'Just Wait and See' Nearly Cost Our Son's Future: Avon Lake IEP Myths Busted

"Just wait and see," the school psychologist said, her voice calm but firm, as the heavy scent of rain seeped through the cracked window of the Avon Lake elementary office. It was October 14th, 2019, a chilly afternoon where the hum of fluorescent lights mingled with the distant rumble of thunder. I gripped the worn leather armrest of the chair, cold seeping into my fingertips, while my son sat quietly beside me, his small hands fidgeting with the frayed edge of his jacket sleeve. That phrase—"just wait and see"—felt like a ticking clock, each second threatening to steal precious time we could never get back.

As a military family used to structure and swift action, hearing this advice felt like hitting a wall. But it’s a story many Avon Lake parents know all too well: the myths and misunderstandings that surround IEPs and special education can delay critical support, sometimes with real costs to our kids’ futures.

Today, I want to bust those myths wide open, share what we learned navigating the Avon Lake City Schools system, and celebrate the victories that come when you refuse to wait and see.

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It was a chilly October morning in Avon Lake, the kind where the crisp air sharpens every worry. We sat in the small, fluorescent-lit office of the school’s guidance counselor, clutching each other’s hands, trying to make sense of the growing concerns about our son, Ethan. He was in second grade, but his struggles with reading and focusing were becoming impossible to ignore. Teachers mentioned he seemed "a bit behind," but the phrase that echoed most painfully was, "Just wait and see."

Those three words felt like a slow, heavy weight pressing down on our hopes. We left that meeting with a knot in our stomachs, unsure if we were being overly anxious or if something more serious was being overlooked. The phrase “just wait and see” was repeated by several school staff members, a common refrain in Avon Lake City Schools when parents raise early concerns.

"Just wait and see"—a phrase that can feel like a door closing before it even opens.

But waiting wasn’t harmless for us. It delayed our request for an IEP evaluation, a critical step that could have opened doors to the support Ethan desperately needed. Instead, those months of waiting stretched on, and with each passing day, Ethan’s frustration grew—and so did ours. We felt stuck between trusting the school’s advice and trusting our instincts as parents.

The emotional toll was profound. Every "just wait and see" felt like a dismissal of our worries, a subtle message that our concerns weren’t urgent or valid. We questioned ourselves constantly: Were we pushing too hard? Was this just a phase? But deep down, we knew something wasn’t right.

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Imagine a military family like ours, constantly moving and adapting, landing in Avon Lake with hopes for a smooth transition. The stakes felt even higher because we knew that military families are entitled to expedited special education evaluations—within 30 days instead of the usual 60—to accommodate our unique challenges (eisenhower.armymwr.com). Yet, that right felt buried beneath layers of "wait and see" advice.

The consequences of waiting became painfully clear. Ethan’s difficulties weren’t just academic—they affected his self-esteem, his friendships, and our family’s peace of mind. The delay in evaluation meant delayed access to tailored support through the Avon Lake City Schools' Department of Pupil Services, which offers comprehensive special education resources (avonlakecityschools.org).

We learned that the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires schools to evaluate students suspected of having a disability within 60 days of receiving parental consent (theintentionaliep.com), but that clock doesn’t start ticking until parents push for it.

This myth—that waiting is sometimes the best course—is a subtle form of gatekeeping that can cost precious time and opportunities for neurodivergent children. The "just wait and see" trap is more than a harmless delay; it’s a barrier that parents in Avon Lake and beyond must learn to recognize and challenge.

Looking back, the hardest part was feeling isolated in our doubts, unsure if we were overreacting or being dismissed. But our wake-up call came when we realized waiting was not an option—it was a risk we couldn’t afford to take.

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"We were told, 'You have to try a 504 Plan first before even thinking about an IEP.'" That line echoed in Sarah’s mind during her first meeting with the Avon Lake City Schools' Department of Pupil Services. It was a common misconception that nearly derailed their journey to getting the right support for their son, Max.

Here’s the truth:

• You don’t have to try a 504 Plan before qualifying for special education services.
• A child suspected of having a disability can be referred directly for a special education evaluation without first exhausting 504 accommodations (avonlakecityschools.org).
• The 504 Plan and IEP serve different purposes, and one isn’t a mandatory stepping stone to the other.

Imagine this conversation:

"But I thought we had to try the 504 plan first," Sarah said, frustration creeping into her voice.

"That's a common myth," her advocate explained gently. "You can request an evaluation for an IEP directly if you believe your child needs specialized instruction. The 504 plan is for accommodations, but it’s not a prerequisite."

This misunderstanding isn’t just a minor hiccup—it’s a barrier that can leave families stuck in limbo, anxious and unsure whether to push forward or wait.

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Many parents in Avon Lake dread the drawn-out evaluation process, fearing their child’s needs will go unmet for months or even years. But the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates that schools complete evaluations within 60 days of receiving parental consent (theintentionaliep.com).

For military families, who often face unique challenges due to frequent moves, Avon Lake City Schools offers an expedited evaluation timeline of 30 days to accommodate their needs (eisenhower.armymwr.com).

Take the case of the Johnson family, stationed near Avon Lake. When they requested an evaluation for their daughter, Emma, they were relieved to learn about the 30-day timeline. "It felt like a race against time," Mrs. Johnson recalled, "but knowing there was a clear deadline gave us hope."

Yet, despite these timelines, some parents still feel lost about who to contact first. That confusion amplifies stress and can cause delays in accessing services.

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David Schindler, the Director of Pupil Services and Section 504 Coordinator for Avon Lake City Schools, is the go-to contact for questions about Section 504 procedures and accommodations (avonlakecityschools.org).

One parent shared, "I was overwhelmed and didn't know who to call. When I finally reached David Schindler's office, they walked me through every step. It was like a weight lifted off my shoulders."

Knowing who to talk to and what to expect can give you a newfound sense of control. The timeline becomes no longer a vague guess but a concrete deadline.

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If you’re navigating the IEP process in Avon Lake, here are some steps to take:

1. Reach out early to the Avon Lake City Schools' Department of Pupil Services if you have concerns about your child's development or learning.
2. Know your rights: You don’t have to try a 504 Plan before requesting an IEP evaluation.
3. Ask clear questions at meetings:
   • "What specific evaluations will be conducted?"
   • "How will the results affect my child's services?"
   • "Can you explain the difference between a 504 Plan and an IEP?"
4. Keep track of timelines: Remember, evaluations should be completed within 60 days of your consent, or 30 days if you’re a military family.
5. Contact David Schindler for guidance on Section 504 accommodations or evaluation procedures.
6. Use tools like NeuroMule to organize meetings, documents, and deadlines. One dad said, "NeuroMule became my midnight companion when I was drowning in paperwork."

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Waiting can feel like the safest choice when you're overwhelmed, but as we've seen, it can also cost precious time and opportunities for your child's growth and success. Trusting your instincts isn’t just okay—it’s necessary. When something doesn’t sit right, don’t hesitate to seek out accurate information and advocate confidently for your child.

You’re not alone on this journey. Tools like NeuroMule can be a game-changer, helping you organize all the details, track progress, and reduce the mental load that comes with navigating the IEP process in Avon Lake City Schools. By lightening your load, NeuroMule lets you focus on what truly matters: supporting your child every step of the way.

Take that step today—because your child’s future deserves nothing less than your full, informed advocacy.