School System Therapy Questions

[Stacy in NM]

I know there's been some discussion lately on EI, school therapy and testing, but I still have some questions. Natalie turned 4 last month and has always had therapy at home with me and her dad. We have a PT who has given us good guidelines and suggestions, but still the huge majority of responsibility has fallen on us. Don't get me wrong--I'm not complaining, but I'd like to think I'm wise enough to recognize my limitations. I want Natty to have EVERY opportunity and I'm hoping our local school system will have something to offer.

Enough rambling--here's where we are right now.
We live in a very small town--13,000 people. Both of our older children (ages 11 & 9) are in public school and we have been pleased with their educations for the most part. However, neither of them has every required more than the "norm" so I'm clueless about our Special Ed Dept eventhough I've heard good things from other parents who are "in the know". I learned today, that we will have three initial evaluations--PT (we already know him and he has at least some exposure to BPI), OT (she comes from a nearby town and oversees our school's program), and the Director for 3 & 4 year olds.

I'm wondering what to expect. Should I go armed with BPI literature in case they need educating? What about pictures or videos? Should I ask for anything from the TCH team--records, details of her upcoming surgery? Should I video the testing? I'll take all the advice I can get. Thanx in advance for everything!

[Tessie258]

Well,
I haven't had any luck getting any therapy from the school...It seems they don't believe he needs it to educationally succeed. I guess they have the idea that if a child can read and write then they don't need anything else...Good luck to you!
T.

[CW1992]

Hi - my only experience with the public school system and special needs is that my daughter has been receiving speech twice a week now for years. Her PT and OT appts were always after school hours. (She was going to a private school at the time) It sounds like you have a good start already with finding out about the 3 evaluations and a little about the program. I know it can be frustrating when you have to educate those who are supposed to be there to help you and maybe you'll find that school therapy isn't as productive as what you've already been doing for your daughter. Maybe if you make a list of all of your questions and called the school - someone could tell you more about what to expect. With our experience with speech - my child is taken out of her normal class schedule twice a week - so to me it is important what she'd be missing in class during that time. I would guess that other special needs would work the same way. My child's teachers have always worked her schedule out so that she doesn't miss anything crucial. If your child will be going through a surgery while attending the school I do think you should take information explaining her surgery and what would be required from them afterwards. Hopefully your daughter will not have the same problems with the school that Jameson has had and the school system will be more understanding. If my input didn't help at least I bumped you back up on the post list so that others might help:) Christy