Community Based Instruction

[Chester]

Just curious what age your children started Community Based Instruction at school?

Dawn

[Connie]

What exactly is community based instruction?

Connie

[CC]

"A unique opportunity for students to develop functional skills in naturally occurring settings. Community based instruction is an essential programming component, and is directly related to IEP goals and objectives. Whether implementing functional academic skills, addressing embedded communication, mobility and social skills, or transitioning to adult life, carefully designed instruction is tailored to meet each student’s needs and to provide access to the local community. While our students are learning, community awareness of persons with disabilities has been heightened, opened new doors and expanded the possibilities for students. Many partnerships have been established with area businesses and neighborhood organizations. Service learning opportunities are also available for some students to acquire job readiness skills by working in various volunteer jobs or paid employment. Additionally, community based learning offers a wider range of skills that can not be taught within the boundaries of classroom walls. It fosters maximum growth, integration, self-determination and greater levels of independence for a lifetime of learning."

Least thats how I know it to be. Chris is 14 and they are just starting this year for him.


CC

[Chester]

Thanks CC, yep.

One of the big hang-ups the special ed director had at our IEP meeting the other day, was that if JT were in "typical" kindy half a day, and in spec. ed the other 1/2 day that JT would miss CBI, every three weeks. (Now that I step back, his reasoning is scheduling, the whole spec. ed. class is gone, and there would be no where for JT to go, or so spec. ed director was implying.)

I told him I didn't think it was important for a kindy to go into the community like that, that's our families job. I seriously haven't heard of it before Jr. High/Middle School.

The DH and I were talking, and we're going to address CBI directly as to "why so young?" with the school, but I wondered what ages others were starting.

I can feel round 2 of kindy IEP meetings coming soon.

Dawn

[Connie]

Dawn,

They tried to put Collin into a very simular program when he was 5. In this class they taught eating skills, shopping skills and appropriate behavior in public, etc.... But, they labelled it a moderate program.

For me...this was not a class for Collin because those were skills that are my responsibility to teach him as his mother.

I felt at his age I was not ready to give up on a typical education with his peers.

Connie

[chasesmom]

Dawn....I read your thread on the BB and when I got to the part about CBI I apologize for sitting here laughing...it wasn't at you, it was at the ignorance of your spec ed director. He must not know you or think he is dealing with a non educated parent. SURPRISE ;D ;D ;D ;D coming for him I thinks!!!!!!!!!!
In Michigan CBI is a state mandated law.....which is to begin by age 14 to 16. Chase is starting CBI this year going into 9th grade. I am somehow not sure your kindergartener is going to get much from CBI, grocery shopping to comparison shop prices?Volunteer work? Job training? Please tell him to go take a flying leap from a helicopter for me would you? If he is trying to wiggle his way out of kindy for you, he is doing a pathetic job.
HUGE HUGS and you remember, this is your babe, to him it is nothing more than another kid to save money on and not be bothered with...politely show him to the door.
Robin

[Chris too]

Go get 'em, Dawn. They are messing with the wrong person!

It is appalling that they would stoop to using fear tactics to manipulate you into their plan . It does make me wonder why they are trying so hard to push JT into their mold - maybe they see a hole in their d**e - if they can't get it plugged, who knows what can happen?? Maybe real inclusion!

Best wishes,
Chris

[momofrussell]

Well, I don't know if it's the same thing or not but in our old district in Russell's kindy class (his 1st placement) they had what was called "community access" but it was just a SPED fancy word for "field trip". What was good was that being in this class they did every few weeks or so... and did a field trip to various places.... but the kids were soooo young (k-2) that when they went to some place like a pizza place to make pizza, it was FUN for the kids... they didn't really think they were "learning to make pizza" LOL

But... in the second placement, same district, they didn't do their "community access" as much. But they did.

In kindy they did sped scounting too and they didn't in the second placement.

I also don't do this stuff in the new district we are in at all. I have found all districts AND even schools within the district do things different. AND...it's STILL a field trip really...so you can sign to have your child NOT go for the day

Is this the same thing you are all talking about or something different?

A.

[CC]

For us its NOT a field trip type thing its part of his weekly school week every week BUT he is 14 so I have no idea on the kindy thing.

Dawn just a suggestion BUT have you asked them exactly what this would entail for a kindy child.

CC ~

[Chester]

The school is calling it CBI, community based instruction. It's SUPPOSE to be where the students go into the community and put into real life situations what they have learned. I just can't imagine for Kindy's that it can be anymore than a field trip every three weeks.

I was just curious to see when other schools began community whatever they may call it.

The other night, while I was trying to sleep, I was dreaming IEP's again...sigh....and I woke up enough to write down what is really truly bugging me.

The school decided long before JT was tested, or they had even put a face to his name that because of his LABEL...DS, that he is trainable, not educable....thus their big push for full day spec. ed with no inclusion opps...thus their community training. I still say how in the world can they train him to spend money when he's still learning to count?! As a family, we expose JT to more than the average 5 year old.

I'm not opposed to CBI. At this point in JT's school career, I just don't feel it's appropriate.

Thanks to all for your input and thoughts!
Dawn

[CC]

"I still say how in the world can they train him to spend money when he's still learning to count?!"

Hmmmm I would like to know that too Inquiring minds would love to know how they answered that ? to you??

Just wanted to mention that Chris although is DS and classified as MH (Multiple Handicap) is listed as "educable...." so for them to go on just the DS is silly KWIM

Man on Man your district sounds like the worst, I say show them the way

Best of Luck to you.

CC ~

[haleysmom2]

This I believe is call "life skills" in my area. Haley is headed to middle school and "they" suggested this was the best "fit" for Haley. I disagree - had her IEP yesterday and only "academic" teachers/people attended! Yeah, no battle!! BUT at the end of the day, I picked up Haley and told her teacher (our coordinator) NOT to suggest the "life skills" program except in extreme cases. Really not a great placement. Her response floored me - "Oh I never saw the actual program, just going by what my director told me". WHAT - she recommended a 3 year program as the best fit and NEVER even saw the actual progam??? Kills me!