[slygirrl]

So Dominic is going to be 3 in about 2 weeks so that's why I posted here. I mentioned in a thread before (probably in newborns to 2 years) that we were seeing and EI person because of what I thought was possibly autism. Turns our he doesn't have autism, he has apraxia (which for those of you who don't know it's an oral motor problem - the message is received clearly to the brain but when it comes to responding the message becomes lost between his brain and his mouth). We have been working with a speech therapist for the last 3 weeks and I couldn't have asked for a better person to deal with my child. She is the most patient and fun woman I have ever met in my life

Here's my problem, our "service coordinator" through the EI program has been nothing but a waste of my time. She doesn't call me and ask me about possible other therapists (My speech therapist recommended us seeing an occupational therapist for my son and to have the OT come out she would have to have our service person call me and make sure it was okay with me, but she at least put the bug in this girl's ear and still no phone call), she didn't even call me to tell me in the very beginning when our developmental therapist would be coming out to evaluate my son! I ended up finding out because that therapist always makes sure her patients actually receive a call! She was the one who verified what time she would be over with me, then told me what the other two (the speech therapist and service person) would be doing there (which wasn't her job) . Now on top of all of this I had a meeting with the school today to begin the transitioning process into pre-k... yeah she didn't show up to this either!!! She called and said she was having "car trouble". Now maybe she was, but I don't buy it for a minute. I can't count on her to do anything!! I needed her there today because I've never gone through the "transitioning process" before and I don't know what I'm suposed to ask or anything like that!

So my question is this, I think I am perfectly within my rights to complain on her for being pretty much useless. I only have 2 weeks left in this program before Dom turns 3 and the state drops us, but I want them to be aware that she has done almost nothing to benefit me and has been more of a bother than a help! I think this is crap especially coming from a state run program and I almost feel like it was a waste of time altogether (then I have to think I do have a great therapist, and I wouldn't have met her if I hadn't gone through this program) but you know what I mean. So any of you who have ever gone through EI programs, if you have a complaint who do you talk to? The state itself or someone in that office first? I live in Illinois..... if anyone can help I'd appreciate it!

[Alejandros Mommy]

I would complain! I can understand your frustration and I can relate.

Sounds like your Dominic has what Alejandro has...he was diagnosed with expressive and receptive delay and a speech problem...he is the same way. If you want I can give you a few tips and pointers in helping him out. I find that even now I have to consistenly fight to get funding for Alejandro.

[QueenAngie]

Yes, I would go to her supervisor with the information you have shared in your post.

She just is not on top of things she should be.

Certainly, people can have a car problem, but you needed her at this big meeting and should have been given prompts on what to expect/ask for/request. She could have even listened via telephone to help you.

The next child she sees probably will NOT have a proactive and concerned Mom like you are. Who will be in that child's corner?
Won't be this particular worker.

(((Hugs)))

[mcmama]

Special education is EXPENSIVE. So when people like this just collect their salary and do the minimum, they are piggies feeding at the public trough. Not the qualified professionals you have a right to expect. I would complain. But don't expect results. If Illinois is as corrupt as NJ, she's probably someone's relative with an iron clad contract and tenure.

What it does is put the good folks in special services on notice that you are not bamboozled. You want them to respect you because this is the beginning of partnerships with the team that will help your child. So if your complaint is verifiable, to the point, without a grudge or an ax to grind, it will be noted. And you may find that the next time you have to deal with a state agency, they take you seriously.

[twinzplus3]

Janet said exactly what I was going to say.

[slygirrl]

Thank you ladies for responding! I'm just curious if she acts this way to everyone..... Her and I just got ... I dunno it was weird like I could sense animosity as soon as I met her. I'm definetly going to complain, but who do I go to? Should I cal the office she's actually located at and talk to whomever is responsible for her, or should I just go straight to the state agency that runs this organization?

[mcmama]

I would do both. In writing. After you have everything you need from her.

[slygirrl]

I don't know how much more she can actually offer me (the school has all her reports from the evaluations). We have an IEP scheduled on Ocotber 4th and I really don't want her there. My speech therapist is going to be there with me and she knows what goals need to be set with Dominic (and we're going to keep seeing her once we do get let go form the program she's just going to use our insurance to see us then), I just don't see the point in the service person showing up when she didn't have the decency to even apologize for not being at this meeting today. I swear the more I think about it the angrier it makes me......

[Alejandros Mommy]

Ask for her not to be there...she should have all his info on his IEP (we call it IPP). There really is no need for her to be there...I have been to TONS of these meetings through the years....all it is basically is them going through their files with all the goals listed and them telling you what has worked or is not working and why. You really don't need her there if you feel uncomfortable with her.

[mommartin]

I am so sorry to hear that you are having problems with your service coordinator ours has been very helpful. I would defianlty bring it up to her supervisor so that they are aware of it and can help the next family have a better experience.