This post was from 2010, August 17th ~ Worth a Reposting here Today! *Five Years Later....has anything changed for the better?
DS Advocate: Our 3 year olds
...what are the PROFESSIONALS thinking??
I can tell it's a week before school starts! I received several phone calls just yesterday! ALL the calls were about the same exact thing...parents being TOLD (without it yet ever being discussed in any IEP meeting!!!) ...that their little one with Down syndrome HAS just one PLACEMENT OPTION and can ONLY attend a Disability only Developmental Preschool instead of the neighborhood elementary school that is nearest to the parents home!
What is wrong with people??! I just don't get those few professionals that speak up the most at these initial eligibility and PLACEMENT meetings! The oh so prejudgemental professionals read their wonderfully word-smithed initial evaluation reports and the parents are hearing these professional 'reports' for the very first time with lots of emotions and concern. Most of the time it's these new parents to the whole ESE 'ballgame'...that really don't have a clue what is happening! Hopefully they have taken another family member, friend or better yet an experienced advocate with them.
The professional PLACEMENT TEAMS seem to think that it is only their professional opinions that matter the most when making the PLACEMENT decisions about a 3 year old youngsters FUTURE EDUCATIONAL NEEDS!! What about what the PARENTS THINK IS BEST FOR THEIR OWN CHILD??? How can anyone really know what classroom set up is really going to be BEST, especially for a little guy just turning 3 years old? THERE IS NO DATA TO SUPPORT that a little 3 year old absolutely needs a more restrictive classroom with fewer student to teacher ratio. WHAT IS THE NATIONAL TREND AND WHAT DOES THE NATIONAL RESEARCH SAY? WHAT DO DISABILITY SPECIFIC NATIONAL EXPERTS RECOMMEND AS BEST PRACTICES?
Our PROFESSIONAL PLACEMENT TEAMS in Broward want parents to believe that it is only the PROFESSIONALS that KNOW WHAT IS BEST for their Child!! Please....give me a break!! From what I am being told by several parents, now that have recently taken their little ones to be evaluated... that those professionals have only met, seen and worked with their Child for maybe 10 - 15 minutes total!!! Of course if asked they will tell everyone they took a WHOLE HALF HOUR with the Child and now they KNOW BEST for that young child! NOT!!! (WOW a whole 10 to sometimes maybe
30 minutes...maybe.....to do an individualized evaluation for Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapy.)
The professionals not ever thinking to consider contacting and COLLABORATING with the private family therapist these little ones have been seeing for years! The private Speech, Occupational or Physical Therapist that has been working with the little one for over 3 years and actually KNOWS the Child really well!! Yes professional Part B therapist that do evaluations on youngsters with developmental delays are professionals, but when they start only listening to themselves and not ever taking into consideration what the parents concerns and what they as the Child parents feel will be BEST. It is the PARENTS THAT ARE THE REAL EXPERTS here at this point when it comes to where they would like to have their child educated and which school and why. I'm a firm believer that it's the parents that know THEIR CHILD THE BEST.
When there are IEP TEAMS of 8 plus professionals sitting around a conference table and pretty much all of the school system side of INITIAL PLACEMENT TEAMS have a predetermined mind set on where and how a certain child with a particular or certain kind of disability should go to school...and not one of those people speak up and SUGGEST that maybe it would be ok and fine to have this little one attend the neighborhood school that is just a few blocks away from their parents home that actually has the 3-5 year old "disability" program (PreK ESE Programs) designed just for little kiddo's that need a little extra help in their development.
I find it very sad that NOT ONE of those professionals thought the PreK ESE classroom MIGHT be a good placement for many of our 3 year old students with DOWN SYNDROME?? First of all when they don't even provide and discuss out in the open all the classroom and program options available...that seems then like it is a systematic decision that all students with a certain type of disability, like Down syndrome for example are only to be suggested to attend certain classrooms or certain types of placement decisions are already PREDETERMINED before ever meeting with the family! THIS IS DISCRIMINATION AT ITS FINEST and yes it is happening still today....but today it's not so much about race as it is about DISABILITIES today, and it is also about certain kinds of disabilities....Plain and simple it's about DISCRIMINATION AND IT NEEDS TO STOP!!
