Will your child be attending a pre-k in the Fall?  Have you already had the eligibility meeting at the school?  It sounds like the school system gave her an eligibility under speech and language.  A medical diagnosis and an educational eligibility can be very different.  You have to demonstrate the educational impact of the child’s characteristics.  Were you able to give your input into the evaluation for the team to consider?  What testing measures did they use to evaluate?  Did they have you complete a series a questionnaires?   Did they complete a sensory profile or review the materials from your private OT?  Did you sign a “consent for placement” or agree to an IEP already?

What is present that makes the child in need of a specially designed education?  Sometimes, these are not evident in the one-to-one or multiple adults to one child that the school system does.  The difficulties with children who have deficits in social and emotional skills are often most evident when the child is with same age peers.  Too often, children with deficits in these areas can have “behavior problems” in school when the reality is their behaviors are a manifestation of their disability.   Understanding the function of the behavior helps it to be addressed properly.  An IEP designed to meet the unique needs of the child can make a tremendous difference in the child’s success in the school environment.

If you do not agree with the evaluation completed by the school system, you have a right to ask for an Independent evaluation at public expense.  This means the school system will pay for someone else to evaluate your child.  They will give you a list of possible choices …. You do not have to choose from their list. 

Do not give up … Insist that they get it right and get a good plan in place for her J  You are welcome to call me at the number below if you have questions.