Question about Wake County School program

January 19, 2002

Hi Everyone!

My son, 3.2, has a diagnosis of global dyspraxia and I was referred to

the school system for additional services and support. We sent in our

application a couple of months ago right after the diagnosis, not really

knowing what we could expect, but knowing that I wanted him to have every

advantage and service that was available to him. Since that time, I have

come to grips with the diagnosis and have had some time to reflect on the

road we have traveled so far. We have seen some professionals who are

amazing and have helped us more than they will ever know and we have seen

some professionals who were not helpful and just needlessly scared me. I

still want my son to have every advantage and service possible but only if

they are from professionals that I approve of.

I got a packet from the Wake County preschool system. Enclosed was a

consent form so that they could observe him and determine if he is eligible

and a booklet entitled Parent's Rights. In the parent's rights book, there

was a section that bothered me regarding consent. It stated that you are

entitled to revoke your consent for your child to participate in the program

at any time but that they had the right to take you through a due process

hearing if they thought the child was really in need of the services the

parent was denying the child from AND that while the hearing was going on the

child would have to remain in the services. Now, I'm not an idiot and I know

that clause was placed there for the rare occasions when a parent really is

not acting in the best interest of the child. My fear, however, is that I

may start my son in this program and then feel that the services are not up

to my standards and are interfering with his progress with his private SLP

and OT in which case I would withdraw him. I would be more than livid if my

judgment was " overruled. "

I know that this may seem nitpicky but the only time that I have been unhappy

with my son's care was when I didn't follow my instincts. And right now I

see a huge warning light flashing.

Has anyone out there had any experience with the Wake County, NC program?

What does it involve? Are you happy with the people who work there? Any

info would be appreciated!

Thanks,

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