When IEP teams pre-determine placement before the actual meeting this is when their professional opinions and their PERSONAL FEELINGS to what they think is BEST for that child or how they usually do it...their feelings and their opinions don't mean a hill-o-beans! When there isn't and hasn't been professional collaboration going with the Child's private therapists and/or the
parents and there never was....they lose their creditability as the professionals they should be respected for! Personally they loose the repect they deserve as professionals...women usually...because they don't BELIEVE IN OUR CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME!! It is obvious by the well rehearsed same ol comments they provide to parent after parent after parent.
Why is it that placement after placement of our young Children with Down syndrome between the ages of 3 to 5 years old are more likely than not....to be recommended placement in one of several Broward County School PROVIDER DEVELOPMENTAL PRESCHOOLS? These schools are not usually near to the Childs home and most times requires a long bus ride to attend them as well. Why are these little ones being PUSHED TO ONLY BE ABLE TO ATTEND ARC, ANN STORK, UCP or Broward Children's Center? Why are these Children not being offered the PreK ESE classrooms that are at our neighborhood schools? Someone please give me the data that supports the placement at a developmental preschool only as the best placement option always for so many Children with Down syndrome especially!
OUR LITTLE CUTIES WITH DOWN SYNDROME NEED SO MUCH CLASSROOM SUPPORT ABSOLUTELY AND LOTS OF POSITIVE PRAISE AND ENCOURAGEMENT, ESE SUPPORTS AND SERVICES!
What I heard today during the initial evaluation and placement IEP "TEAM" MEETING for a particular cutie cute and oh so yummy sweet and delicious little boy....was that this team of Broward Public Schools Initial Placement Professionals INSISTED (almost dictated!) that he attend the very developmental preschool the parents had just pulled him out from just 2 months previous! THEY SAW THINGS THEY DID NOT LIKE AND DID NOT FEEL THIS PLACE WAS DOING WHAT THEY REALLY SHOULD BE DOING FOR THEIR SON, SO THEY PULLED HIM FROM THAT SCHOOL NEVER TO HAVE HIM GO THERE EVER AGAIN! So....tell me....why would parents want their little boy to go back to a place they knew to NOT BE THE BEST PLACEMENT OPTION for him?
I am sadden that we have so much PREJUDGEMENT AND PRE-DETERMINED PLACEMENT DECISIONS without parents having any say so in what they think might be best for their Child...so much of this is happening in our Broward school district! Our youngest and most vulnerable of students are being discriminated against and it needs to stop and quick! A STATE COMPLAINT MIGHT BE THE ONLY WAY TO HAVE OUR DISTRICT WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE WITH THIS ON GOING SITUATION THAT HAPPENS TO CHILD AFTER CHILD AFTER CHILD WITH NOT JUST DOWN SYNDROME BUT OTHER DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS!
If you or someone you know has had a similar situation happen to you at your Child's Initial 3 year old placement TRANSITION IEP, please write me an email telling me your story. I want to help make a positive change and I need your help!
Email me your story: AngelKids4me@gmail.com
POSTS FROM READERS:
Anonymous said...
Most of these programs for preschoolers with disability like UCP actually have jam packed classrooms. I consider these places as "grow away programs". They are not progressive when it comes to learning. It's more of a babysitting agency. I agree that it unfair that children with Down's syndrome are forced to attend these programs. More people need to hear this because this is not right. I think if parents knew this that they would be outraged. Sorry if I offended anyone but I feel as though it has to be said. Thank you for speaking out DS Avocate.
SEPTEMBER 3, 2015 AT 11:42 PM
Friday, September 4, 2015
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Which High Schools are including students with Down syndrome respectfully into General Education classrooms?
