rainbow62
here is a link I hope it helps
http://www.ed.gov/parents/needs/spec...ide/index.html

My son has had one since age 4
Yes the teacher can make all the difference
You can request a meeting anytime
they I think have to answer in 30 days
Your child is usually evaluated once a year
With a totally over all one every 3 years
Sometimes helps to get outside advise
as I did with my son
The school payed for it
My Dr was involved
My son is now 17 and still has a iep
I am not going to say its a easy road as it is not
If you need a parent advocate there should be one at the meeting
Always helps to bring someone with you to the meetings too
sometimes you will have to really push to get what your son needs
good luck
muffy
hope the link helps

I edited for spelling