Starting the school battle...help?

[myangelsaliandsadi]

Unfortunately I know that this will be a battle before I even really begin.

9 out of 10 of the schools in our area have no inclusion. They bring the special ed students all into the kindergarten class once a month to watch a movie...and that's it. The one really good program is being shut down as we speak.

I am working on researching the laws, ect. (Any good links on Federal Mandates 504, IDEA, and No Child Left Behind would be great.) In preparing to do battle with the school district this fall. Ali turned 3 in February, and we plan to start her in preschool this fall when the school year starts again.

I am just looking for any veteran tips from those who have done this before. Our local DS group is doing battle with the district over the closed program..... but it likely won't make a difference for Ali.

I am looking into all preschool options at this point.... to see what I can find. I'm especially concerned about after preschool as the options then are even more limited. I'm also not thrilled with the recent supreme court rulings which make this even more difficult. I'm really thinking that home schooling with playgroups for social skills is better... but that is because that is easier for me.

Thanks in advance.

[momofrussell]

Hey Chelsea... go into our IEP/ED forum, there are some good links there. I would also use www.nichcy.org, there is www.wrightslaw.com and also cruise around your state's dept of ed, spec ed section and get a feel for things there. What state do you live in again? I would also even learn who in your district and county handle the spec ed stuff, as well as a coordinator that might be helping you through this process. Although you don't want to be snippy or rude... you want to just politely stand your ground and point out you'd like inclusion for your daughter. I'd go see ALL options... and if they ONLY tell you "self contained" is the ONLY option... I'd politely ASK them to see an inclusion option. If they say NO, we don't HAVE one and all kids go "here", I'd then politely REASK in writing... that you'd like to see an inclusion placement option because you feel it would be LRE and "appropriate". Never use words like "BEST placement" ect...nor throw out "THE LAW SAYS, SO YOU HAVE TO" when doing this.... placement only has to be appropriate and LRE... WHICH is INCLUSION.. and if you throw the law in there, they CAN accuse you of practicing a law without a license. This was advised to us at our recent workshop.

Also.... the local DSA getting involved can help... but IF your district is backwards and not addressing the law accordingly... a good ole walk into mediation and due process might be what it will take. So... be prepared... if you want inclusion... and you are willing to fight for it... which... your daughter IS entitled to... then do it!

Civil Rights wise... they can't lump and throw ALL kids with disabilities into a "one size fits all" room and that is that. Even though they DO.. they shouldn't/can't say "All kids w/____ go here". That could really be a civil rights issue because they are catagorizing all kids with disabilties.... and... therefore... is NOT individualized! A program is based on the child's "individualized needs" NOT based on DX and/or program the district offers.

And... now for my shameless book plug like always LMAO... Go buy and read "From Emotions to Advocacy" from Pam and Pete Wright. You can get it at some bookstores and on
www.wrightslaw.com

Good luck! Let me know if I can help in any other way!!!

A.

[tworiveras]

I don't know about Utah, but in Mesa, AZ, the Head Start Program gives priority to children with disabilities. They are required to have a certain percentage of slots available at each site for children with special needs. The children that qualify with special needs DO NOT have to meet the income limitations.
That might take care of the preschool issue at least.

Karen

[Claire]

I'm from Canada but some of these links are American, so you may find something you need.

[ftp]www.inclusion.com/forestcentre.html

[/ftp]

[ftp]www.inclusion.com[/ftp]

Hope this helps.

[momofrussell]

Yes, Head Start is a great "inclusion" option And yes, all states have to allow for a certain percentage of "spec needs" students and it doesn't depend on income. We looked into that for Russell back in IL but for him he needed "more restrictive".

A.

[mommygwen]

We have two children who need special education. For us it made sense to move.
If you do try to fix education in your area to what it should be you may need to be very persistent. Ask the same question over and over. Some people who say "no" are not in a position where they can say "yes". Try not to waste time on them. And keep asking for advise and help. Some body may know some one else who can help.

[steffipoo]

wow I am so sorry to hear of your dilemma. Do you have what we have here called the regional center?? I agree that you must start asking asking asking everyone everywhere. The best advice is findoing other parents of kids with ds. See what they did or what they are doing. Someone somewhere in your area must have set some sort of PRECEDENT that you can use when you request what you want. Olivia attended a state preschool associated with an elementary school. it was a collaborative preschool program with a total of 60 students in all (between all the classes and 10 sp ed students. So 50 typical 10 sp ed. Liv was the first child with ds to attend the program and was BY FAR the most cognitivetly delayed but they adored her taught her with all the kids and Liv is 8 now and they still have her picture on the wall. She had a blast research research research... ((HUGS))) if you need some help lemme know. Where do u live? Steff