public school aides, letters to Senators etc.

August 19, 2004

1) Our school district is bringing in a substitute aide to assist my kid in

the classroom. This aide I believe has no training in autism, leave alone ABA or

Principles of Behavior and Reinforcement. Are there any laws or research

regarding schools having to provide paraprofessionals that have training in

autism and principles of Behavior? In my state (West Virginia), I believe the

schools are recommended to provide 'autism mentors' but are not required to.

I can't imagine trusting my kid to somebody not trained! We usually spend

about 2 months training a new therapist!

2) Our school district is not going to be ready with an IEP by the first day

of school. Even if they did I am pretty sure we wouldn't come to an agreement. I

have contacted them for the first time in April. I am upset that because of

their negligence my child is not going to be able to attend school from the

first day of school. She has enough behaviors to make her look different, don't

need her to be the new kid in the class too. I've requested that they let her

attend school with her aide from last year when she attended a private school

until an IEP is agreed upon. In case they refuse, what do I have

in my favor to convince them or a hearing officer?

3) I am planning on drafting a letter to Senator Byrd about the awful

services provided by the school districts in WV. He has been responsive to a

letter of mine before regarding other issues. If anybody has drafted such a

letter or has ideas to include in the letter please help me out. English is not

my native tongue and I would like to be clear and effective in my letter.

thank you,

Mahija

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