Opening up New Opportunities with Pediatric Therapy in Spanish!

Let us reinvent your workforce for the better. Expect to receive effective and reliable staffing solutions from us.

Positive Relationships

Because METROstaffing is therapist-owned and operated, we know how important your needs are. We will handle finding and retaining your therapist and supporting them clinically so you are free to focus on running your facility!

By working with METROstaffing, we take care of everything and immediately begin to reduce your costs at the outset of our relationship.

Your facility will no longer bear the concerns and overhead for items such as pensions, disability insurance, healthcare, and administrative costs. Our experience shows an average savings of 8–10%, in payroll alone for each full-time employee.

We provide maternity, medical leave, and FMLA coverage for all of your related service needs: Speech, OT, PT, Psych & Special Ed Teachers.

We provide therapists for part and full time and can also cover both short and long term placements. We also offer Tele-Therapy services that can be used as a bridge until a ‘live’ therapist is procured; to keep students in IEP compliance and prohibit litigation possibilities.

Building A Better Business

We have developed a highly successful model that enables facilities and therapists to work together in ways that benefit both parties. Granting job satisfaction for the therapist translates into the longevity of your facility.

We provide therapists for part and full time and can also cover both short and long term placements.

From our web-based billing and payroll system to our clinical support team, we support our therapists completely so your time and effort can be directed to other areas of your business.

Innovative Remote Services

METROstaffing offers unique Tele-Practice Therapy services for rural, remote, and underserved communities, as well as to culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Through the application of telecommunication technologies, we can provide therapy services at a distance.

If your facility falls into one of these categories or if you would like more information on this great service, call us today! We would love to answer your questions about our other services such as teletherapy and pediatric therapy in Metropolitan Detroit.

A Comprehensive Guide for Parents on the Individualized Education Program

Navigating the world of special education can be overwhelming for parents, especially when faced with terms and processes that are unfamiliar but crucial for their child's education. One of the most crucial tools in supporting children with developmental needs is the Individualized Education Plan (IEP). But what exactly is an IEP, and how can it benefit your child? In this post, we’ll break down the IEP process into four essential points to help you understand how it works and how it can support your child’s educational journey. Plus, we’ll highlight how MetroEHS Pediatric Therapy leverages IEPs to providecomprehensive care for families.

1. Understanding the Basics: What Is an IEP?

An IEP, or Individualized Education Program, is a legally binding document developed for children who qualify for special education services in public schools. The child's IEP outlines specific educational goals, the services the child will receive, and the setting in which those services will be delivered. The IEP is designed to meet the unique needs of each student and is developed by a team that includes parents, teachers, school administrators, and specialists. The IEP is mandated by federal law to ensure that children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education tailored to their unique needs.

An IEP is provided for students who are aged 3-26 in the state of Michigan. This is Part B of IDEA which is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, a federal law that provides free public education and special services to children with disabilities. IDEA entitles children to special education services if their disability significantly impacts their ability to access education, and if a specially designed program is needed. Part C of IDEA includes a special education law that governs special education programs and services for children who are birth to 3 years old. Special needs children in this age grouping and their families receive an Individualized Family Service Plan, and parents/caregivers are integral to the assessment and intervention process. This program is often called “Early On”.

At MetroEHS Pediatric Therapy, our specialists understand the critical role an IEP plays in a child’s education. We work closely with families and school districts to ensure that the IEP aligns with the child’s developmental goals, ensuring a smooth transition between therapy and the classroom environment.

2. The Evaluation Process: How Does It Start?

The IEP process begins with an initial evaluation with a MET (Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team). The MET only includes the required personnel for areas being assessed, which always includes a district representative, and a general education teacher in addition to other special education staff (special education teacher, speech and language pathologist, occupational therapist, and teacher consultants). This initial evaluation is a crucial step in the special education process to assess whether a child qualifies for special education services. In order to be eligible for special education programs and services, the child must have needs that pose an adverse academic impact.  If your child has been diagnosed with a developmental disorder, such as autism, you should contact your local school district to request a special education evaluation. If parents disagree with the school's evaluation, they have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at the school district's expense. This request must be made in writing, as it ensures a documented trail of your efforts to seek assistance.

