What can I do if the school does not provide IEP services?

Question:

My child is not receiving all of the services outlined in her IEP. What can I do about this?

Answer:

Your school must provide the services in your child's IEP. When this does not happen, you can file a State complaint. You may want to reconvene the IEP Team first to try to address this issue. It is always better to try to resolve issues at the local level, if possible.

Question:

Occupational Therapy is in my child's Individualized Education Plan. Sometimes the Occupational Therapist provides services to my child and sometimes she does not. Occupational Therapy services are inconsistent. My child has made very little progress in handwriting in the last four years. Can I ask the school to pay for my child's private Occupational Therapy in our home since it failed to provide the services in his Individualized Education Plan?

Answer:

Schools have the right to use their own staff. If the Occupational Therapist has not provided services in your child's Individualized Education Plan you could argue that the school should pay for your private Occupational Therapy. These would be services to compensate your child for the school's failure to see that the IEP services were provided.

It would be best if you find a local advocate or attorney to help you with this problem. Go to: http://www.copaa.net and click the link "find an attorney/advocate."

Also, if you can attend a Wrightslaw seminar you will learn how to address problems like this. http://www.wrightwslaw.com/speak/schedule.htm