Where are the best High Schools for students with Down syndrome Included nicely? What kind of High School is everyone happy with? Public or Private schools? Homeschooling? Is the McKay or PLSA Scholarship Funds being used instead? (PLSA-Personal Learning Scholarship Account)
What is the current trend for students with Down syndrome for an inclusive High School experience?
I am looking ahead and don't see much positive inclusive Public High Schools around where I live, we may have to relocate. 💔 We live in South Florida, the Fort Lauderdale area and inclusion is a long drawn out ugly fight here in Broward County Public Schools! Wish inclusion was the norm, but it's not here.
High School parents....need to hear what's the real deal going on out there across the Country and here in Florida.
💛💙💛
Need to hear from High School families on how is inclusion is really working out, especially with the new rule of the Standard Diploma for students with disabilities.
💛💙💛
Saturday, January 31, 2015
BEST IDEA YET COMING OUT OF FLORIDA ON COMMON CORE!
This is the BEST IDEA I've heard to date coming out of Florida about the COMMON CORE!!
Share this far and wide ~ you the TAXPAYERS!!!
Published on Jan 28, 2015 by Chris Quackenbush from the Florida Citizens' Alliance explains the Florida Education Stakeholders Empowerment Act
www.floridacitizensalliance.com ~ visit the website and share this with others
Take the time to watch these two short You Tube video's-share this info to STOP COMMON CORE IN FLORIDA!
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Florida Teacher's Union Continues Fight Against School Choice Low Income Scholarships
WASTING MONEY IS WHAT I SEE.
Public Tax Dollars should absolutely be used for a Free Appropriate Education aka FAPE! If that means at a Private School then everyone should be asking WHY are Students going to Private Schools?
We are all TAX PAYERS! - If my Local Public School District doesn't want / refuses to Academically Educate my child because the District Admins, Principals & Teachers all think it's still AOK in 2015, to DISCRIMINATE & SEGREGATE (SECLUDE & RESTRAIN) so many ESE Students into often times Non-Academic ESE ONLY Classrooms, then there goes a large population of students NOT receiving FAPE!
The Teachers Unions & Districts today seem to only care about protecting their own, the teachers, not the students it seems anymore.
To automatically place students into ESE ONLY classrooms, without Camera's and to see that the Districts continue to rehire or shift disciplined bad teachers to another school or into another district, is shameful. That puts more & more Students (ESE especially) at risk for Abuse and/or worst to go YEARS without an Academic Education!!
ALL Students ~ EVERYONE are entitled to FAPE!
Stop wasting your union money with fighting this battle and maybe focus on making sure there are good (great, quality, wonderful, caring, flexible, happy, certified, etc.) teachers in ALL Classrooms!
Protect our Children's Right to A Free Public Education for All Students.
http://freebeacon.com/issues/fl-teachers-union-vows-to-continue-fight-against-school-choice-despite-defeat/
FL Teacher’s Union Vows to Continue Fight Against School Choice Despite Defeat
Public Tax Dollars should absolutely be used for a Free Appropriate Education aka FAPE! If that means at a Private School then everyone should be asking WHY are Students going to Private Schools?
We are all TAX PAYERS! - If my Local Public School District doesn't want / refuses to Academically Educate my child because the District Admins, Principals & Teachers all think it's still AOK in 2015, to DISCRIMINATE & SEGREGATE (SECLUDE & RESTRAIN) so many ESE Students into often times Non-Academic ESE ONLY Classrooms, then there goes a large population of students NOT receiving FAPE!
The Teachers Unions & Districts today seem to only care about protecting their own, the teachers, not the students it seems anymore.
To automatically place students into ESE ONLY classrooms, without Camera's and to see that the Districts continue to rehire or shift disciplined bad teachers to another school or into another district, is shameful. That puts more & more Students (ESE especially) at risk for Abuse and/or worst to go YEARS without an Academic Education!!
ALL Students ~ EVERYONE are entitled to FAPE!
