RE: Note from Special Ed PK

[Guest guest]

" MAY be unsafe " ??? It already IS unsafe! Yes, , I think you should

address your concerns to the principal. Not in a threatening way but in a

concerned way that communicates what you stated below.there should be more

adults in the class. Perhaps they could use some picture/visual cues with

him for the steps to go to the bus. I agree, that is the responsibility of

the teachers, esp in spec ed.

Warmest wishes,

Barbara

Barbara A. , M.S., CCC-SLP

Executive Director/ Help Me Speak, LLC

<http://www.helpmespeak.com/> http://www.helpmespeak.com

(o) 410-442-9791 (f) 410-442-9783

2500 Wallington Way; Suite 103

Marriottsville, MD 21104

follow us on FaceBook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marriottsville-MD/Help-Me-Speak-LLC/1046288520

32

Call me with any questions about NutriiVeda! www.hms.myzrii.com

****************************************************************************

**************

Above email is for intended recipient only and may be confidential. If you

are not the intended recipient, please advise the sender immediately.

Unauthorized use or distribution is prohibited and may be unlawful.

****************************************************************************

***

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 2010 7:08 PM

Subject: [ ] Note from Special Ed PK

Hi Guys-

What do you think of this note that I received from my 3.5 year old son's

Special Ed PK? I will copy it as follows:

I just wanted to let you know that at the end of the day, Tyler tried to

leave the classroom to walk to the Bus by himself. We have talked to him

about this, but he isn't quite understanding. Would you mind talking to him

about waiting for teachers as well? We catch him before he leaves the

doorway, but as we get more children, this may be unsafe. Call me or e-mail

me with questions.

Signed,

his Teacher

First of all- how do I get a 3.5 year old apraxic child to understand the

concept of waiting in the classroom from home? I did leave a VM message for

the teacher- and asked her to call me. I offered to come into the classroom

and instruct Tyler about waiting for them. I just don't understand this

note..... since this is a Special Ed PK, shouldn't the doors be locked?

Also- if the Staff can't look after the safety of the kids, then shouldn't

they have more Staff in the class? I do not want to stir up trouble, but I

am feeling a bit angry about this note........ even " Typical 3.5 year olds "

wander at times! I will do what I can to help them, but I never expected to

read a note like this from a Special Ed class!

Advice please-- how can I get my point across and offer assistance without

appearing to be too aggressive?

[Guest guest]

Sorry I didn't answer this before -was watching your town and the planet's

amazing Jackie Evancho on AGT -OMG you had to be sitting there with your mouth

open she is just so incredible!!!

About the note you got...Pardon the pun but on a positive note I would commend

this teacher for bringing up the possibility as Barbara pointed out that the

professional/student ratio is too high. How many children are there per

professional? And what does this teacher mean by saying " when they get more

children? " What is the maximum amount of students to professional ratio allowed

in that classroom?

With all the funding issues, it is very probable this teacher has already

expressed this concern to her superiors or colleagues and it's gone on deaf ears

and this email was written in a moment of frustration and is a shout out for

help- BEFORE the problem happens -which is always better than after!! I mean

how often do we read today about children on special needs buses dropped off at

the wrong stops? Or left on the bus all day? In some cases which left to the

child's death. It seems it's always in the news, and once is too much.

So yes, I would document this complaint from this teacher and go to the

principal, superintendent of schools to make sure there is no danger to your

child or any other. Of course if the teacher feels there is a problem the

situation is potentially dangerous to your child and any other that acts his or

her age (I mean we are talking about toddlers right?!) As Barbara says clearly

they don't have enough professional support in that class.

Immediate action of what would I do? I would be at the school early to pick up

my child until I was sure they were in control of my child's safety. Of course

they can't expect you to have an adult conversation with your 3 year old and

expect him to listen!

But you can talk to him -try some of the following suggestions and adapt them to

how to help keep him in that room until it's time to go home

According to , PhD., author of The School Book (St.

's Press, Inc., 1991), the most important part of preparing

your child for the daycare transition is building her self

confidence. Some suggestions for this are:

1. Get your child used to staying with a babysitter of grandparent

for a few hours each day. This will help your child realize that

when you go way, you will always return.

