Insider s Guide to Kindergarten. The Transition from Preschool to School-Age Services & Programs

Transcription

1 Insider s Guide to Kindergarten The Transition from Preschool to School-Age Services & Programs

2

3

4 Training Objectives Participants will learn the about both the Kindergarten application process an School-Age Special Education service options for children with a disability. Participants will identify the key activities and steps that support the development of their child s school-age IEP and appropriate Kindergarten placement.

5 KINDERGARTEN?!?

6 What is Special Education? Not a Place Designed to meet unique and individual needs Services must be appropriate to meet the child s abili:es and needs May be provided in any se=ng

7 Where am I going?

8 Preparing for Kindergarten: Two Processes All parents Parents of children with special needs Applying to Schools The Special Education Process & All families of children born in 2010 Developing a Kindergarten Individualized Education Program ( IEP )

9 The School Admissions Process Beginning in January, visit the Department of Education s web site ( to learn about the public school admissions process and timeline. Go to open houses and learn about the schools. Investigate charter schools and other options in your district. Consider application to other specialized programs such as ASD Nest, ASD Horizon, Barrier-Free, and/or bilingual programs. Follow admissions or application steps. Call INCLUDEnyc.

10 NYC Public Schools Community School Kindergarten General education Special education services and programs 504 (accommodations)

11 Range of Publicly-Funded School and Program Categories General Educa,on (Community or Zone School, Charter School) Specialized Programs (ASD Nest, ASD Horizon, Barrier- Free, Bilingual Programming) District 75 (Specialized Schools) Private Special Educa,on (funded) Day/Residen,al Home or hospital instruc,on

12 The Special Education Process Referral Evalua:on IEP Mee:ng No:ce of Recommenda:on

13 How can I support my child?

14 What will my child need? Ask yourself: What are my child s goals for the coming school year? - Examples: Behavior supports, toilet training, a barrier-free school, assistive technology, specialized transportation, mobility assistance, therapies, health services, etc. Make a list!

15 Do you have written documentation that supports your child s needs? If YES Prepare for the IEP meeting by familiarizing yourself with the information. Rehearse what you want to share at the IEP meeting and mark it with a post-it. If NO You may need to arrange for independent evaluations. Ask doctors or other specialists to provide written statements or diagnoses. IMPORTANT: Any time you ask for services, the need must be documented in writing by a professional.

16 Organizing your documentation will increase your effectiveness Gather all of your child s evaluations, reports, and statements from professionals. All steps in the special education process depend on documentation. Organize them in a binder.

17 Preparing for the IEP meeting Rehearse what you want to share and be prepared to participate. Refer to current evaluations and reports that describe your child s needs and abilities accurately.

18 At the IEP meeting Share information and ask questions at your child s IEP meeting. Refer to needs that must be addressed. Discuss each need and ask, How will these needs be met? As services and supports are discussed, ask, "How will this recommendation assist or enable my child to meet his/her goals? Review and ask, Will this plan enable my child to participate, progress, and benefit from his education?

19 Differences Between Preschool and School-Age Systems A specific classification of educational disability must be chosen for your child. Preschool and school-age special education services are different. The DOE expects all students to travel to school the same way, unless a child s disability impacts how they travel. Bring the NYC DOE Medical Accommodation form completed by your child s doctor to your IEP meeting. Children that require services that are enrolled in private school at their parents expense (religious school or independent school) will receive an IESP, instead of an IEP.

20 Understand Your Child s Rights Free Appropriate Education Education plans must be based on individual student need and be appropriate. An appropriate plan is designed to enable a student to benefit, participate, and progress in his/her educational setting, and is fitting and responsive to the student s unique needs. Least Restrictive Environment Students with disabilities should : Be educated alongside nondisabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate. Attend the same school they would attend if they did not have a disability. Have access to the general education curriculum. Free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment!

21 It is your right to participate in all steps of the Special Education process If there are ques:ons or concerns with any step in the special educa:on process Contact an Independent Advocacy Organiza:on such as RCSN In most cases, you will be able to resolve concerns If not, due process op:ons are available

22 Right to Procedural Safeguards: Due Process Mediation Impartial Hearing

23 Final Thoughts Your child s education is a long term investment in the future, and children do better when their parents are involved. So remember: The most common way people give up their power is thinking they don t have any -Alice Walker Thank you for coming!

24

25