The Lunchroom Saga continues

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-18-2006
The Lunchroom Saga continues
3
Mon, 09-17-2007 - 6:37pm

I got my daily e-mail from E's teacher today and it has me fuming.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-25-2003
Mon, 09-17-2007 - 7:23pm

Brook,


I know it is morally wrong, but I don't know if it is legal or not!


I feel the same way you do. It is not fair to Emily to separate her from her peers just because *they* want an easier life. I think it falls under classroom (OK school) functioning and if necessary should be formally accomodated in her IEP with an aide, lunch bunch

-Paula

visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-25-2007
Tue, 09-18-2007 - 4:42am
It sounds like her moving back and forth might be her way of trying to slowly integrate with her peers and then return to her safety zone. This should be applauded not punished. I think she should be allowed to continue to seek out a level of interaction that is comfortable to her and as long as she is not disruptive as she moves,
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-03-2004
Tue, 09-18-2007 - 8:46am

This should be addressed on your daughter's IEP, assuming she has one. This falls under the area of socialization, which the school must provide assistance as per her disability. This is not a matter to ask the teacher about, but rather to call for a meeting or speak with the Special Ed director about. You can have the lunch issue addressed there, add on that she needs a moderated "lunch bunch" or at least an attendant aide to help facilitate a successful lunch period. She must have accomodations, and I agree that her moving back and forth is coming from her desire to try but not yet having the comfort level to be able to stay and she will need help to make this work. She should be not only allowed to gradually progress towards participating at a table with her peers, but also have help and training to do so from a professinal. No way should anyone be allowed to dictate what will happen for the entire year by next year, what?!?!

What are they thinking? My guess is they aren't. Yup, this would be unacceptable for me, too. Good luck!!! If you are in the situation of not yet having an IEP, these are the kinds of things that need to be on them, so that your child's needs are not subjugated to those of the cafeteria staff.

yours,

Sara