Down syndrom IEP - 7 years old (transition to first grade)

We are preparing transition from kindergarten to 1st grade. My son did very well in kindergarten, in big part because, thanks to years of sight reading instruction, he is already reading beyond grade level. This set us up for great expectations in school, so I really encourage you to start teaching sight reading as soon as possible. We started at 4 years old. See more about sight reading here and an update here. 

So back to the IEP. While the IEP meeting went well, the school offered direct services for summer, but refused to offer an inclusive placement for extended school year. In addition, as always, there were a multitude of small things that needed to be changed in the first IEP draft. I can not stress enough how important is to comment on the IEP and to put your comments in writing. The most important piece of advice I've got regarding IEP was "you can ask for anything, the worst it can happen is they will say no".

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. If we have any comments, we send them in writing and wait for a new draft. If not we accept and sign the IEP.

For details see:

• parental input to 7 years IEP - sent prior to IEP meeting
• parental comments to the proposed IEP draft
• parental request for extended school year (ESY - aka summer services)
• 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.