From my "What I brought in my big 🍑 binder to the Kindergarten IEP Meeting" carousel post!
My son has level 3 non-speaking autism. I am so nervous but so excited for my little button to be a kindergartener! 👦🏻🧩🥰
I'm not an expert— just a mama who loves her baby sharing what she has learned so far navigating the special education system. I want to help and learn with other parents as we navigate public school services, special education, and tackle the beast of IEPs for our kiddos.
So here is the list of questions I asked at my son's first Kindergarten IEP meeting as well as a list of Supports & Accommodations I requested on his behalf (based on what he already receives).
Here we go...
Kindergarten IEP Meeting Questions
- How many minutes of Services (Speech/OT) will they be receiving?
- ⭐️ Why this many minutes?
- ⭐️ Will their IEP goals regarding these services be met/practiced in the classroom as well?
- ⭐️ Will adding more minutes weekly disrupt their classroom/learning time?
- What is the (Kindergarten) curriculum?
- ⭐️ What are some IEP goals that can help them meet curriculum requirements?
- ⭐️ What can we do to prepare and practice at home?
- ⭐️ What are the accommodations and resources available in your schoool/classroom to help them LEARN the curriculum and SHOW what they KNOW.
- What is the weekly and daily schedule in the SPECIAL EDUCATION classroom?
- ⭐️ What is the weekly and daily schedule in the GENERAL EDUCATION classroom?
- ⭐️ Advocating for social exposure with General Education- "I would like my child to have as many minutes as possible in General Education classes for social exposure with Gen. Ed. Peers. I would like them to be included with supports (para-educator, accommodations, etc.) as long as his academic needs are being met and the data supports doing so."
- What are your elopement safety measures in the classroom and in the building? 🏃🏻🏫
- Will my child be supervised/aided with transitions two different classrooms and activities in the building?
- ⭐️My goal is to have him do transitions independently or with minimal modeling as long as the data supports that it is safe for him to do so. Otherwise, for his safety, and because he elopes, I would like to request that he has supervision during these transitions.
- Additional Questions:
- Sitting still in the classroom? How will we accomplish this?
- Adaptive tools for writing?
- Vocal/visual stimming needs?
- GenEd classroom- is it an inclusive classroom environment?
- How can we support him and how will you support him so he can participate in activities?
- What tools will you provide so he can show his knowledge?
- Toileting if he's not potty trained?
- What is the curriculum for reading and math? How will he display his work?
List of Supports & Accomodations
- ⏱️ My child will have additional time, opportunities and options to show what he knows (through alternative communication— AAC Device, pictures, cue cards, hand over hand, pointing, etc.).
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📱Alternative Communication
- 🤳🏽AAC DEVICE - Inquire for a school/district provided device/ipad/tablet WITH the communication application included (for example, we've used Touch Chat and Proloquo 2).
- My child will be allowed to use his AAC Device or iPad instruction tools to help him complete assignments and show his knowledge.
-
👩🏻🏫One on One Aid
- My child will have a one on one aid to help him with classroom routines, work and transitions + lunch transitions + toileting until the data shows he is independent to safely do so.
- 🚽 My child will complete toileting routine and steps as independently as possible with visual prompting and help as needed.
- 🏃🏻🛝There will be elopement supervision of my child during recess.
- 🏞️📅Use and access of visual aids, schedules and cue cards.
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🚗🧸My child will be allowed a fidget object for stimming (car, counting sticks, blocks, play doh, etc.)
- 💆🏻♂️If my child needs to reset or is overstimulated, he will be allowed a designated safe space to regroup.
Remember you have every right as the parent to ask any questions you want, call in an IEP meeting, request an IEP revision, etc. You have a voice to advocate for your child and their needs to set them up for success! ⚠️
For further information about your rights, request for the booklet of "Procedural Safeguards" (Parent Rights/Special Education Rights Booklet). 📔
Sending prayers and good vibes that your kiddos have an amazing and blessed school year! 🚌🍎⭐️🐛