IEP Assessment in the State of California

[Parents! Get help here!]

I’m a new member and this is my first post. We developed a 504 plan for my now 7th grader in the last weeks of 6th grade.  We are in California. She is having a difficult transition into junior high, and, on the 8th day,  her guidance counselor recommended that we have the school assess her for an IEP.  I am well aware of the differences between an IEP and a 504 plan. My “mom gut” tells me something is a little off with how quickly they are recommending an assessment for an IEP without really knowing her, have time to use the accommodations of the 504, and giving her some time to settle into this big transition.  I know there are many benefits to an IEP, but I would like someone to also share any downsides.  My SIL who is a principal and once was a special education teacher has concerns for our daughter about labels, as do we.  We also want anyone who works with our child to work with her from a position of her strengths.  Last, we have encountered a wide range in the quality of mental health professionals in our journey and always interview them prior to having them meet with our daughter.  How will we know if the assessor(s) are up to our standards of working with our daughter.  Thanks.

[RadAccepter]

I’m a new member and this is my first post. We developed a 504 plan for my now 7th grader in the last weeks of 6th grade.  We are in California. She is having a difficult transition into junior high, and, on the 8th day,  her guidance counselor recommended that we have the school assess her for an IEP.  I am well aware of the differences between an IEP and a 504 plan. My “mom gut” tells me something is a little off with how quickly they are recommending an assessment for an IEP without really knowing her, have time to use the accommodations of the 504, and giving her some time to settle into this big transition.  I know there are many benefits to an IEP, but I would like someone to also share any downsides.  My SIL who is a principal and once was a special education teacher has concerns for our daughter about labels, as do we.  We also want anyone who works with our child to work with her from a position of her strengths.  Last, we have encountered a wide range in the quality of mental health professionals in our journey and always interview them prior to having them meet with our daughter.  How will we know if the assessor(s) are up to our standards of working with our daughter.  Thanks.

Our objective is to better understand the struggles our child faces and to learn the skills to improve our relationship and provide a supportive environment and also improve on our own emotional responses, attitudes and effectiveness as a family leaders

[FaithHopeLove]

Hello Radaccepter
Welcome to the group. I am glad you found us. Has your daughter been diagnosed with BPD? I am afraid I do not know much about IEPs since my son did not have one. There are others here who do though and I am sure they will be along shortly to share their wisdom. Meanwhile I hope you will make yourself comfortable
 Look around the website and  see what bpdfamily has to offer that might be of use to you. For example here is some information about IEPs IEPs

Hugs
Faith

[SadtimesAZ]

12 years old and diagnosed bpd? An individual education plan could be implemented lots of ways. Are you talking about mental behavioral or learning disabilities. At that age your looking at conduct disorder not a specific diagnosis that continues into adulthood. Could be adhd or autism spectrum. What kind of issues are going on with her?