I need opinons, advice.
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I need opinons, advice.
| Sun, 01-13-2008 - 8:42pm |
So, just when I thought everything was going so well with Tom's new school placement and that things were going to get finalized and we'd be set...I get a phone call tonight (on a Sunday)

I would keep him there too Heather.
In the long run where would Tom gain the most skills?
As you likely know I teach one of those preschool classes with 1/2 typical and 1/2 special needs children. My kids also all went to a program like that so I have a bit of experience with them.
I have some questions; 1) What does his current classroom look like? Is it a typical K? Is it special ed? Integrated? What supports does he currently have in that placement? It sounds like it may be a day treatment type of placement? Gotta say that brings up concerns of its own for me.
2) How long has he been in this new placement?
3) Is he making progress (other than the academic) in this placement or have they not given it enough time? I see he is making progress they cannot make him leave btw because his progress shows that he is benifiting from this placement.
4) Have you taken a look at the preschool class they are considering?
5) How old is he (young K or old) and has he had preschool experience previously? was it any good or specialized?
It has been my experience EVEN with a child with SEVERE transition issues that moving to an appropriate placement is always less stressful on them than making them stay in an innappropriate one.
I would take a look at the new placement at least and see what it is like. See if it is a good match and what is the best match for him. Where he would make the most progress. Keep an open mind until you at least observe the classroom and program. I have known kids who have been retained in the past or had placement changes and if it was a good move there was no long term deficit to it all.
Again, you do mention he likes his teacher and is making progress. that will be enough info really to fight a fight to keep him there if you want. It sounds like the principal is caring since he even called on a Sunday so I would take that as they do have his best interest at heart at least. Weigh out all the possibilities before making a decision.
Also, I have to say, what you are telling me with therapists in the afternoon, etc. it sounds like a day treatment program here for kids with emotional disturbances. I have seen classrooms and programs like that many times. The class next door to mine is one of these, I have had a friends son placed in a day treatment and I have been a surrogate IEP parent at a few of these schools. Often they have many older kids with some severe behavioral challenges. I would be very concerned with having a young ASD child in that kind of environment. It is almost NEVER an appropriate placement for our kids even with wonderful teachers. It is just a totally different mileiu and learning style and unfortunately too often our ASD kids are targets and they often are little parrots for inappropriate behaviors.
Just my 2 cents.
Well Renee knows more about this stuff than I ever will so I defer to her.
However, I
visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com
The Vomit test.....ROFLMAO!!!
Yeah, what she said.
Can I tell a little story related to this all. When Cait was going into kindie the school was offering this special language delayed classroom. It sounded FANTASTIC on paper and we were gung ho. Until I visited it. OMG it did NOT pass the vomit test. We actually went to mediation to get Cait included in a mainstream placement because I was THAT appalled with the teacher. Had I not visited the class I would have made the hugest mistake of my life and put her in that classroom.
On the reverse, when searching for a program for Mr. Mike last year we had appointments for many placements but fell in love with the first one. We (myself, Mike and our program specialist) just KNEW it was the perfect fit for him and didn't even finish our visits.
I am about to start the same adventure for the last time for Cait. She transitions to high school next year and one last time I have to go visit programs to find the appropriate placement. I have a few in mind. I think I shall take Paulas list with me laminated on a card, lol.
Renee
Hi Heather,
On your post #4, is there a way that he can go to school half day(in the new placement)
Renee,
Heather, I am quoting you below, don't know how to quote on this board....
He has been at this current placement for 2 weeks.