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IEP Tag

Sussan, Greenwald & Wesler > Posts tagged "IEP"

Thank you, Covid19—now my child has anxiety! What’s next?

By Mariann Crincoli, Esq.   Pandemics can be stressful and COVID19 has proved no different. Fear and anxiety about the disease, feelings of isolation and loneliness, social distancing, drastic changes in lifestyle, socialization, and learning platforms can be overwhelming and can generate strong emotions, especially in children. While anxiety may not always look the same or feel the same for every child, the stress associated with anxiety during a pandemic can include: • exacerbated fears or worries about one’s own health and the health of loved ones • changes in sleeping or eating habits • less opportunity for activity and exercise • difficulty concentrating • increased negative...

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6 Back-to-School Planning Tips for Your Child With Special Needs

Written by  Sussan, Greenwald & Wesler For a few glorious weeks each year, classrooms are replaced with trips to the Shore, and your family’s summer vacation makes waiting for the school bus seems like a distant memory. Yet, while it may feel like the year has just ended, it’s never too soon to start planning for your child’s return to school in September. Here are 6 tips to help make the transition successful. Share your child’s IEP with appropriate staff members. The most important resource you and your child’s teachers share is the Individualized Education Program or IEP. Provide a copy of...

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District Court upholds SGW victory against Summit Schools

Written by  Sussan, Greenwald & Wesler Sussan Greenwald and Wesler together with co-counsel Connell Foley prevailed over Summit Schools in a case that proves that "meaningful education benefit" is a concept that has teeth in New Jersey. On July 27, 2015, in T.O. et al v. Summit City Board of Education, the United States District Court affirmed the July 2, 2012 decision of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The A LJ had held that Summit failed to provide a free, appropriate public education to a child, J.O., who suffered from apraxia of speech and dyspraxia. Jayne M. Wesler, a partner at...

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How to prepare for a substitute teacher when a child has special needs

Written by  Sussan, Greenwald & Wesler “Today We Had a Substitute….” Having a substitute teacher can be welcome news for some students. For those students, it can be a chance to try to break the rules and hopefully do less work. For other students—especially children with special needs—having a substitute teacher can be a source of uncertainly, anxiety, frustration, and fear. In addition, when having a substitute means that special needs kids miss out on receiving needed supports or accommodations, a substitute can mean a difficult day, missed opportunities for learning, and even getting in trouble. It’s not easy to be a substitute...

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What caregivers need to know about Extended School Year (ESY)

Written by  Sussan, Greenwald & Wesler What is ESY? If your child has a disability and receives special education and related services, you'll want to know. The New Jersey Department of Education defines "extended school year" or "ESY" as educational programming beyond the traditional 180-day school year for eligible students with disabilities as outlined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). As part of each annual review of a child's individualized educational plan (IEP), the school is required to consider the need for ESY. ESY most commonly takes the form of a four week to eight week school program offered during...

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When should I ask for an Independent Educational Evaluation?

The school district tells you that your child no longer needs occupational therapy but you disagree. The child study team has evaluated your child and did not identify a problem which you believe affects his or her school performance. Your child’s IEP fails to address an area of need which you believe is a manifestation of his or her disability. The school has administered one test to your child, but you think it was the wrong test for getting at the issue with which your child struggles. These are all reasons to consider asking your student's child study team for an independent educational evaluation. The right...

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Before you walk into your next IEP meeting

Written by Sussan, Greenwald & Wesler It’s anxiety-provoking for many parents: the thought of sitting down with your child’s case manager, principal, teachers, therapists--and people you may not even recognize--to talk about what your child’s school program will look like for the coming year. It's not that you haven't prepared. You have spoken with your child’s teachers throughout the year about your child's progress. You have organized your three-ring binder in chronological order with your child’s schoolwork, report cards, progress reports, standardized tests and evaluations (school or private) that relate to your child's disability. You will use these documents to make...

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