33 minute read
Things
HOLIDAY GUIDE, PGS. 26-43
FEATURES
DECEMBER 2020
IN EVERY ISSUE
10 11 12 14 27 30 48
Dear Teachers Word from Dad 5 Things Ask the Experts Tasty Treats Craft Corner Date Night
SPECIAL SECTIONS
26 44 56
Holiday Guide Winter Fun Guide Calendar of Events
20
IEP Meetings Tips to prepare for a successful IEP meeting.
27
Festive Snacks Create holiday treats that are packed with nutrition.
44
Winter Fun Guide Find the best places to explore in KC this winter.
Our cover features Tyrann from Overland Park. Photo by Melissa Rieke Photography. MelissaRiekePhotography.com
ON THE COVER
Momtourage 22 Lessons Learned from Kids 24 Tasty Treats 27 Craft Corner 30 Culinary Christmas 32 Bring More Joy to Your Holidays 34
FREE | December 2020 | KCParent.com | Since 1985
jolly good fun!
• A CULINARY
CHRISTMAS IN KC
• CRAFTS, RECIPES AND GIFT IDEAS
• ADD MORE JOY
TO YOUR HOLIDAYS
who is in your
momtourage?
lessons parents can learn from children
Ilike to plan and prep for the holidays so that when December rolls around, I can relax a bit and enjoy the season. I’m a big believer that my kids don’t need more stuff and that I’d rather give gifts of time together and experiences to create memories. However, that didn’t work out so well for me last year. I was very pleased with the gifts we’d gotten the girls, which included tickets to a concert for one of their fave performers (out of town, so a built-in mini-getaway) and a trip to Disney World. Aaaand … drum roll … both were canceled. So my grand plan fell flat. If you’re reading this and you have teen girls, please feel free to send any and all suggestions for great gifts my way. But Christmas is much more than gifts, and our Holiday Guide has you (and me!) covered to help make this year special in your home. Check it out starting on pg. 26.
As I’m writing this letter, I’m thinking of how to word this next paragraph, as I plan to mention that this December marks the fifth anniversary of my dad’s unexpected passing. I have my Spotify “Daily Drive” playing in the background. Once it ends, Spotify continues playing music, and the very first song generated is “Kodachrome” by Paul Simon. I don’t typically listen to Paul Simon, so he rarely shows up on my playlists. But do you know who loved Paul Simon? My dad! So as I sit in front of my computer, trying to think of what to say, Dad drops by to say “Hi!” There’s not much else I can write after Pops steals the show here, so I’ll just say we miss him dearly and think of him often. He lives on in our hearts and memories.
Merry Christmas, Kansas City!
Margaret Sarver, Editor
DECEMBER 2020
Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com Art Director Kim Tappan Tappan Design Kim@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Debbie Clark Debbie@KCParent.com Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Digital Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Digital Media Intern Anna Hiestand Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com
LOCAL CONTENT
Local Contributing Writers Kim Antisdel (Liberty), Christian Barnes (Kansas City), Bill Bartlett (Belton), Melissa Bellach (Overland Park), Hannah Berry (Kansas City), Julie Collett (Overland Park), Janelle Cumro-Sultzer (Overland Park), Lauren Dreher (Stillwell), Judy Goppert (Lee’s Summit), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Amy Hundley (Olathe), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Sarah Lyons (Olathe), Kerrie McLoughlin (Peculiar), Emily Morrison (Independence) Mailing Address 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax
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FREE | December 2020 | KCParent.com | Since 1985
jolly good fun!
