for kids that aren't mainstreamed...

[Ericsmomma]

I have Eric in a special education school. He is in a classroom with about 7-8 other special needs children, with various diagnosis. His teacher and the classroom aide are excellant, but somewhat overwhelmed with behavior issues from some of the kids. What I worry about is the lack of peer interactiion. I know Eric learns so much from my "typical" grandaughters (who live with us). I fear he isn't getting this type of learning in the classroom this year. I love the kids in his room, and Eric has a special bond with some of them, but I worry about the isolation from typically developing kids. Thoughts?

[momofrussell]

Is this class at a special school or a classroom inside your local public school? Most of our classrooms are at our local schools so even though Russell is totally self contained, he does see the typical peers and does to into the 3rd grade room for story time some days. It's all based on the IEP so if Eric needs some typical peer interaction, then I'd hold and IEP meeting and request it. Heck, they can even bring kids into YOUR classroom... our other district did that and the kiddos in the sped room loved it!!!

A.

[Ericsmomma]

A.
Eric is in a special needs school....all the classes are special education, except they do have a preschool program that has special needs and typical developing students. But starting in kindergarten, the classes are all self-contained. I just worry because there are alot of behavioral issues in Eric's class..kids acting out, etc, (and I'm sure my guy does his share), but I would like him to see some appropriate behavior too. They learn so much from other kids. Maybe I'm overreacting, but I don't see much progress with him, so I'm wondering if he needs a change. I was actually thinking of homeschooling him, and meeting up with other homeschool families in our area for socialization, but I'm finding increasingly difficult to stay home from work due to some unexpected financial obligations....(it was nice while it lasted).
And I can't "downsize" too much, cuz of family situations. I might check out our home district special needs classes in local elementary school, but I know they are not happy he's not potty trained. Basically told me its not "do-able" in the school setting. Sigh....couldn't somethings go right! What about that EASY BUTTON I see on TV? I could sure use one right now!

[Chris too]

Dolly, I wouldn't think you'd have to homeschool to hook up with homeschooling groups, unless the meeting times coincide with school time. Another thought is to add something to Eric's schedule that would allow him the appropriate interactions. Like karate or dance lessons - my little guys love the dance classes! Or there may be an kid's crafts group or you could do swimming lessons at the Y. You get the idea. Of course that would only add a positive element. If you are more concerned about the negatives, then you will need to change his placement, and I think you are right that checking the home district sn classes would be a good starting place.

What about that EASY BUTTON?? LMBO!!! Thanks for the chuckle to start my day off right, Dolly

Chris too

[twosomy21]

where can i get the easy button? i would look at other classes. both my kids are i a SDC and interact with others at recess and assembleys(sp) but i would be more concerned with who he is spending most of the day with-i know it is difficult to not to encounter a behavior in a sdc or anywhere eles but i think it would be time for that good old game we play of" placement hunting"
i don't understand why they are making him be potty trained that should not be a requirment so kinda strange,but i am in troubl since loren(4) is not fully trained

[momofrussell]

Dolly.. I don't have time to read your whole post but NO public school district can tell you your child w/spec needs can't go to their school because he isn't potty trained.... they just can't

A.

[carolyn]

I would look into the whole integration thing, for all the reasons you mentioned. John is almost 9 and has always gone to his home elementary school with pull out to the special ed room. He has learned so much, especailly in the "appropriate " behavior dept... He shares an assistant with 2 other children, she is very hands off, just keeps an eye on him and keeps him on task. I think your guy would even potty train faster when he sees what everybody else is doing- regular peers are a great motivator. Obviously I don't know your exact situation, but even if he isn't ready for full time in "regular" building, he can certainly travel between the two schools-/classrooms. I have found that nobody really willingly tells you all your options, you have to know what questions to ask. Start with the special ed dept. in your local public school district- Most of our special ed here in Michigan is handled through the Intermediate school district, but I have kept John a student of our local school district and we share services. Good luck- You always know what is best for your own child-

[Kristin]