2. Take her to visit the preschool of childcare facility you are

considering. This will give her the opportunity to familiarize

herself with the new surroundings and her caregivers.

3. Assure your child that he can take any transitional object he

wishes. Having a special blanket or toy will give your child an

extra sense of security.

4. Arrange a playdate with another child who is going to attend the

school or childcare facility at the same time as your child. A

familiar face may help put your child at ease on the first day. (you

may find someone with a same age " late talker or apraxic child at

your local support group

5. Be sure your child arrives on time so she'll feel like she's part

of the group, and always pick her up on time so she won't be left

alone at the end of the day.

6. If your child tends to cry at your departure, never leave without

saying goodbye when it is time for you to go-no matter how tempting

it may be to slip out unnoticed. If you do, you will violate your

child's trust, and you will also confuse him as to your whereabouts.

Be sure to tell you child when you will be back, and stick to that

schedule.

=====

[Guest guest]

OMG-

Here is the funny part..... there are currently a total of 7 students in this

class. There are 3 adults to manage these 7 students... (one Teacher and 2

assistants).

The part that read " when they get more children " referred to the fact that more

kids enter this class all year as they turn age 3. This is a Special Ed Pre- K

class..... so when kids transition out of EI at age 3, they enter this program

for Pre K.

the teacher has really seemed to be very nice.... this note seemed out of

character for her... to me, this note makes them look bad. I DID talk to

Tyler.... I asked if he tried to leave the School.... he said YEAH I asked him

why..... he said BAA OHM (back home). I told him that he must wait and not

leave unless the teacher is with him. I do plan on going to the School at the

end of class as well.

I am hoping that my Tyler understood our talk. He is a smart little guy.... all

on his own, he has started to say " UHH EW " (thank you) when I give him

something. He also says EW EEE (excuse me) when he wants to get past one of us

in the hallway. Interestingly enough, the little guy who was totally potty

trained all summer has reverted back to needing diapers all day since the start

of School.

K

[ ] Re: Note from Special Ed PK

Sorry I didn't answer this before -was watching your town and the planet's

amazing Jackie Evancho on AGT -OMG you had to be sitting there with your mouth

open she is just so incredible!!!

About the note you got...Pardon the pun but on a positive note I would commend

this teacher for bringing up the possibility as Barbara pointed out that the

professional/student ratio is too high. How many children are there per

professional? And what does this teacher mean by saying " when they get more

children? " What is the maximum amount of students to professional ratio allowed

in that classroom?

With all the funding issues, it is very probable this teacher has already

expressed this concern to her superiors or colleagues and it's gone on deaf ears

and this email was written in a moment of frustration and is a shout out for

help- BEFORE the problem happens -which is always better than after!! I mean how

often do we read today about children on special needs buses dropped off at the

wrong stops? Or left on the bus all day? In some cases which left to the child's

death. It seems it's always in the news, and once is too much.

So yes, I would document this complaint from this teacher and go to the

principal, superintendent of schools to make sure there is no danger to your

child or any other. Of course if the teacher feels there is a problem the

situation is potentially dangerous to your child and any other that acts his or

her age (I mean we are talking about toddlers right?!) As Barbara says clearly

they don't have enough professional support in that class.

Immediate action of what would I do? I would be at the school early to pick up

my child until I was sure they were in control of my child's safety. Of course

they can't expect you to have an adult conversation with your 3 year old and

expect him to listen!

But you can talk to him -try some of the following suggestions and adapt them to

how to help keep him in that room until it's time to go home

According to , PhD., author of The School Book (St.

's Press, Inc., 1991), the most important part of preparing

your child for the daycare transition is building her self

confidence. Some suggestions for this are:

1. Get your child used to staying with a babysitter of grandparent

for a few hours each day. This will help your child realize that

when you go way, you will always return.

2. Take her to visit the preschool of childcare facility you are

considering. This will give her the opportunity to familiarize

herself with the new surroundings and her caregivers.

