School Individualized Education Program Specialist
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The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research
Hematologists & Infusion Therapy Clinics located in Hollywood, FL & Jacksonville, FL
If your child has a blood disorder, they may qualify for school accommodations. At The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research in Homestead, Orlando, Lakeland, Jacksonville, Belle Glade, Tallahassee, and Hollywood, Florida, Gershwin Blyden, MD, PhD, FCP, FACP, and the team of hematologists visit schools to help create individualized education programs (IEPs) for children with blood disorders, like sickle cell anemia. Call the practice or book an appointment online today to learn more.
School Individualized Education Program Q & A
What is a school individualized education program?
An individualized education program (IEP) is a service that public schools legally must provide for children who qualify for special education services. The goal of this written document is to ensure your child receives equitable services regardless of preexisting conditions that may impact their cognitive function.
IEPs are custom-made for each student to meet their specific needs, so services can vary. For example, if your child has a disorder that affects their ability to process information, they may get extra time to complete a test. If they have a condition that impacts their reading fluency, they may receive headphones when reading test questions.
There are many different types of accommodations that your child’s teacher, school counselor, occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, and school psychologist can provide to ensure your child is successful in school.
How does a school individualized education program work?
Many teachers, administrators, and school staff play a role in the creation of a child’s IEP. These educators work with the child’s parents to determine which services will help their child reach their academic, social, and emotional goals in a school environment.
If your child has a debilitating or life-threatening disorder, like sickle cell anemia, a physician may work with the education team to curate the IEP for your child’s specific needs.
The hematology team at The Foundation for Sickle Cell Research, which includes a hematologist oncologist, can help your child’s IEP team identify the most appropriate services to implement in the classroom.
What can I expect from my child’s school individualized education program?
Inherited disorders like sickle cell anemia can impact many of your child’s crucial learning skills. Depending on your child’s age and cognitive function, their IEP may include one or more of the following classroom modifications:
- Having a paraeducator or extra teaching support
- Using specific technology
- Having a speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist
- Receiving assignments early
- Transferring to a small class
- Having extra learning breaks
- Having additional time to complete assignments and tests
If you have a child with a chronic disease, such as sickle cell anemia, call The Foundation for Sickle Cell Research or schedule an appointment online to speak with a board-certified hematologist about your child’s IEP.