Stop wasting your union money with fighting this battle and maybe focus on making sure there are good (great, quality, wonderful, caring, flexible, happy, certified, etc.) teachers in ALL Classrooms!
Protect our Children's Right to A Free Public Education for All Students.
http://freebeacon.com/issues/fl-teachers-union-vows-to-continue-fight-against-school-choice-despite-defeat/
FL Teacher’s Union Vows to Continue Fight Against School Choice Despite Defeat
Thursday, November 6, 2014
In this CLASSROOM...
Beautiful & REAL INCLUSION going on in this Classroom!!!
Mariah would say, "See...Easy!!"
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Retaliation? Happening to yet another teacher in Broward? Say it isn't so!
This seems to be just how they like to do things in Broward. Especially if you are a GOOD TEACHER!
Doesn't seem to a nice place to work, even if its the 2nd largest school district in the State. Why am I seeing a pattern here with GOOD PEOPLE reporting wrong doing and then all sorts of pure nonsense starts happening?
I want to know why the District gets away with not following their own Policies & Procedures?
The lawsuit was filed by the Reading coach Barbara "Chrissy" Pomper from Cypress Run Education Center in Pompano Beach
http://media.trb.com/media/acrobat/2014-10/23456498786540-15135650.pdf
*Chrissy Pomper is the Sister-in-Law of our Current District 3 School Board Member, Heather Brinkworth. This sort of stuff happens with our School Board members families??? NICE!!!
I feel for any family (teacher or parent) that is going thru white collar bullying via the mile high pure nonsense that is allowed to take place here in our Public Schools. Especially when someone has "reported on" something the administration is getting away with doing or not doing. I found myself sitting in the same office, yup the same Mr. Blackburns office. At the time he was the overseer of all the 100+ Central Area Schools, that included all the Principals. Reporting to Mr. Blackburn back then amounted to a bunch of silly and pure nothing and if anything the very Principal that I was reporting as doing some really nasty vindictive stuff towards me, was allowed to 'carry on' and was probably praised for his 'white collar' bullying of a parent, an ese parent and the SAF Chair of the school. I have heard that this same bully Principal has still been at it and I've heard that most of the Teachers have left the school because of, let's say....poor leadership or maybe he really was a BULLY!! Principals are Protected in Broward by the Superintendent to do whatever they want, even though it maybe ethic or not. Principals have the blessing of the District Administrators and the Superintendent to do whatever they please, even if it's morally and ethically wrong.
Something has to change here in Broward, with how GOOD PEOPLE are treated. That includes ALL the Students, the Parents and certainly OUR TEACHERS!
Allied I am a concerned parent that knows what it's like to be White Collar Bullied by the Administration of my daughters school & the entire ESE Department & School Staff. I was Retaliated against for Speaking Out and Changing Laws!
ead the latest LAWSUIT against Broward Public School District below:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fl-cypress-run-lawsuit-20141015-story.html
Doesn't seem to a nice place to work, even if its the 2nd largest school district in the State. Why am I seeing a pattern here with GOOD PEOPLE reporting wrong doing and then all sorts of pure nonsense starts happening?
I want to know why the District gets away with not following their own Policies & Procedures?
The lawsuit was filed by the Reading coach Barbara "Chrissy" Pomper from Cypress Run Education Center in Pompano Beach
http://media.trb.com/media/acrobat/2014-10/23456498786540-15135650.pdf
*Chrissy Pomper is the Sister-in-Law of our Current District 3 School Board Member, Heather Brinkworth. This sort of stuff happens with our School Board members families??? NICE!!!
