How our Monmouth County office can help your child receive the best education possible

Does your child have an IEP, or Individualized Education Program? If so, you know this important instrument coordinates your child's programs and services in school so that they can reach their academic goals. Here at Developmental Pediatrics of Central New Jersey, Dr. Alison Smoller and her team offer valuable input on IEP compilation and execution, helping families in Monmouth County receive the educational services they deserve.

 

Just what is an IEP?

Short for Individualized Education Program, an IEP is a written document that outlines a plan of academic instruction that helps a learning-challenged child achieve academic success. Typically formulated by a team of educators, social workers, special education experts, and family members, the IEP:

• Sets academic goals
• Documents learning, behavioral, and medical disabilities (e.g. ADHD, dyslexia, ambulatory challenges, vision/hearing problems, etc.)
• Outlines specific services (speech therapy as an example) and accommodations (such as extended testing time) the child needs to function in the school environment
• Reports findings from in-school evaluators and professionals in the field, such as a developmental pediatrician, psychologist, or physical therapist

Reviewed at least annually by the special education team, the IEP follows the child through their school career to ensure proper placement, evaluation, and services.

 

Who has input on an IEP?

Parents, caregivers, teachers, doctors and the child may weigh in on the Individualized Education Program.

 

When should you seek out an IEP second opinion?

As a parent, you have the right to help formulate the IEP and to request meetings to change it as necessary, according to KidsHealth. Usually, changes and compromises are resolved fairly easily.

However, parents have the right to seek help from outside sources, including second opinions on the content of the IEP document itself. This second opinion is called an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE), and parents may choose the professionals they wish to assess their child.

An IEE may better direct the IEP process. This independent evaluation is viewed as objective being without the influences of the classroom teacher, resource room educator or others who are "eyes on" the student on a daily basis.

 

Our Monmouth County office can help

It's what we do every day. As a developmental pediatrician, Dr. Smoller evaluates children, counsels families, and coordinates care and services for young patients with a range of learning, social, and behavioral issues. She can help you secure the educational program, services, and accommodations appropriate for your youngster's diagnosis and well-being. Proudly serving patients from all over the state of New Jersey including Pennsylvania, our West Park Avenue office can be contacted at (732) 660-0220.