Parents can't ask for just any therapeutic service in an IEP; there's an established list of the services that support students in accessing special education. Listen to Dr. Pelangka explain the most common services on the list, including one that most parents don't know to ask for, in this clip:
During the live event, Erin J. commented, "My son has that option if we (parents) want to 'learn the strategies' utilized in the classroom at home." Undivided Care Navigator Iris B. said, "This is awesome! Many times we just don’t know that is even an option!"
If you didn't know you could ask for copies of the tools your child uses at school, request them from their teacher, and consider writing this into your IEP!
When you know what aides do, you'll have a better sense of what to ask for in your IEP. During our event, Shari A. advised fellow parents: "Accept as many services as possible at the start so you can have what's needed when it comes up." Iris B. responded, "You are so right! This was told to us in the beginning of our journey as a way to hopefully get everything she needed."
If you're not sure whether your child would benefit from an aide, it may be a good idea to start with an assessment and accept any services offered. You can always re-evaluate leading up to your next IEP meeting.
As a parent, it can be overwhelming to keep track of all the services, accommodations, and modifications your child needs, but you don't have to be solely responsible for your child having a successful education. The school district's inclusion specialist is a wonderful resource to rely on.
During our live event, Carrie W. commented, "I wish I had fought for an inclusion specialist, but they always said that was the SpEd teachers job." As Dr. Pelangka advises in this clip, you can write an inclusion specialist into your IEP so that the district provides access to one!
