A LRE question!

[Chris too]

I love the Plexiglass Booth, Debi!!

They will be very resistant to putting their nonsense in writing - it would be proof of violation of the IDEA, so they will have to change their tune to fit the law. It really is the perfect response to say, I'd like that in writing please.

[laurasnowbird]

I answered your PM today Dawn, and then saw this thread. I understand your "guinea pig" concerns, truly I do. But as I mentioned, once you've allowed them to put you in that special ed only track, it can be VERY hard to come back.

Just because the local school doesn't have a special ed teacher doesn't mean that they can't have the INPUT of a special ed teacher in modifying the curriculum. Have them put JT on someone's caseload.

And really, since you are the first, go in there and get it the way YOU want it to be! Think about what an opportunity this is.....on the one hand, sure, they don't have any experience. But on the other hand, WOO HOO!!! They don't have any experience! They can't say "this is the way we've always done it", because they haven't done it before. YOU get to set the example, and I can't think of anyone better for the job. Start out with the basics: what services does JT currently have? What do his evaluations reveal about his strengths and challenges? If he needs PT, OT, or ST, they can be provided in class, or before or after class if you have a half-day kindy.

If you have concerns about safety, toileting, or if he's a flight risk, SAY that in your present level of performance document. It is the school's responsibility to address those concerns. If it means and aide in the classroom, then so be it. It doesn't mean the aide has to spend all their time with JT. They can step in when he needs help, and provide an extra set of hands to the teacher and help other kids when they need it. The law is clear that it isn't a violation to use special ed funds in that manner, and it poses no problem if kids without disabilities benefit from the aide.

Good luck!!! And let us know how it goes.

[Chester]

Thanks to all of you! I'm planning a glass of Sangria with my dinner tonight, and you'll all be toasted. I can't even tell you how much this helped me gel my thoughts.

I feel like I've crammed for a final exam. In my head, I've gone down roads that I hope will never appear. I think the little bit of sleep I got last night, I was dreaming about IEP's....oh the joys.

Debi, here is one of my favorite reasons the special ed director told me that JT being included into our neighborhood school with an aide is not a good thing. Currently, there is a student who is blind, and the aide does too much for the student and now the student has "independence issues". I did ask how this was the students fault my answer back was zippo, nothing, silence, which I broke by saying "hmmm sounds like the aide needs some training" The director told me that was only one case, there are many many more, but back to the case in point.......

Dawn