Re: Judith - I have a possible solution

[Guest guest]

Hi Jodi,

That is what I thought. Then his current classroom teacher

explained to me that she is actually concerned that if he has a one-

on-one aide he will only talk/interact with the aide and he will

never learn to interact with the other children. She feels that by

being in an integrated class where he doesn't need a one-on-one

(since there are extra adults in the classroom) he will be forced

(sooner or later) to learn to play with the other kids. I know this

teacher well (she was Becca's teacher last year) and know she is

only saying what she thinks is best, but want the best education

possible for him.

I am sure you will hear from me often leading up to their (as of now

not yet scheduled) meeting.

Judith

>

> Judith,

>

> is entitled to the Least Restrictive Environment and should

be

> mainstreamed with his peers. My idea??? Keep him in his HOME

> school, demand in-class support with his own aide. You are

entitled

> to this and it costs the district much less than sending him out.

> It is the best of both worlds.

>

> Jodi Z

[Guest guest]

What the teacher is saying is WRONG. Having an aide is not going to

keep him from socializing. In fact, it may help him because he will

have a personal facilitator. You cannot force a child to interact.

The child must be taught in small steps. As is, may need

outside help with this whether it is through private therapy,

medication, social skills groups, etc. The most important thing for

him is to be open to learning. He must be in an environment where

he CAN learn. The social skills, while important, can come later

on. You do not want to lose these early years for instruction.

Email me anytime. I will gladly advise you. I've lived it with my

own son and teach it every day.

Jodi Z