Q
My four-year-old was just diagnosed with LD. The district said they would give her therapy starting in April. April came and no services. I called the district and they said they do not have anybody to come to her school and that they would start services in the fall. Can they do this? Are there any rules about this? I want to fight this but I have no idea where to start.
A
This could be a case for the lawyers! Not having someone to deliver the therapy is no excuse. If your daughter has been evaluated and an Individual Education Plan (IEP) has been drawn up indicating services, they must be delivered. If the district does not have adequate personnel, then they may have to provide you with the funds to pay someone to deliver the services privately. The Coordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities (http://www.aboutld.org) at 1-888-GR8-MIND
The Learning Disabilities Association of America (http://www.ldanatl.org) at 1-888-300-6710
The Schwab Foundation for Learning (http://www.schwablearning.org)
There are several groups for parents of children with learning disabilities who should be able to walk you through the system to get the help that you need.
You might also want to have a look at The Complete IEP Guide: How to Advocate for Your Special Ed Child by attorney Lawrence M. Siegel.