[lucky_13]

A plea to all of you expert RAD parents...I requested a special education designation of Emotionally Distrurbed for my little RADdish. I have the initial meeting this week and want to make sure I am prepared. What should I take or what should I be prepared for? They said I didn't need to bring any documentation but come prepared to discuss my child's strengths, weaknesses and classroom concerns. I hope they have all day!!!

I found our State's requirements for this ED designation and she fits all of the requirements/characteristics (although only 1 is required). I guess I will provide examples of each of these.

Any advice? Thanks to all that are willing to share.

[joskimo]

I haven't had an RAD IEP [yet] but have had a IEP for my little ADHD/SI kiddo and my adivce is to bring EVERYTHING. We had our daughter in early intervention and had taken her to a children's hospital for a multidisclipinary evaluation, I brought everything with us because I didn't want to risk her not being qualified for the program. Hey, it can't hurt right??

[DannieAS]

Not a parent, but am part of my special ed. team for my public school.

Bring everything you have. I'm unsure if you mean that they are having an IEP meeting because she has an existing one or if they are just meeting with you to get your concerns or whatever....but bring everything, I will tell you that the eligibility of ED (emotionally disturbed) is the most subjective eligibility of them all so it usually is arrived as a team decision with outside reports/parent/teacher questionnaires and academic assessment. (translation, the more 'ammunition' you have the better) However, the mental health help that comes with an ED eligibility is very good (well at least where I"m at).

Good luck with everything!!!!! If you don't have a copy of your parent rights, please ask for them...heck, you can pm me your e-mail address and I can e-mail you them if you'd like.

[blueprints]

If you are married, it's important that you both go to the IEP if possible. Don't sign anything, espeicially if you are unsure of some things. Also, it doesn't hurt to bring a tape recorder so that you are clear on what was said durning the meeting... Stories tend to change and before you know it they'll tell you that you agreed to something that you did not agree on. If you have an attachment therapist it's a good idea to have them look the IEP over before you sign.

I refused to allow them to label my child Emotionally disturbed. There's a place at the bottom that says "OTHER"... I had them check "OTHER" and we listed my child as social/emotional delay and RAD. After all that is more accurate!

Some states have child advocates that are willing to go with you to the meetings to help you with the IEP, you might want to check into that before the meeting.

What you want to make sure is... That they are offering your child help in the least restrictive enviornment. That could mean that they send an aide with them to be thier personal guide throughout the day so that your child could attend class with his or her classmates. Good Luck!

[DannieAS]

Originally Posted by blueprints

Also, it doesn't hurt to bring a tape recorder so that you are clear on what was said durning the meeting... Stories tend to change and before you know it they'll tell you that you agreed to something that you did not agree on. If you have an attachment therapist it's a good idea to have them look the IEP over before you sign.

This is good advice about the tape recorder or digital recorder whatever, however, you do have to give notice to the school that you intend to record 24 hours in advance. Rule of thumb is, if you want to record, that's great, and the district will record as well.

[Krispy]

I like what blueprints had to say. I am a sped teacher and really think about the label ED before you do your eligibility meeting. I would go with OHI (other health impaired) and have a dr. note stating the disability. This way, you don't get the stigma of ED. OHI can be for just about anything. Remember you have to show the disability at school and it needs to impact learning. If you have any questions, pm me.
L

[gdaisy]

As a special ed teacher... I always struggled with the "label" of ED. If a child receives this it is almost impossible to change it. This label makes it hard to get a hunting license, drivers license, and if he or she wants to join the military it is almost impossible...

[DannieAS]

I would also say find out everything you can about the special education program in your district...I know things can vary from state to state (but there are federally mandated things that have to happen as well).

I know they are cracking down using OHI (other health impaired) as a primary eligibility where I work because usually the assigned case carrier ends up being the Nurse, and they are eliminating certain people (e.g. nurse, adapted P.E. specialist) from being primary case carriers.

I think everyone that has posted has given great advice. As for the ED eligibility, PP are right, think about if this is the route you are wanting to go. I know for some parents they say "no way"....and I've personally known 2 parents that have craved for this, because they were able to get the help they needed for their child.

Bottom line, you as a parent get to advocate for the best interest of your child in their schooling. Remember those parent rights....if something is not sitting right with you, they tell you how to file a complaint, go to due process, etc. I think there are a few people here that you can pm for more information if you get overwhelmed.

[lucky_13]

Thanks to everyone for sharing. I will research OHI designation in our state. Unfortunately, my child DOES need a restrictive environment at school because her acting out behaviors are so significant that they interfere not only with her academics but her safety and well being as well as the safety and well-being of other students and staff in the classroom.

I had to chuckle when I read that ED could make it difficult to obtain drivers license, hunting license, etc. Just thinking about her having either of those is pretty scary at the moment ...but in all seriousness we are just trying to get the designation that will allow her the benefits she needs to thrive.

Thanks again to all that responded.