• A CULINARY
CHRISTMAS IN KC
• CRAFTS, RECIPES AND GIFT IDEAS
• ADD MORE JOY
TO YOUR HOLIDAYS
who is in your
momtourage?
lessons parents can learn from children
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SPOTLIGHT
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LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE Choosing the best hospital for the arrival of your baby is an important decision. Use the KCParent.com Labor & Delivery Hospital Guide to find the perfect location for you and your child. 4. KC Going Places Guide
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QA DEARTEACHERS &
BY PEGGY GISLER AND MARGE EBERTS
UNDERSTANDING MULTIPLICATION MADE EASY
QUESTION: A while back I believe you had an article on
multiplication for those students who were not learning in traditional ways. You mentioned using three paper plates and five blocks to show 3 x 5 = 15, instead of rotely memorizing 3 x 5 = 15. Can you explain it again? I hope this helps my third grader who just doesn’t get multiplication. – Parent
ANSWER: Whether students do or don’t get multiplication, the best way to acquaint them with the concept is through the use of pictures, drawings and hands-on material. This gives them an understanding of what multiplication looks like and is not the time to drill children to memorize the facts. Later on, there is time to commit these facts to memory.
Here’s how the paper plate introduction to multiplication works. Have your children lay out three plates and place five blocks on each plate. Ask, “How many blocks did you use altogether?” Then have the children count the blocks. Repeat the activity using different combinations of plates and blocks.
Next, introduce the symbolism for multiplication, “x,” the “times sign.” Use the symbol in a sample multiplication sentence, such as 2 x 3. This time use blocks. The height of the blocks is 2, and the length is 3. The figure contains 6 blocks, so 2 x 3 = 6. Repeat this with other number combinations.
Now your children are ready to make multiplication cards, starting with 1 x 1 through 6 x 6 for younger children and continuing to 9 x 9 for older ones. Do not include the answers (products) on either the front or back of the card as the products should be determined by the learner.
Go back to the plates and blocks and have the children select a multiplication card at random. If it is 3 x 5, for example, they should follow the same steps as they did earlier. They should count all the blocks and then write the fact 3 x 5 = 15. Work through all of the flash cards in this way.
IS CHILD’S PROBLEM A WRITING DISABILITY?
QUESTION: My elementary school child is
a good reader, but she struggles with writing. Could she have a learning disability? How can she be helped? – HELP
ANSWER: The learning disability that affects writing is called dysgraphia. It shows itself in difficulties with spelling, poor handwriting and putting thoughts down on paper. Children with dysgraphia are often good readers. Dysgraphia is genetic and often affects several family members.
There are warning signs that young children may have dysgraphia, such as not wanting to color or draw or, if they do, not holding a crayon correctly. In elementary school, drawing or tracing shapes can be difficult, and handwriting may be illegible. Plus, children who may have dysgraphia are reluctant to write. And as they get older, they are able to talk about an idea; however, they cannot express the same idea in writing.
You definitely need to talk with your daughter’s teacher about the child’s writing problems to determine whether an evaluation for a learning disability is needed. With help, children with dysgraphia can succeed in school. It is important get it diagnosed and to start a strategy.
As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.
SETTING
THE STAGE
“Hello?”
I’d called my sister from work before Christmas to coordinate something, but she didn’t answer. Instead, my nephew at the grand, old age of two-and-a-half picked up the phone and showed how grown up he was.
I love everything about the Christmas season. The decorations, the hustle and bustle, even the minor angst about what to get whom—all are part and parcel of this time of year. Most of all, I love the faith that children have in the magic of Christmas. Their belief is so pure I do everything I can to buoy it up, stretch it out and make it last as many years as I can. Hopefully, for a lifetime.
I knew what I had to do. Without hesitation, I pitched my voice as low as I could. “Eric, this is Santa.”
He giggled.
Hot dern, this was working! “Are you being good?”
My nephew giggled again. “Yes.”
I kept my voice low. “If you’re good, I’ll know about it and you’ll get lots of presents for Christmas. You like presents, don’t you?”
He didn’t giggle this time. Even at that young age, he knew the value of gifts that come overnight near the winter solstice, journeying straight from their manufacture at the North Pole.
I prodded him for the answer I knew would come. “I already know what presents you want.” I didn’t, of course, but Santa did, and Eric had to know that fact. “So, are you being really good?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, Eric, let me talk to your mom, now. Bye-bye.”
