United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi, Jody:

I think your instincts sound right on. First impressions are usually pretty accurate. Yes, the teacher may have been busy, but you still can get a sense about the person that transcends her schedule or hectic day.

If you approach the principal in a nice way, armed with your BPI info, and say, "Mrs. So-and-so seemed very busy, and I just wanted to clarify things about my daughter's injury to make sure the school understands her needs." I'd do it immediately - like other parents said - but in a nice, reasonable way so they don't PEG you as an overreacting mom (which it doesn't sound like you are - at ALL!).

And I'd also make sure to schedule the meeting with the teacher individually right away. And stay involved as the year goes on to see how she does with Alyssa.

I hope it all turns out well for you, Jody! That's so frustrating to be in that kind of a situation.

Janet

Hi...On the first day of school I usually expect that the teacher will have some experiance with my daughters file. Megan (9,LOBPI) has an IEP so I know that it is in there. The first day though, I introduce myself and Megan and tell her that Megan has a disability. I remind her that the IEP is in her file. I breifly explain it and then I tell her I will send some info and schedule an appointment soon. I dont want to scare the teacher on the first day, but I make sure I look her in the eyes and get my point across. Then I follow up. I am expecting her new IEP appointment soon, our school schedules them early. I know she will be there too and I can discuse my worries and give info. I do recomend following your instinct though, so watch carefully. Your child will give you lots of input. Get an IEP. It is a good thing. For us it was easy, hopefully it is for you too.

Each and every year, we had a new PE teacher, and of course a new classroom teacher. I always thought it best to make an appointment with each teacher. That way they could give us their FULL ATTENTION. I think the teacher deserves another chance, and the courtesy of an appointment.
Angela, mom to Jill SEVERE LOBPI, now age 21.

Hi,

Thank you to everyone for your valued input!

I did place a call to the principal as I have some questions I would like to ask her. I have been thinking of this all day and I too think I should at least give her a chance. I have asked a few parents about her and they say that she is strict and to the point (not in a bad way), and also the teachers union leader there at the school. I was told she was "by the book". I also offered to volunteer in the classroom a couple hours a week so we will see how that goes...But I figure if I get a chance to discuss my concerns with the principal now - she can make her own assessment and I have brought it to her attention early on.

Again - thanks for all your comments. I really appreciate it!

Also, we had therapy today and I was asking Alyssa's OT about getting and IEP and she said she didn't think Alyssa needed one. The only thing she could think she would ever need (but doesn't) is adaptive PE devices. She is fully functional in school so I am not sure how that works. Maybe I will ask the principal!!

Thanks

Jody

Jody, what you are feeling now is fear not anger. Fear and guilt that you are not going to properly convey the message to the teacher. I think an appointment is very appropriate. Discussing this when class was about to begin was not a good time. The teacher has a job to do, and I don't think she would have been able to have a good conversation with you and give you her full attention with 25 3rd graders waiting to start their day. Sometimes we have to put ourselves in another person's shoes.

Feel better and good luck.

I just wanted to tell you not to be afraid of the IEP, I was for awhile. I didnt want to lable her, etc... But, it was easy and I was glad I did it. It got Megan well aqainted with the Principle, vice-princ, OT, and the lady in charge of ARD.(sorry, not sure of her title) It gives Megan some special rights also. Because she is disabled. Megan doesnt like a lot of attention brought to her arm, so for the most part she finds away to do whatever she can do, but She cant crab walk, etc...and this way if she cant do it, she wont get a bad grade. And..they cant try to make her do anything that is unsafe for her. I recomened it for your child, even if you dont think they need it. Also they will give testing to see if your child needs extra help in reading and other academics.

Another thought is that if you wait a few weeks to change her schedule, that could be very tramatic for youngsters. They just get settled and into a routine with the dynamics of one class and get acclamated to the personality-rules-style of one teacher and then they have to adjust all over again. If there is a chance that her schedule should change, I'd do it as earlly as possible. Not to mention the stigma of being the "new kid" Good luck~
B.V.