Once the request is made, the school district has 30 school days to complete the initial evaluation. MetroEHS is proud to assist families during this process, offering insights and support to ensure that every evaluation considers the child’s full range of needs.

3. Developing the IEP: Collaborating for Special Education Services Success

Once the evaluation is complete and eligibility is confirmed, the IEP team—including parents, teachers, and specialists—convenes for an IEP meeting to develop the IEP. During the IEP meeting, various school personnel, including teachers and administrators, collaborate to create a plan that addresses the child's unique needs. The plan outlines specific goals for the school year, the type of classroom environment the child will be placed in, and any additional services they will receive to support the child's educational development. An IEP meeting should be held at least once per year and can occur more often at the discretion of any IEP team member.  

At MetroEHS, we emphasize the importance of parental involvement in this process. Parents are the experts on their child’s needs, and their input is crucial in creating an effective IEP. We work with families to ensure their voices are heard, advocating for the services and accommodations that will best support their child’s growth and learning.

4. Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustments: Keeping the IEP Relevant under the Disabilities Education Act

An IEP is not a static document; it is reviewed annually and adjusted as needed to reflect the child's educational progress and any changes in their needs. Every three years, a full reevaluation is conducted to reassess the child’s eligibility and to update the IEP accordingly. However, parents can request an IEP review at any time if they feel the current plan isn’t meeting their child’s needs. The 3 year Reevaluation may be waived,  and the child’s eligibility at that time may be continued. This occurs if there is not a concern about the child’s eligibility, (e.g., the child’s condition is chronic).

MetroEHS is dedicated to ongoing collaboration with schools and families. We monitor the effectiveness of the IEP and make recommendations for adjustments when necessary. This commitment ensures that the child receives the most appropriate education and therapeutic services at every stage of their development.

MetroEHS: Your Partner in the IEP Process with a Special Education Teacher

At MetroEHS Pediatric Therapy, we are committed to helping children with developmental needs reach their full potential. We understand that the IEP is a vital tool in achieving this goal, and we work tirelessly to support families through every step of the process. From initial evaluations to IEP development and ongoing adjustments, our team is here to provide the expertise and advocacy needed to ensure your child’s success in school and beyond.

The best start for your child is for a family member or caregiver to contact their local school district to get the IEP ball rolling. They can call their district’s special education department and seek an evaluation/support as needed.  

The Procedural Safeguards is a document given to parents/caregivers at every special education meeting. This includes specific guidance for special education for children in Michigan. You can access this information here: State of Michigan's Website

If you’re seeking more information about the IEP process or need support navigating special education services, contact MetroEHS today. Our experienced professionals are ready to assist you in unlocking the full potential of your child’s educational journey.

Social Skills CLUB – Conversation, Listening, & Understanding Basics!

Social distancing doesn’t have to keep students from connecting with peers!

MetroEHS has created an online social skills group for Elementary,Middle, and High School students in Michigan with Autism, Asperger’s, Pragmatic Language Delay, or other difficulties with social skills. The group is designed to encourage peer interaction and is facilitated by a Speech-Language Pathologist.

Sign up Middle/High School students for a group focusing on online social skills like online learning, social media, and peer conversation. Elementary students will learn emotion identification and regulation and conversational skills like listening and appropriate responding!

Elementary School Students – Tuesday’s at 4pm
Course Goal: Elementary School students will learn and develop skills in listening and emotion regulation and perception, and build confidence and competence when talking to friends.
Topics covered will include: Emotion identification & empathy in others, Personal emotion regulation, “Self-talk”, Listening skills, Initiating and ending conversations, Reciprocal conversation skills

Middle/High School Students – Tuesday’s at 5pm
Course Goal: Middle School and High School students will learn how to effectively and appropriately participate and communicate in online learning, social media, and conversations with peers and in groups that take place online or on the phone.
Topics covered will include: Appropriate social media participation, Reciprocal phone conversation, Behavior during online learning, Conversation skills with peers in groups and individually

Dates: May 26-June 30, 6 weeks
Cost: $150

Who: Elementary, Middle, and High School students in Michigan with Autism, Asperger’s, Pragmatic Language Delay, or other difficulties with social skills

This 6-week online course begins May 26th!

Contact / Call to Reserve Your Child’s Spot Today!