Posted by Parent on September 10, 2005 at 04:39:34:
I have found with the school system or any agency dealing with our children that you can be nice, be nice & nothing happens. You have to become the one & only advocate for your child. If they are having a hard time, request an evaluation from someone like VARC, get them an aide if child has behaviours, chaos, phone calls from school every day. Your child is entitled to a lot more than the school is giving them. Call Richmond Sp. Ed. Advocates,go higher up & bring them to called meetings (that you call) to get what your child needs. Its the squeaky wheel that gets the attention,thats why some children have stuff that yours don't,the parents are making the difference & they continue to have meetings & advocate until their child gets what they need. Do not sign IEPs'unless you are satisfied. I don't want an aide if my child can group & get along with others. I Don't want something other children don't have,unless absolutely necessary. But survival & a chance to stay in this community makes extra provisions become a necessity. The schools can make all kinds of allowances & have if you persist, but they won't come up with the ideas because of budget restraints. The higher ups tell them not to. So teacher etc. is not the enemy-parent MUST do it-They'd probably fire teacher if she suggested spending more $$$ for your child.