My nephew didn’t bid me farewell. He must have handed the phone directly to his mother, but I could hear his words to her as clearly as if he’d spoken them into my ear.
“Silly Uncle Bill, Santa Claus.”
At least I tried.
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Weekly Planner
I’ve been trying to do a better job of keeping a journal. Knock on wood, I’m doing a fairly good job. To keep that momentum going in the new year, I’m excited to break out the Flow Calendar from Workman, which combines my love of a paper calendar with my new hobby of journaling. Each week has a nice space to fill in with events and then next to each week is a blank page with a starter question, perfect for reflections and memories. Workman.com
Games
Board games, word puzzles, card games, arcade and video games—I love them all! My younger enjoys games and is typically up to joining me, although my hubby and older don’t share the same fondness as we do for the pastimes. But over the holidays, I can usually get them all involved in at least one game night. I’m excited to have some classics to add to our mix this year. Sequence, Mastermind and Rummikub Classic are perfect additions and fun for all ages! Amazon.com 5THINGS WE RIGHT NOW Compiled by Margaret Sarver LOVE Books When my girls were younger, we saw Jim “Mr. Stinky Feet” Cosgrove perform on several occasions. His highenergy, kid-inspired lyrics always got everyone clapping and singing along. He’s taken some of those songs and made Lip Balm them into books so that I love a good lip balm, especially in now kids can enjoy the the colder months. Just in time for the songs and characters they holidays, Eco Lips introduces a holiday love in print, as well as in line which includes Candy Cane, song! Check out Sullen Raspberry Truffle and Gingerbread. Sally, Bop Bop Dinosaur They are the perfect treat for your lips and Hark! It’s Harold the to combat the cold and dry air, making Angel. Perfect gifts for your lips feel smooth and hydrated kiddos! JimCosgrove.com without being too waxy. And, they have just the right amount of scent and flavor. Perfect for stuffing those stockings! EcoLips.com Puzzles A few years back we started a tradition of completing a puzzle or two during the holidays. This year we’re excited that our puzzle of choice has a local flair. Featuring art by folk artist Eric Dowdle, the Kansas City wooden puzzle by Dowdle Folk Art brings together our love of our hometown and our love of puzzles! These high-quality puzzles have so many different images to choose from, you’ll want to order more than one! DowdleFolkArt.com
“The holidays are upon us and I love putting up my Christmas tree, but every year, my cat figures out how to climb it and inevitably bring it crashing to the ground—shattering all of the ornaments. How can I keep her out of the tree this year?!” – Sharon Witek
“Try wrapping the base of the tree with aluminum foil. Cats dislike the feel of foil and they hate the noise it makes when it crinkles. Cats also dislike citrus smells, so some people put lemon and orange peels at the base of the Christmas tree or even through the branches. There are some sprays that you can purchase to put in the tree branches that that will give off an odor that cats do not like that may help deter them from the Christmas tree. Avoid locating the tree where the cat can launch off of furniture and into the Christmas tree. Be mindful of the decorations you are using as some of them can be dangerous for your cat, like tinsel. I would probably not use breakable ornaments until you and your adventurous feline come to an understanding.”
– Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA “My dog has been neutered for five years and like clockwork, after every time he eats, he grabs his bed with his teeth and bites it and humps it aggressively. Why does he do this, and should I try to stop him?” – Tracy Lewandowski
“Dogs hump for many reasons such as playing, status-seeking, arousal, anxiety, or because it is relaxing for them. It sounds like your dog is getting highly aroused during feeding times. Dogs get energy bursts from things that are exciting to them such as eating, taking a bath, or having friends come over and they must find an outlet for this energy. Some dogs run around with zoomies, some bark, and some hump. These are normal mammal behaviors, and many people ignore their dogs when they do this if it’s behind closed doors. If this behavior bothers you, I recommend doing some type of activity where he is releasing his energy through physical exercise or mental stimulation following feeding times.”
– Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA “I have some visitors coming over for the holidays and I just adopted a shy and fearful dog. Any tips to help her feel more comfortable and get our family acquainted with our new pet?” – Becca and Eric Miller
“I recommend providing a safe spot in the house or a kennel to which your dog can escape if she feels uncomfortable with the incoming people. If your pet is overly nervous, consider putting your pet in another room or visiting the vet to discuss medications if needed during this time. I also recommend talking to your family about how to slowly and properly greet your new dog. Ask them to give your pet time to adjust to them and avoid forcing interaction as that can cause the acclimation to take longer.”
– Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA
MEET THE EXPERTS
We have a wide range of experts on hand to answer your questions on everything from dental visits and playdates to dance lessons, lawns and so much more! If you have a question that needs answering, get in touch.
Jason Hansen CODE NINJAS KC At Code Ninjas, kids learn to code while building their own video games. They gain problem-solving, critical thinking and STEM skills in a fun, safe and inspiring environment. 913.444.9448, CodeNinjas.com Haley Lefholz MCPL Mid-Continent Public Library has 33 branches and serves more than 816,000 residents across Jackson, Clay and Platte counties, offering resources and services for all ages. 816.836.5200, MyMCPL.org
Elizabeth W. Musil, MD, FAAP OLATHE HEALTH Olathe Health is a regional health network that serves four counties through Olathe Medical Center, Miami County Medical Center, the 40 family care and specialty clinics of Olathe Health Physicians. 913.791.4200, OlatheHealth.org John P. Roth, DDS STARTING POINT PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY Starting Point Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics specializes in giving kids the care and special consideration they need for successful dental care. 913.553.2492, StartingPointDental.com
ASK THE EXPERTS...If you have a question, send it our way and we’ll ask one of our experts to answer. Email editor@kcparent.com and put “Ask the Experts” in the subject line. As always, please consult your health care provider with any medical questions or concerns.
Q
Why should my child learn to code?
Coding has been called “the literacy of the 21st century” for good reason. Just like math, science and literature, coding is a key aspect of understanding and succeeding in our technologically advanced world. Understanding computers and learning the basics of coding help children develop an appreciation of how things work. There’s a huge need for a generation that understands both technology and how it works. Regardless of whether your kids one day pursue a career in coding, learning to code teaches them confidence, logic, resourcefulness and problem-solving skills that will serve them well for the rest of their lives. Jason Hansen Code Ninjas KC Area Owner
Q
Hand, foot and mouth disease is going around my child’s daycare. Can you tell me about it?
Hand, foot and mouth disease is caused by a few different viruses. It results in red spots in the back of the throat and a rash on the hands and feet, and sometimes a fever. In younger kids, it’s often on the buttocks too. Children will typically be irritable, complain of a sore throat and not want to eat/drink due to the pain. Kids can feel pretty miserable, and unfortunately, because it’s a viral illness, we don’t have medicines to make it better. The most important things are making sure kids are staying hydrated and giving Tylenol and ibuprofen (if they are over 6 months) for pain. Symptoms typically resolve in seven to 10 days. Elizabeth W. Musil Pediatrician, Olathe Health
Q
What are some good, longer chapter-style books I can read aloud to my child?
Chapter books make great read-alouds, but finding one that is the right length can be tricky. Get started with this list of chapter books that aren’t doorstoppers, but will take more than a couple bedtimes to finish. All can be placed on hold for pickup from any Mid-Continent Public Library branch with your library card. The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate has short chapters, perfect for a quick moment. Clean Getaway by Nic Stone is one part road trip and one part family bonding. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown features shorter chapters and is fast-paced. Flora and Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo is action-packed and includes comic-style illustrations. Haley Lefholz MCPL Youth Services Librarian
Q
Why are my child’s teeth so crooked?
