Re: please help! anyone with a child in a private school PA w/public school services

[Guest guest]

Tammy,

I live in NE PA....I work in a school district. I am a paraprofessional with a child dx with AS. The public school district does not have to offer any services to your child as far as I know. My friend wanted to get summer school for her child and they were not allowed.

I personally don't think the 2 catholic schools offer much....our public schools have so much more to offer children...computers, instruments, trips, clubs, etc. As far as other private schools I don't know too much...but I am just about certain the school does not have to offer the child enrolled in a private school any services.

Jan

P.S. Yes...schools all over can bully...but you have two advocates and a lawyer....I bet that makes a big difference.

Janice Rushen

"I will try to be open to all avenues of wisdom and hope"

From: Tammy <vitzie@...>Subject: ( ) please help! anyone with a child in a private school PA w/public school services Date: Friday, June 5, 2009, 6:52 PM

I was just wondering if anyone of you out there have a child in PA in a private school or parochial school that are getting public school services, specifically dual enrollment, an academic aide or an IEP? We got speech and OT, but I am pushing for more. I have a lawyer and 2 advocates, they think it may be possible. We are in Northeast PA which this area kind of STINKS for services, and I think sometimes the public schools bully parents into doing things they don't agree with here. I was wondering what goes on in bigger cities in PA, say maybe Phila, Pittsburg... anything would be helpful, or any cases would be helpful, and save me a TON of time and research. Thanks Tammy

[Guest guest]

Hi i live in pa as well where are you, i have some info that may help contact pen they are the parent education network they may be able to help i know i fought crawford central school district for 2yrs and now we are in penncrest and they already in less than 3 months in evaluated my son determined it is not a learning disablity but the aspergers that is causing him to struggle he qualifies under autism and other health impairment due to seizure disorder and adhd so any way here is a phone # give them a call. dept.of education autisic support team-1-800-360-7282 office for dispute resolution 1-800-222-3353 or http://odr.pattan.net (resources for parents to resolve disputes for identification, eval, or educational placements.

parent consult line for special education concerns 1-800-879-2301 or 717-541-4960ext3332 i hope this helps, i know what a struggle it has been for us and this school has assured me my son will be supported the iep meeting is when we go back to school but they bascially told me what is going to happen he will have supports so i am very excited. sherryFrom: rushen janice <jrushen@...> Sent: Saturday, June 6, 2009 6:28:47 AMSubject: Re: ( ) please help! anyone with a child in a private school PA w/public school services

Tammy,

I live in NE PA....I work in a school district. I am a paraprofessional with a child dx with AS. The public school district does not have to offer any services to your child as far as I know. My friend wanted to get summer school for her child and they were not allowed.

I personally don't think the 2 catholic schools offer much....our public schools have so much more to offer children...computer s, instruments, trips, clubs, etc. As far as other private schools I don't know too much...but I am just about certain the school does not have to offer the child enrolled in a private school any services.

Jan

P.S. Yes...schools all over can bully...but you have two advocates and a lawyer....I bet that makes a big difference.

Janice Rushen

"I will try to be open to all avenues of wisdom and hope"

From: Tammy <vitzieverizon (DOT) net>Subject: ( ) please help! anyone with a child in a private school PA w/public school services Date: Friday, June 5, 2009, 6:52 PM

I was just wondering if anyone of you out there have a child in PA in a private school or parochial school that are getting public school services, specifically dual enrollment, an academic aide or an IEP? We got speech and OT, but I am pushing for more. I have a lawyer and 2 advocates, they think it may be possible. We are in Northeast PA which this area kind of STINKS for services, and I think sometimes the public schools bully parents into doing things they don't agree with here. I was wondering what goes on in bigger cities in PA, say maybe Phila, Pittsburg... anything would be helpful, or any cases would be helpful, and save me a TON of time and research. Thanks Tammy

[Guest guest]

i live in pa but my son goes to public school i must agree with you on the point of pa stinks i fought for 2yrs before any results, after a teacher approached me and said she believe my son needed more supports and was not sure but felt he had more issues than simply adhd and she was right by the middle of 2 grade my son was dx with aspergers, she was actually already certain of this fact before i told her, she retired at the end of the school term in 2007and the school refused to see a problem that i was seeing things that simply werent there and how they would have never known my son was AS had i not told him, believe me people may not know what to call it but they definitely know my son stands out in a crowd always has, and most certain always will, but i emailed a lot of info that

may help but i think i sent it to the wrong person on an accident i am very sorry, but hope it will help with the private school as well but i dont really know as my son has always went to public school,if u live close to Erie let me know i have a few more # that may be able to help you out as well, we live in Guys Mills, it is 7 miles from Meadville, and about 30 minutes or so to Erie we used to live in meadville and i am glad that we moved to the country my son is more relaxed and comfortable here. I wish they provided more support for these children and their families, our wrap services arent even permitted to do such things as social skills groups which i think is very stupid considering that what our children seem to need the most is social skills, but i am learning that alot of this stuff is just ridiculous. sherryFrom: Tammy <vitzie@...> Sent: Friday, June 5, 2009 6:52:11 PMSubject: ( ) please help! anyone with a child in a private school PA w/public school services

