Down syndrome IEP - 4 year old

Well, the big boy is 4 years old. He did great with his goals last year. Time for a new IEP. Again, there are no academic goals, still out-of-district placement. See a previous explanation here. However, you can get an idea of how academic goals might look like for a 4 years old by looking at our parental input to the IEP linked below.

Compared to last year, two more speech and language goals were added and the speech service was increased from 2x30min to 2x45min per week.

Agreed upon Service Delivery
Speech Therapy - 2x45min/week
Physical Therapy - 2x30min/week
Occupational Therapy - 2x45min/week

Before the IEP we sent the team our parental concerns. This is a practice we intend to keep. Letting the team know before the meeting what are our concerns and expectations. Usually two weeks after the meeting we receive the first IEP draft. We send our comments and requests for modifications in writing. If they can be addressed without a meeting, we receive a second IEP draft. This iteration receive draft/comment on draft continues until we accept the IEP.

See:

• parental input to 4 years IEP - sent prior to IEP meeting
• accepted IEP
• parental comments to IEP draft - these requests are usually reflected in the accepted IEP 

I'm putting a lot of thought/effort/time into my communication with the team, especially during the IEP season. In fact, I think that spending time getting the plan right it's saving me a lot of time during the school year. There are a couple of books that I found particularly useful during this process.

• Wrightslaw: All About IEPs - pretty much the IEP bible; an incredible useful book, especially if you are just starting this journey. Good to have it as a reference too, because the issues and questions change every year.  
• Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy - The Special Education Survival Guide - one thing we need to understand as parents is that the special education process is driven by data and not by emotion. It is not about the perfect plan, it is not about the best outcome, it is not about reaching the maximum potential. It is about about fair and appropriate services. I think this book does a good job in helping parents understand the difference. 
• Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In - amazing book, that I've read several times. Related to how to negotiate without emotion. Putting yourself in the other person shoes and finding the best outcome for everybody. Works in every aspect of our lives. Gives you power and keeps the process  non confrontational.