There is a genetic component to how teeth develop, and genetics play into the likelihood of whether your child will have crooked teeth as the adult teeth erupt. Other factors affect the development of teeth, too. One common example is thumb sucking. Thumb sucking for too long can cause a narrowing of the upper arch that may require treatment later. Another factor that may affect tooth position is if a child loses a baby tooth too early because of decay, it can disrupt the correct order in which the permanent teeth grow in and cause bite problems. Having a sweet treat from time to time is okay, but kids who constantly nibble or sip on snacks or drinks and don’t brush their teeth in between tend to get decay. John P. Roth Starting Point Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics
Choosing an OB/GYN
HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT SPECIALIST FOR YOU
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests girls between the ages of 13 and 15 begin visiting an OB/ GYN. Many wait until they’re 18 or older. Maybe you’re 21 and just now looking into it. Or maybe you just moved and have to start your search all over.
An obstetrician, according to the American Pregnancy Association, usually offers services like annual Pap tests or managing pregnancy complications, attending births and providing postpartum care. Choosing an OB/GYN is a very personal decision. There is no right or wrong way to choose, and who you select may not be another person’s first choice. You might even choose someone, decide the fit isn’t right and make an appointment with someone new. That’s perfectly normal, too.
I will start by saying this: I’ve seen three different OB doctors in my life (I only switched due to moving and changes in insurance), and each had traits or strengths I appreciated. The saying, “to each her own” truly applies here. It may take a little research, extra phone calls and Google searches, but putting in the work will ensure you end up with the best choice for you.
It’s like choosing a (very medically qualified) friend who just so happens to know your entire medical history. No big deal. You need someone with whom you’ll be able to share uncomfortable symptoms and annoying aches and pains, and ask embarrassing questions that you wouldn’t ask just anyone.
So where do you start? If you are brand new to this, don’t be intimidated. You’ll find the right fit, and the process shouldn’t be too complicated. Here are a few steps to start this journey. Ask a friend or family member you trust
Start by asking close friends, your older sisters, your mom, your aunt, your cousins—anyone you’re comfortable with— who they see or who they’ve heard positive feedback about.
Make a list of questions or concerns. What made her choose this person? What sets this doctor apart from other OB/GYNs? Is the physician easy to get hold of if you have questions after your appointment? Is her schedule already booked? Your friend or family member’s word may be enough for you to set up your first check-up with the recommended doctor.
Research their histories and specialties
Do you plan on getting pregnant and need an OB who specializes in high-risk pregnancies, for example? What is his or her approach to prenatal care and delivery? How likely is it this OB will be available to deliver your baby?
You may also need someone who can coach you through labor and delivery and postpartum depression, for example. This factor would play a major role in your decision.
Select a hospital in network
You’ve finally settled on an OB at a hospital with a good rating. Is it within your area code? Is it covered by your particular health insurance? Will you have to drive an hour and back just for a general appointment? These are just a few important points to consider.
Read reviews
If physicians don’t receive 4- or 5-star ratings from prior patients, you might not want to waste your time. If you can’t find
references and haven’t heard reports of great patient interactions, that doctor may not be worth an interview. Try to read at least two or three solid reviews on your potential future physician.
See whether doctors have Facebook pages for their practices where they post updates and interact with patients or answer important questions. Scroll through comments and you’ll be able to tell whether a doctor has positive client relationships.
Trust your gut
Let’s say you’ve already been to your first appointment. You didn’t really like the way your OB answered some of your questions. Or maybe you felt rushed. Whatever the reason, you just didn’t leave your appointment feeling at ease. There doesn’t even have to be a valid reason. Schedule your next appointment with a different doctor. If the wait time seems to increase with each visit or it’s nearly impossible to schedule a convenient time for you, try a different provider. Know your communication style
It’s not petty to want a doctor with a sense of humor. Or one who maintains a serious demeanor. Are you more comfortable with a male or female doctor? Your personality type may prefer someone who handles anxiety well. One of my first OBs, for example, was extremely patient and knew I just dreaded doctor appointments. I always felt comfortable chatting with her, and the appointment flew by.
On the other hand, if you hate small talk and want an OB who keeps it simple, barely talks unless it’s about Pap test results and doesn’t allow much time for chatting, you may opt for a more “cut to the chase” kind of doctor, and that’s okay, too.