My daughter has always been in a special day class located within a "regular" elementary school. Much of social interractions have occurred during PE, music, library, and intermural sports. She also goes to the school's daycare. My daughter was not fully potty trained until age 8 1/2. The school always had an aide trained to help her clean-up and change if I provided changes of clothes and pull-ups. Eventually, she changed herself at school until she finally began telling the teacher she needed to use the restroom. Our elementary schools run their own daycares. My daughter's program manager helped me get her a spot in the daycare after we were turned down by private daycares due to the lack of potty training. Even in the daycare they have provided a "shadow" aide who redirects behavior as needed, reminds her to use the restroom, and helps change her as necessary. The same aide has also helped with homework and drilled flash cards. Now that my daugher is potty trained, I'm waiting for them to tell me the aide is no longer necessary. Additionally, our regional center paid for "My Gym" or "Gymboree" once a week for social and physical skills when she was younger.

[mydsgirl]

My daughter Emma is in a Special Ed classroom within our public elementary school. They had her placed in the lowest functioning class at the beginning of the year and I felt she wasn't getting any good peer modeling. I had her moved to the next class up and she is doing beautifully. She can not do most of the academics but she is learning how to stay in her seat, to wear her hearing aids all day, how to be a friend......

I believe peer modeling is very important to our children. By the way, Emma is six and she is not potty trained yet. They help her with that there.

Good luck in your decision.
Leah

[ALLISA]

lots of ideas here....not sure I have anything new to add other than look at EVERY school and class within a 20 mile radius...I'm serious ! If she is already in a completely seperate environment and her IEP team has determined that is what she needs, then look at all the diffenet schools.

Erin went out of public in October.....the school that our district wanted to send her to sounds like yours....lots of behaviors ( which Erin has, too), but almost NO role models. I continued and after many tours found this one that is a great mix for us. Her behaviors are not shocking to anyone and there are FABULOUS students who are great role models for her.

I echo what others alrady said....no way a public school can say no due to pottying issues....but that tells me.....EVERYTHING will be a fight there....wether or not you are up for the fight and wether or not the fight will be worth it.....is your choice and decision.

Best of luck to you !

I also want to add that I was tearful and reluctant to accept the out of district placement for my daughter and tried everything I could think of to make public successful.....now.....I know this school she is in is the RIGHT fight for HER. I see progress and a happy child. If you don't see that....then look at all your options !

[ALLISA]

By the way Dolly....didn't really answer your original questions.....

No, I wouldn't worry that those in a special ed environmnet are missing out on social interaction with their peers. School is only 30 or so hours a week. They have plenty of time after school to see kids at the park, at recreational sporting stuff, at church, etc etc.....

School should be about learning and getting that foundation.....time at home is perfect for the other stuff......just MHO !

[Chris]

Dolly,

I also have my daughter in the most restrictive environment, a self-contained special ed school.  (actually, being home-schooled is considered most restrictive, I believe).  I struggle with our decision all the time.

I love Sarah's teacher.  She is young, open to new ideas and has lots of energy.  I like most of the staff with the exception of the school psychologist.    

I know Sarah is learning and making tons of progress.  She is probably about average performing in her class.  What I love about her class is the kids love each other so much.  They genuinely care about each other and are thrilled to see each other every morning. 

I want Sarah to have lifelong friendships and keeping her in the special ed school is one way to help her maintain those friendships.  I know isolation and depression is a big problem for adults with Ds.  I may be very close minded but I don't see adults with Ds hanging out with typical adult friends.  I do know three adult men with Ds who are best friends and have gone to school together since they were in early intervention.  They literally light up when they see each other.  I want that for Sarah.

On the other hand, I want Sarah to learn appropriate behavior and the nuances of what is acceptable in the typical world.  I know what is considered hilarious behavior in her classroom may be construed as odd when she is with typical peers.  Of course, her typical peers think it is very odd that Sarah's speech is so delayed.  Even though she is the size of a typical 6 year old, kids still ask me if she is a baby.     Sarah is a kid magnet and most kids still will play with her when we go to McDonalds or other kid places.  I just don't know how much longer that will last.We keep

Sarah in the age appropriate class at Sunday school.  I would love to put her in a dance class or swimming but just can't seem to find the time with all her other activites (horse therapy, private OT and ST). 


I think Eric has a huge advantage because he is living with typical kids.  I wish we had that for Sarah.


Chris

[Ericsmomma]

Thanks so much for the feedback...alot of good thoughts and ideas.