from a parent perspective – which is very hard to find. If you would like to privately schedule a seminar for a group, this also works out very well. These seminars are a powerful way to learn how to be an effective advocate for your child.
~ Each public school child who receives special education and related services must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Each IEP must be designed for one student and must be a truly individualized document.
The IEP creates an opportunity for teachers, parents, school administrators, related services personnel, and students (when appropriate) to work together to improve educational results for children with disabilities. The IEP is the cornerstone of a quality education for each child with a disability.
Session One. Assertive vs. Non-Assertive – Which Are You?
“Being Assertive Is Not My Style”
Assertiveness is … Assertiveness is Not …
Assertive and Unassertive Statements
~ To create an effective IEP, parents, teachers, other school staff–and often the student–must come together to look closely at the student’s unique needs.
~ These individuals pool knowledge, experience and commitment to design an educational program that will help the student be involved in, and progress in, the general curriculum. The IEP guides the delivery of special education supports and services for the student with a disability. Without a doubt, writing–and implementing–an effective IEP requires teamwork.
Session Two. Developing Your Positives – Eliminating Your Negatives
How to Build Up Your Self-Confidence and Develop a Positive Attitude About Yourself
Let Your Body Say Positive Things About You
How to Get Off the Guilt Trip
How to Get Out of the Intimidation Trap
How to Put Down the Put-Down
How to Get Around the Runaround
When They Call You Aggressive
Can You Really Listen?
Building the Parent-Professional Communication Gap
How a Parent Group Can Help You Be Assertive
Are you a Leader – or Just a Parent?
Laugh Your Way to Assertiveness
~ The IEP team gathers to talk about the child’s needs and write the student’s IEP.
Parents and the student (when appropriate) are part of the team. If the child’s placement is decided by a different group, the parents must be part of that group as well.
Session Three. Assertiveness at Special Education Meetings
When You Know It – Flaunt It
How to Assert Yourself at Your Child’s IEP Meeting
Gaining Access to All of Your Child’s Records
How to Prepare for a Successful Due Process Hearing
Is a Lawyer Necessary?
~ If the parents do not agree with the IEP and placement, they may discuss their concerns with other members of the IEP team and try to work out an agreement.
~ If they still disagree, parents can ask for mediation, or the school may offer mediation. Parents may file a complaint with the state education agency and may request a due process hearing, at which time mediation must be available.
Session Four. Assertiveness Exercise for Parents
Assertive Responses for Those Old Excuses
Repeat! Repeat! Repeat!
How to Shovel Your Way Out of those Bureaucratic Snow-jobs
How to Escalate Your Way to Services
Using the Negative to Build Your Positives
The “No You Can’t But I Can” Technique
~ The school makes sure that the child’s IEP is being carried out as it was written.
Parents are given a copy of the IEP.
~ Each of the child’s teachers and service providers has access to the IEP and knows his or her specific responsibilities for carrying out the IEP. This includes the accommodations, modifications, and supports that must be provided to the child, in keeping with the IEP.
Session Five. Assertiveness with Bureaucrats and Public Officials
Put It in Writing
How to Influence People Instead of Just Making Friends
How to Negotiate with Bureaucracies
How to Assert Yourself with Politicians
How to Stack Public Hearings to Win Your Battles
How the Press Can Help You Get Services
Others Who Are Winning by being Assertive
What if I Fail?
~ The child’s IEP is reviewed by the IEP team at least once a year, or more often if the parents or school ask for a review. If necessary, the IEP is revised. Parents, as team members, must be invited to attend these meetings.
~ Parents can make suggestions for changes, can agree or disagree with the IEP goals, and agree or disagree with the placement.
Session Six. Assertiveness Success Stories
Assertiveness – My Legacy to My Daughter
How My Daughter Changed My Personality and Taught Me to Be an Assertive Parent
My Path to Assertiveness – It Changed How I Serve Families
Sometimes Assertive, Sometimes Supportive
Time’s Up for Time Out – Legislative Assertiveness
~ By law, the IEP must include certain information about the child and the educational program designed to meet his or her unique needs.
Session Seven. Resources
Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates
Family Resource Centers
A Parent’s Guide to Special Education Rights
Parent Training and Information Centers
Federal Agencies
Wright’s Law
~ Sample IEP forms will be presented
Dore E. Frances, Ph.D.
Founder
6525 Gunpark Drive / Suite 370-335
Boulder, Colorado 80301
740-446-0188
Dore@Dorefrances.com
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