Emily Morrison is a freelance writer, former copy editor, full-time mommy and Disney fanatic who lives in Independence with her husband, 5-year old son and dog.
As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns. Important Things to Consider When Choosing an OB/GYN
• Communication. Choose an OB/GYN with whom you are comfortable talking and who supports your information.
• Does your doctor have experience with a condition or procedure (for example high-risk pregnancy, multiple births/twins, c-sections)?
• How does the OB manage pain during delivery?
Dr. Jill Sampson, M.D., NWHC 816.741.9122 NWHCPC.com
The starting point for a healthy smile.
Owner John P. Roth DDS and family Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry Specialist in Orthodontics Locations: Overland Park 913-553-2492 Legends 913-948-8688 NEW OFFICE 435 and Roe coming Jan. 1 StartingPointDental.com
getting creative with behavior redirection
so many times kids—including my own—are mostly great until the minute a parent walks into the room. Then things hit the fan. My kids may be still and quiet for a sitter, but the minute I get home, they start screaming and running all over. All parents are familiar with the scenario of picking up kids from a friend’s, entering with a pleading, “I hope they were good for you!” The reply? “They were great!” Of course they were.
Child behavior perplexes. Everyone has an opinion, right? Children are different, so naturally they will respond to things in distinct ways. Some are easily disciplined, and others will push you to your limits any chance they get. Parents have their own parenting styles as well. Mix those variables together, and you have yourself a melting pot of behavior modification. Add to the mix the fact that each stage of life with kids comes with new challenges. How do families sort through this soup?
After consulting multiple parents with kids of various ages, here are commonalities I found:
CONSISTENCY IS KEY. No matter what stage your kids are in, from infancy to adolescence, consistency plays a big role in everything. Whether they’re rolling over, walking, talking—or talking back—kids need to know you will follow through on discipline should they step over the line or have a breakdown in a store.
Something else we parents have to watch is the example we set. Have you ever noticed kids do as they see, good or bad? They say the things we say and copy what we do. The more you practice the behaviors you want your children to model, the more you’ll see your kids following the pattern.
SET EXPECTATIONS. Whether your family is running errands, attending an event or engaging in another activity, let kids know what’s planned. Depending on their age, have a pre-event discussion about what you and they expect to happen. Remember to let them know what the consequences will be if they choose to disregard your expectations. It doesn’t always have to be a long discussion— they may come to need just a quick reminder.
GIVE THEM FOOD AND SLEEP.
I’ve seen kids have all sorts of breakdowns over sleep and food. Grown-ups get cranky when we’re tired or hungry, but we generally can contain ourselves. Kids haven’t always mastered that skill. If they’re worn out or running on empty tummies, they may act out.
PROVIDE DOWNTIME. Ever been in a horrible mood and just needed a couple hours or so? This happens to every single person in my family—young or old, extrovert or introvert. We all need to refresh with downtime. Keeping kids busy certainly can be a good thing. We all need positive stimulation, but overscheduled kids might act out against overload.
STRIKE A POSITIVE NOTE. If you have a rough morning, remember that kids love to feed off that. I have first-hand experience with kids misbehaving because of my own bad mood or frustration. It doesn’t take much, and it doesn’t matter where you are. Breathe deeply, square your shoulders and take on the day with a hopeful and pleasant attitude. The kids will absorb some of your sunshine.
LET THEM GROW. The older kids get, the more independence they want. Even when they reach the ripe old age of 4. Give them age-appropriate opportunities to exercise autonomy. I remember when we were kids, we worked hard to prove to our parents we could handle more responsibility for ourselves. The more we proved we could handle on our own, the more we got.
Obviously, parents know their own kids best, and no one parenting approach will fit every family. Raising kids is not for the faint of heart, and everyone does things they promised they would never do. Get creative with behavior redirection, set clear expectations, then do your best to set your kids up for success.
Lauren Dreher lives in Stilwell with her husband and two toddlers.
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Want More in Life?