I was just wondering if anyone of you out there have a child in PA in a private school or parochial school that are getting public school services, specifically dual enrollment, an academic aide or an IEP? We got speech and OT, but I am pushing for more. I have a lawyer and 2 advocates, they think it may be possible. We are in Northeast PA which this area kind of STINKS for services, and I think sometimes the public schools bully parents into doing things they don't agree with here. I was wondering what goes on in bigger cities in PA, say maybe Phila, Pittsburg... anything would be helpful, or any cases would be helpful, and save me a TON of time and research. Thanks Tammy

[Guest guest]

>

> i know what a struggle it has been for us and this school has assured me my

son will be supported the iep meeting is when

> we go back to school but they bascially told me what is going to happen he

will have supports so i am very excited. sherry

Wow, this is great news! So, another one of us is finally getting services; I

am happy!

Ruth

[Guest guest]

Jan,

Yes, I agree the public school has much more to offer as far as services go. Why

can't they offer those services to a child enrolled in a parochial school? Why

should my child be denied the right to a Catholic education just because he has

special needs? I am a homeowner and pay school tax, my husband owns a business,

he pays school tax AND I pay tuition. Why is this money not helping MY CHILD?

Sorry, I'm really not taking it out in you I just get so mad over this I

could vent forever The system STINKS in PA and if no one challenges it then

nothing will ever change! Tammy

>

>

> From: Tammy <vitzie@...>

> Subject: ( ) please help! anyone with a child in a private

school PA w/public school services

>

> Date: Friday, June 5, 2009, 6:52 PM

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> I was just wondering if anyone of you out there have a child in PA in a

private school or parochial school that are getting public school services,

specifically dual enrollment, an academic aide or an IEP? We got speech and OT,

but I am pushing for more. I have a lawyer and 2 advocates, they think it may be

possible. We are in Northeast PA which this area kind of STINKS for services,

and I think sometimes the public schools bully parents into doing things they

don't agree with here. I was wondering what goes on in bigger cities in PA, say

maybe Phila, Pittsburg... anything would be helpful, or any cases would be

helpful, and save me a TON of time and research. Thanks Tammy

>

[Guest guest]

Tammy – Your tax dollars go to support public schools not

private or parochial schools. Private schools only source of money is

thru tuition and fund-raising; parochial schools are funded in the same way

plus they frequently get money from the church organization. They get no

funding from taxes. Unfortunately, to be able to provide a child with the

same services as in a public school would mean much higher tuition.

I live in Texas (Houston-area) and my son just graduated from a

private high school that is designed for students with Aspergers, ADHD,

PDD-NOS, dyslexia, and other learning disabilities. He did his junior and

senior years there after being in public schools. We were blessed to have

found this school – he blossomed in this environment and had the best

years of his education there. Maybe you can find a private school in your

area that is geared towards your child’s special needs.

From:

[mailto: ] On

Behalf Of Tammy

Sent: Saturday, June 06, 2009 12:26 PM

Subject: Re: ( ) please help! anyone with a child in a

private school PA w/public school services

Jan,

Yes, I agree the public school has much more to offer as far as services go.

Why can't they offer those services to a child enrolled in a parochial school? Why

should my child be denied the right to a Catholic education just because he has

special needs? I am a homeowner and pay school tax, my husband owns a business,

he pays school tax AND I pay tuition. Why is this money not helping MY CHILD?

Sorry, I'm really not taking it out in you I just get so mad over this I

could vent forever The system STINKS in PA and if no one challenges it then

nothing will ever change! Tammy

>

>

> From: Tammy <vitzie@...>

> Subject: ( ) please help! anyone with a child in a private

school PA w/public school services

>

> Date: Friday, June 5, 2009, 6:52 PM

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>

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> I was just wondering if anyone of you out there have a child in PA in a

private school or parochial school that are getting public school services,

specifically dual enrollment, an academic aide or an IEP? We got speech and OT,

but I am pushing for more. I have a lawyer and 2 advocates, they think it may

be possible. We are in Northeast PA which this area kind of STINKS for

services, and I think sometimes the public schools bully parents into doing

things they don't agree with here. I was wondering what goes on in bigger cities

in PA, say maybe Phila, Pittsburg... anything would be helpful, or any cases

would be helpful, and save me a TON of time and research. Thanks Tammy

>

[Guest guest]

thanks alot Ruth, it is sad that we have to fight to get our children services that by law are rightfully theirs. and there is state funding for these things and we have to fight and fight to get the services. sherryFrom: r_woman2 <me2ruth@...> Sent: Saturday, June 6, 2009 10:30:15 AMSubject: Re: ( ) please help! anyone with a child in a private school PA w/public school services

>

> i know what a struggle it has been for us and this school has assured me my son will be supported the iep meeting is when

> we go back to school but they bascially told me what is going to happen he will have supports so i am very excited. sherry

Wow, this is great news! So, another one of us is finally getting services; I am happy!

