Mossflower

Hi there
OK the invitation is just a confirmation saying that you will either attend the meeting or not attend. It tells the school whether ot not to assemble the team, get coverage for people and have things ready to go on that date. This IEP invite is simply asking if you really want the therapists at th meeting or not. Do NOT panic If you would like the therapists to be present, simply check 'do not agree'. I might even highlight it to be sure it gets noticed.

How an IEP works is, in advance of the meeting, the teacher surveys
the child's teachers and compiles their information into the report. This includes the therapists and an observation from guidance. They may also call the parents in advance to hear their concerns and get their input. They then draft/ write the report and hold the meeting. Generally its good to have the therapists at the meeting because they may answer questions that the teacher can't, even though their information is already in the report.

You are entitled to bring anyone you would like to the meeting. It is a courtesy to inform the school and tell them who you are bringing (mainly to make certain they have enough seats in the meeting room and so the teacher doesn't feel blind-sided if you're bringing in another professional, para-professional etc.)

Parents are not required to sign in agreement to the paperwork and the forms if they don't agree. Even if parents do sign the paperwork, if they change their minds, they can request that the team be reconvened to review the IEP if you think some changes need to be made in the future (IEP review). The team may or may not agree with the proposed changes, but the point of doing a review of the IEP is to reach that determination. The input of six other professionals assists in determining if its a valid request or not. Most parents have reasonable, appropriate requests.

ALSO- with IEPs parents can have ten days to review it, and then sign the agreement part later (NOREP). This generally is the exception and not the rule, though. The reason for assembling a team of professionals is to answer the questions at the meeting so that the paperwork can get signed.

Get in touch with the special ed teacher if you're not already, and keep in touch with her via email or check in via phone every so often.

one more thing- did they do an evaluation on your daughter? An evaluation usually drives the IEPS but I *think* some states may not do this until first grade.

In sum, as this sounds like it is your first IEP meeting, I would request that all of the therapists be in attendance for the meeting. This may require some schedule juggling but don't worry, they'll get it set up This will give you peace of mind, answer ALL of your questions, and give you some control over the situation from your end.

If you have the meeting and things just aren't going right or well, or you feel that the school is giving you the run-around (highly unlikely), get in touch with an advocate. If you need help with this, I can give you some links to sites that list advocates. I am not an advocate but I have net friends who use them in their districts across the nation.

Regards,
MF