Here’s a way to experience the joy of parenthood and help children
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Whether you are single or married, own or rent your home, have children already or don’t, work full-time or stay home, you may qualify. We provide free training, 24/7 support, and monthly reimbursement to meet the child’s needs.
HOW TO PREPARE for Your Child’s IEP Meeting
An individualized education plan (IEP) is a key component of your child’s special education plan. By law, schools are required to provide services to kids who qualify. An IEP meeting is where educators and a child’s guardians set goals and identify which services will be provided. Although the meeting may intimidate parents, some preparation and research ahead of time can help you feel more informed and confident. After all, being informed will help you be a better advocate for your child as everyone involved develops a plan that will help your youngster have more success in school while keeping everyone happy. Here are six steps to help prepare you for your child’s IEP meeting. Talk to the teacher
Have a conversation with your child’s teacher to determine how things are going at school. The teacher can help identify your child’s strengths and challenges and may suggest what services would be helpful to him. If possible, observe your child in the classroom to get a feel for how social interactions and classroom learning are going. Knowing this information, as well as your student’s current math and reading levels, will help you assist in setting goals during the IEP meeting. Read up
The school should send home a notice of meeting that states who will attend the IEP meeting, the reason for meeting and, if applicable, goals set in the previous IEP meetings. Carefully read the information sent home so you understand what to expect. You may also consider studying special education laws that pertain to your child’s needs so you know what services you can legally ask for. Many websites and books can help parents prepare for IEP meetings as well. The more knowledge you have, the more confident and comfortable you will feel during the meeting. Set goals
Beforehand, write down questions you would like to ask at the meeting. This is also a great time to consider what visions and goals you have for your child and make note of them. Bring your notes with you to the meeting so you can refer to them throughout the process. Having a list of questions and an idea of goals you would like to see your child reach will help you make sure you
cover everything you had hoped for, even if the emotions of the meeting make it more difficult to remember your questions and concerns. Don’t be afraid to ask for additional services for your child. The school may not provide everything you had in mind, but it never hurts to ask.
Get organized
Collect any paperwork you need or would like to bring to the meeting and gather it in one place so it is neat and organized for the meeting. Bring your notes from your observation, your list of questions and goals you would like to set, and any medical paperwork that pertains to the IEP meeting. If you have had any private evaluations done, bring copies of those as well.
Bring an advocate
Because IEP meetings can be intimidating, you might find it helpful to bring an advocate to the meeting with you. This could be a lawyer or simply a spouse or co-parent. Having a person there both for support and to be another advocate for your child can be a good boost of confidence for the parent to help ensure you meet the goals you would like for your child. Be sure to let your school know, in advance, who will be attending the meeting with you. Be confident
You know your child best and are the best person to represent her needs, challenges and successes. Although addressing issues your child faces in learning can be overwhelming and emotional, setting goals and securing the proper services are the best things you can do for your child’s success in school. Dress appropriately for the meeting, bring the documents and notes you prepared, and speak confidently and lovingly about your child. Your preparation and concerns will be apparent to everyone at the meeting, and you will have the reassurance that you were prepared and did your best to help your child be successful in school.
Sarah Lyons is a part-time freelance writer and full-time mom. She lives in Olathe with her family. Books to Help Prepare for Your Child’s IEP Meeting
Here are a few books to help you understand and prepare for your child’s IEP meeting. • The Art of Advocacy: A Parent’s
Guide to a Collaborative IEP Process by Charmaine Thaner • Better IEP Meetings Everyone Wins by Cynthia M. Herr and Barbara D.
Bateman • Wrightslaw: All About IEPs by Peter
W. D. Wright and Pamela Darr Wright • Wrightslaw: From Emotions to
Advocacy: The Special Education
Survival Guide by Peter W. D. Wright and Pamela Darr Wright • Your Special Education Rights: What
Your School District Isn’t Telling You by Jennifer Laviano and Julia Swanson • The IEP from A to Z: How to Create
Meaningful and Measurable Goals and
Objectives by Diane Twachtman-Cullen and Jennifer Twachtman-Bassett
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