Starting middle school with an IEP and many struggles
Hello Parents of wonderful and gifted kids, I am a single mom who is currently looking at how to channel the public school system. My 11 year old son will be transferring to Marchus in Concord. He has an IEP. He has many struggles, ADHD, ODD, to name a few. What has your experience been if you have gone through a similar situation as mine?
If you know of any parents groups/ advocates who are there to help vs. advocates who charge please share your experience or their contact info.
I have come across so many advocates in the special ed section who charge so much money. I understand people have to make a living but this is a very vulnerable position to be in let alone being a single mom and having limited resources.
Id appreciate any advice or feedback you have.
THANK YOU,
Gabrielle
Parent Replies
Free advice can be found through DREDF - you can leave a voicemail on their IEP help line and usually get a call back in 48 hours. I’m in a Facebook group that’s very helpful - look up TM Special Needs IEP Support and you’ll find it. Hang in there!
I would get in touch with DREDF and if you need someone to talk to about how to advocate I can at least share what I know. I'm a mom of a teen with adhd and ASD who had behavior difficulties.
Check out familyresourcenavigators.org.
I am not sure what their geographical scope is, but this is exactly the kind of service they provide.
also check out understood.org and dredf.org (special education section).
Good luck to you and our son
You can attend your school district's monthly meeting of the Community Advisory Committee for Special Ed. In lots of ways it is a parent support group, an information forum, and you will meet lots of parents of kids in Special Ed. Talking to other parents has always been one of the best ways to get info/guidance for me. Although the school district puts the meeting on and there are many school district officials present, it is not just a one-sided, parent-alienating meeting. You can ask questions and refuse to accept run-around or nebulous answers. You can get connected to people who will give you information that you can use.
There is no cost and often childcare and a light meal is provided.