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Let me go to a computer and I will reply.

What state do you live in? I think laws and timelines are specific by state. I am/ was pre baby a school psychologist in NJ and i know you need 10 days written notice for a meeting among other timelines according to the NJ administrative code. Did you have an evaluation planning meeting to plan your PT evaluation? Because with every evaluation you should receive a formal copy of the evaluation results before the meeting for you to review. In no way should you ever feel like the decision is made and your role as the parent is to just sign off on paperwork. You are a member of the IEP team too.

@spaniellove: I agree with @Fronkinzankinsbride: Crappy but not unusual.

The only option I see is for you to be a bit more demanding. It is completely within your rights to have the info emailed to you prior to the meeting. Or they can expect to wait for an hour while you read everything at the meeting.

I am not a confrontational person so being demanding at meetings like this can be hard for me. My favorite route is a polite but clear email to the entire team, outlining my expectations. That way there is no confusion and I do not have to wonder if they are dismissing me or not. If they ignore the email then it is time to go with another agency. Something like, "Please send me a copy of your current levels of performance and proposed goals by such and such date, both to better inform me and to make efficient use of everyone's times at the meeting. At the meeting, I will also need a printed copy of any information that is presented verbally. Blah, Blah, blah."

Good luck!

I'm in California and have a speech IEP for my son through the school district (over 3 years old). The process we went through was the evaluation with no details. We went to the meeting and that is where I got the plan. We went through it in detail in the meeting and were able to make changes (there weren't many I wanted to make). Then I got a copy of it in the mail. After we moved districts we did it again and I got a copy after the meeting. You do NOT have to sign anything (except the yes there was a meeting page).

The way it works here (in MD) is the evaluation is done without much back and forth (they just ask a bunch of questions about what he's doing) but then the plan for EI services is absolutely done in conjunction with me. They actually ask me to come up with goals for the next 6 months (could be based on the eval, but doesn't have to be) and then they come up with a plan to get us there.

I guess MD had issues before about parents not feeling involved, so this is the solution, to give more control to the family.

I wonder if it's just the eval and not the plan forward that they won't discuss? Still weird.

If you're from NJ they're absolutely glossing over a lot of procedural things. You should ask your case manager for a copy of the nj administrative code (the blue book) and a copy of your parental rights. In the district I worked in the population was quite litigious so we followed the laws very closely but I do know not every district is so careful and EI does some things differently. As a parent you have the right to refuse to sign anything handed to you if you are not in agreement. You also have the right to request a meeting at any time to discuss anything or to make changes. Nothing should ever feel set in stone. The IEP of IFSPis a legal but fluid document.

Are you on south Jersey? And how old is your son?

@autumn865: Work in the field? I don't know how many times a year I say, "An IEP is a legal, fluid document that can be amended at any time."

@spaniellove: Honestly, if you want the best services you can get, I would get a parent advocate sooner rather than later. You wouldn't screwed around with someone in your corner. Our district offers them for free.

@spaniellove: Your services are through the county correct? I would call your county office and ask for information on getting an advocate. You could also ask your service coordinator. I know, in my district, which offers ages 3-22 services that we have our own department of advocates and the services are free. Maybe call your local board of education and ask? I'm sorry, I wish I could be more helpful. I am on the teaching end and know how overwhelming it can all be. I can't imagine being the parent, the few meetings we've had with therapist always make me feel like a big ol' loser. Hang in there, you are doing great and will become more experienced as time goes.

@spaniellove: In my state, and I know EI varies by state, you're supposed to be mailed an invitation to the meeting. If not, you're requested to waive the notice by signing a box on a consent form. For evaluations, your consent is required (to have the PT come out & see LO). Sometimes workers co-treat and get insight from other specialists, but you should be notified. They should explain their concerns. You're the biggest advocate for your child. Your input is most important on IFSP goals, but the team should also be giving their advice on what will help your child as an individual, from a professional standpoint. Evaluations typically last one year, and IFSP goals should be reviewed/updated/discussed every six months (or sooner, if anything changes). Hope that helps a little? Although again, I know things vary by state. Best of luck!

@spaniellove: I think that's the right move. Good for you.

@spaniellove: honestly yes. Once he gets to school age PT is hard to get (at least in my district) so I'd do it as much as I could before the. OT is much easier to get and the amount of time is greater at school age. And preschool does a lot of OT.