Ruth

[Guest guest]

Just need to put my two cents in. My son is in public school, just finished

first grade. Since kindergarten they've told me he is a potential problem

child. I have done all I can to work with my son and the school to no avail.

When I tell them his dx, I am met with rolling eyes. They do not communicate

with me, I send in notes and call to check his progress, but never get any

response. Thankfully, we are able to get some Family Based services, and our

team goes to the school to observe my son. The teachers basically tell them

there is nothing wrong with my son, thankfully the team is well trained and they

also see what I see as far as Asperger's go.

Incidentally, on my son's final report card, the teacher left a comment saying

my son's grades would be whole lot better if his attendence wasn't so irregular.

Totally ignoring the fact that the school he missed was for counseling

appointments (which they were all for at the start of the year), and the fact

that he missed 13 days of school due to severe tonsilitis and a subsequent

tonsilectomy.

If I could pull my son out of public school and either send him to a private

school or homeschool him, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

Keep fighting for what your child needs!

ginger

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> From: Tammy <vitzie@...>

> Subject: ( ) please help! anyone with a child in a private

school PA w/public school services

>

> Date: Friday, June 5, 2009, 6:52 PM

>

>

>

>

>

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> I was just wondering if anyone of you out there have a child in PA in a

private school or parochial school that are getting public school services,

specifically dual enrollment, an academic aide or an IEP? We got speech and OT,

but I am pushing for more. I have a lawyer and 2 advocates, they think it may be

possible. We are in Northeast PA which this area kind of STINKS for services,

and I think sometimes the public schools bully parents into doing things they

don't agree with here. I was wondering what goes on in bigger cities in PA, say

maybe Phila, Pittsburg... anything would be helpful, or any cases would be

helpful, and save me a TON of time and research. Thanks Tammy

>

[Guest guest]

>

> When I tell them his dx, I am met with rolling eyes. They do not communicate

with me, I send in notes and call to check his progress, but never get any

response.

Ginger, you must request IN WRITING, to the appropriate person, that you want a

full and individual special education evaluation, listing your areas of concern

and what areas you want your child evaluated. You must include areas that are

already evaluated because they must do their own evaluation to confirm

everything. If you want them to consider the reports from your own evaluations,

state that explicitly, listing them by name, and attach copies of them to your

request. The first step is to call your school district special education

office and find out who to send the request to.

If you do this, by federal law they must either do the evaluation within a

couple of months or give you a reason in writing why not. This is very basic

IDEA, and I have never heard of a school not complying--providing you follow the

procedures.

Remember that these people rolling their eyes at you do not have the authority

to decide whether or not your child receives school services, but it may well be

totally up to you to find out what the procedures are make it happen. I know it

was in my case. I got the exact same response you are getting for two solid

years after I had definitively decided that " something is wrong " before someone

clued me in that I had make my request IN WRITING.

As far as the teachers' behavior goes, make sure you discuss it with the

principal. It is probably too late for this year, but remember for next year.

The rule of this game is to keep moving up the chain of command until you get a

response. There is no point in continuing to talk only to the teachers if they

are clearly not going to change their ways.

Ruth

[Guest guest]

The money goes to public schools...you chose to send your child to a private school that is funded by tuittion. To be honest...I beleive the public schools here in Monroe County Pa offer so much more for the kids than the Catholic schools. I asked my neighbor if he has computers in every classroom? No Is there a band? No

In the public schools here there is so much new technology, art therapy, chorus, band, instuments, teachers constantly taking courses, art, fantastic gyms, weight room, auditoriums, all kinds of classes, careers classes, family classes, work programs...I could go on and on. Also public school must abide by the state and federal laws. Parents have legal rights as well as the child.

I know it can be fustrating...but you did choose to send your child to the private school. And, I guess that is what it means ..private...supported and funded by the church and your tuition. Sorry...but that is what it is.