3. Assure your child that he can take any transitional object he

wishes. Having a special blanket or toy will give your child an

extra sense of security.

4. Arrange a playdate with another child who is going to attend the

school or childcare facility at the same time as your child. A

familiar face may help put your child at ease on the first day. (you

may find someone with a same age " late talker or apraxic child at

your local support group

5. Be sure your child arrives on time so she'll feel like she's part

of the group, and always pick her up on time so she won't be left

alone at the end of the day.

6. If your child tends to cry at your departure, never leave without

saying goodbye when it is time for you to go-no matter how tempting

it may be to slip out unnoticed. If you do, you will violate your

child's trust, and you will also confuse him as to your whereabouts.

Be sure to tell you child when you will be back, and stick to that

schedule.

=====

[Guest guest]

Wow that's about the ratio that was in Tanner's preschool program too...and this

teacher is having issues? No that doesn't even make sense!! I'm sure with you

as the mom this will be resolved !

One other suggestion that has come up here -buy a child appropriate watch or

clock that your son can take to school each day with him and let him know " when

the big hand is here and the little hand is here " or with numbers what

time... " Mommy will be there to pick you up "

Here are some I found (not recommendations -just to show there are options)

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?sku=16737321 & utm_source=google & utm_m\

edium=cpc & utm_campaign=shopping

http://www.loopygadgets.com/pikavu-express-locator-tracks-your-child/

http://www.dinodirect.com/stuffed-toy-clock-sucker-lilo-stitch-22cm.html

http://www.cbs8.com/Global/story.asp?S=9513748

And while conversations are not guaranteed to work with a 3 year old -sometimes

bribery will get you there. " If you don't try to leave before mommy gets there

and I hear that from the teacher I will "

You can use a calender and depending upon how many stickers he gets that week he

gets a certain sized prize. I always found Tanner loved to pick out both the

calender and the stickers -and I'd let him put the sticker on himself! Always

actually more rewarding it seems to him than the actual reward...(which can be

something you would have done anyway -like go to a movie, a certain isle to pick

out a little toy at the toy store etc)

=====

[Guest guest]

Hi -

The clock idea was awesome.... and I will keep that in mind for the future.

Tyler and I have already solved his problem of " running out of the class " when

his bus arrives. It took 10 minutes of home instruction on my end, and about 2

minutes of time in the School (on a day that I simply walked into the class with

Ty, closed the " door that was in question " , and used verbal prompts and signs to

remind him to STOP at the " stop sign on the door " . I talk to him every morning

about this.... I ask .... " What does Tyler do at the door " .... Tyler responds " I

OP " (I stop). Tyler, being Tyler is a bit of a joker by nature..... he was

messing with me today.... when I asked him the same question, he responded with

a chuckle, and then said " I UNN " (I run).... He is too much!

K

[ ] Re: Note from Special Ed PK

Wow that's about the ratio that was in Tanner's preschool program too...and this

teacher is having issues? No that doesn't even make sense!! I'm sure with you as

the mom this will be resolved !

One other suggestion that has come up here -buy a child appropriate watch or

clock that your son can take to school each day with him and let him know " when

the big hand is here and the little hand is here " or with numbers what

time... " Mommy will be there to pick you up "

Here are some I found (not recommendations -just to show there are options)

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?sku=16737321 & utm_source=google & utm_m\

edium=cpc & utm_campaign=shopping

http://www.loopygadgets.com/pikavu-express-locator-tracks-your-child/

http://www.dinodirect.com/stuffed-toy-clock-sucker-lilo-stitch-22cm.html

http://www.cbs8.com/Global/story.asp?S=9513748

And while conversations are not guaranteed to work with a 3 year old -sometimes

bribery will get you there. " If you don't try to leave before mommy gets there

and I hear that from the teacher I will "

You can use a calender and depending upon how many stickers he gets that week he

gets a certain sized prize. I always found Tanner loved to pick out both the

calender and the stickers -and I'd let him put the sticker on himself! Always

actually more rewarding it seems to him than the actual reward...(which can be

something you would have done anyway -like go to a movie, a certain isle to pick

out a little toy at the toy store etc)

=====