Jan

Janice Rushen

"I will try to be open to all avenues of wisdom and hope"

From: Tammy <vitzie@...>Subject: Re: ( ) please help! anyone with a child in a private school PA w/public school services Date: Saturday, June 6, 2009, 1:26 PM

Jan,Yes, I agree the public school has much more to offer as far as services go. Why can't they offer those services to a child enrolled in a parochial school? Why should my child be denied the right to a Catholic education just because he has special needs? I am a homeowner and pay school tax, my husband owns a business, he pays school tax AND I pay tuition. Why is this money not helping MY CHILD?Sorry, I'm really not taking it out in you I just get so mad over this I could vent forever The system STINKS in PA and if no one challenges it then nothing will ever change! Tammy> > > From: Tammy <vitzie@...>> Subject: ( ) please help! anyone with a child in a private school PA w/public school services> > Date: Friday, June 5, 2009, 6:52 PM> > > > > > > > > I was just wondering if anyone of you out there have a child in PA in a private school or parochial school that are getting public school services, specifically dual enrollment, an academic aide or an IEP? We got speech and OT, but I am pushing for more. I have a lawyer and 2 advocates, they think it may be possible. We are in Northeast PA which this area kind of STINKS for services, and I think sometimes the public

schools bully parents into doing things they don't agree with here. I was wondering what goes on in bigger cities in PA, say maybe Phila, Pittsburg... anything would be helpful, or any cases would be helpful, and save me a TON of time and research. Thanks Tammy>

[Guest guest]

Hi Tammy, I think the issue is less about why the private school can't offer the

services its that they are not REQUIRED to offer the services. There are

private schools that specialize in different things. Some private school

specialize in Aspergers or Learning Disabled some in a Catholic Education. Part

of the deal is that the private schools can choose what they want to be rather

than follow the government model for education (the public system). Obviously

this is a pro/con situation.

The laws for special ed (IDEA) do not apply to private schools. Working within

the public system can be frustrating (look at Ruths example) but if you use the

law it can be beneficial in the long run. It can take a lot of effort.

Sometimes a private school can be easier and more beneficial. The down side is

that they don't have to work with the special needs kids and some will simply

refuse to do so. They will either require your child to change and comply or

leave to find a differnt school.

Public schools must provide the proper education for each student and sometimes

they do not have the resources to do that within their own district. When that

is the case schools will sometimes offer to pay the cost of services outside of

the school district rather than pay to bring those services into the school. It

is a matter of what is less costly for them. If they do offer the services

though they don't have to pay for a child to get them somewhere else.

Vickie

> >

> >

> > From: Tammy <vitzie@>

> > Subject: ( ) please help! anyone with a child in a private

school PA w/public school services

> >

> > Date: Friday, June 5, 2009, 6:52 PM

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

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> > I was just wondering if anyone of you out there have a child in PA in a

private school or parochial school that are getting public school services,

specifically dual enrollment, an academic aide or an IEP? We got speech and OT,

but I am pushing for more. I have a lawyer and 2 advocates, they think it may be

possible. We are in Northeast PA which this area kind of STINKS for services,

and I think sometimes the public schools bully parents into doing things they

don't agree with here. I was wondering what goes on in bigger cities in PA, say

maybe Phila, Pittsburg... anything would be helpful, or any cases would be

helpful, and save me a TON of time and research. Thanks Tammy

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Ginger,

A couple of thoughts on your situation:

First, your son is at the age where a lot of issues that were mildly age

inappropriate start to be hugely age inappropriate so don't worry to much about

the fact that he was previously evaluated and denied services.

Also, it is not at all uncommon for teachers to react toward parents in a sort

of knee jerk reaction to someone that they perceve as a " problem parent " . You

really need to proceed in a formal fashion with the distric administrators

(principal, special ed, etc.). I took the liberty of checking the PA department

of education and they have a file on your rights as a parent. I have attached

the link:

http://www.pattan.net/files/Parent/ParentRights.pdf

I don't know how close to the end of the year you are but if you request your

evaluation now rather than waiting until the start of the school year in the

fall you may be able to get a jump on the process which can be very long.

Vickie

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> >

> > From: Tammy <vitzie@>

> > Subject: ( ) please help! anyone with a child in a private

school PA w/public school services

> >

> > Date: Friday, June 5, 2009, 6:52 PM

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

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> > I was just wondering if anyone of you out there have a child in PA in a

private school or parochial school that are getting public school services,

specifically dual enrollment, an academic aide or an IEP? We got speech and OT,

but I am pushing for more. I have a lawyer and 2 advocates, they think it may be

possible. We are in Northeast PA which this area kind of STINKS for services,

and I think sometimes the public schools bully parents into doing things they

don't agree with here. I was wondering what goes on in bigger cities in PA, say

maybe Phila, Pittsburg... anything would be helpful, or any cases would be

helpful, and save me a TON of time and research. Thanks Tammy

> >

>