I feel for any family (teacher or parent) that is going thru white collar bullying via the mile high pure nonsense that is allowed to take place here in our Public Schools. Especially when someone has "reported on" something the administration is getting away with doing or not doing. I found myself sitting in the same office, yup the same Mr. Blackburns office. At the time he was the overseer of all the 100+ Central Area Schools, that included all the Principals. Reporting to Mr. Blackburn back then amounted to a bunch of silly and pure nothing and if anything the very Principal that I was reporting as doing some really nasty vindictive stuff towards me, was allowed to 'carry on' and was probably praised for his 'white collar' bullying of a parent, an ese parent and the SAF Chair of the school. I have heard that this same bully Principal has still been at it and I've heard that most of the Teachers have left the school because of, let's say....poor leadership or maybe he really was a BULLY!! Principals are Protected in Broward by the Superintendent to do whatever they want, even though it maybe ethic or not. Principals have the blessing of the District Administrators and the Superintendent to do whatever they please, even if it's morally and ethically wrong.
Something has to change here in Broward, with how GOOD PEOPLE are treated. That includes ALL the Students, the Parents and certainly OUR TEACHERS!
Allied I am a concerned parent that knows what it's like to be White Collar Bullied by the Administration of my daughters school & the entire ESE Department & School Staff. I was Retaliated against for Speaking Out and Changing Laws!
ead the latest LAWSUIT against Broward Public School District below:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fl-cypress-run-lawsuit-20141015-story.html
Friday, August 8, 2014
A REAL High School Diploma ~ Now we're Talking!!
*Click on Photo above to enlarge photo.
SB 850 2014 ~ Florida
Now maybe it's safe to go back to Public Education!
*BTW ~ THANK YOU to EVERYONE that has Advocated Hard On The Steps 4 CHANGE!!! Today there is New Progress with the MIND-SET & LAWS in the EDUCATION BUSINESS pertaining to our many Students with UNIQUE ABILITIES and their RIGHT TO EARN A STANDARD HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA!!!
THANK YOU FLORIDA ADVOCATES!!
Nancy Linley-Harris
August 8th, 2014
Here is the link to the PDF Doc. that explains about SB 850 Click highlighted link below here:
Nancy's doing the HaPpY Dance...the HaPpY Dance!!!
Can't wait to see how IEP meetings DO THINGS NOW!!!! Maybe it's Safe to have Mariah Elizabeth attend a Broward County Public Schools again?? Nahhhhhh not yet!! We're having too much Fun doing things OUR WAY right now! Not ready to go thru the IEP Process again....yet.
This is BIG CHANGE to the Mindset and maybe the attitude of some, I hope so anyway. I know a few people that should now be BLUSHING IN SHAME for the way many of our students have been shamefully NOT Educated to Learn & Earn a REAL High School Diploma! I know that's all I have ever thought my children would Graduate with!
Dreams really do come true folks!!
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
VOTE NO ~ NO MORE TAXES for BCPS on Nov. 2014!!!!!
Watching Juliet Hibbs YouTube.com Channel called: Hibbs4Change
https://www.youtube.com/user/HibbsforChange
AMAZING Pubic Comments Juliet!!
I like how you have never given up!
Listening to your Hibbs4Change YouTube Channel in the background.
*Nice how it loops around and goes from video to the next video. Click highlighted link to listen.
The Broward DBHS Teacher of the Year was Bullied too???!!
Keep up the ADVOCACY you do!
BROWARD VOTERS for Education NEED TO KNOW THE TRUTH!
VOTE NO
VOTE NO
VOTE NO
VOTE NO
VOTE NO
NO MORE TAXES for BCPS on Nov. 2014!!!!!
https://www.youtube.com/user/HibbsforChange
AMAZING Pubic Comments Juliet!!
I like how you have never given up!
Listening to your Hibbs4Change YouTube Channel in the background.
*Nice how it loops around and goes from video to the next video. Click highlighted link to listen.
The Broward DBHS Teacher of the Year was Bullied too???!!
Keep up the ADVOCACY you do!
BROWARD VOTERS for Education NEED TO KNOW THE TRUTH!
VOTE NO
VOTE NO
VOTE NO
VOTE NO
VOTE NO
NO MORE TAXES for BCPS on Nov. 2014!!!!!
Thursday, July 17, 2014
SB 850 The year of the "PLSA's" ~ Personal Learning Scholarship Accounts & No More WORTHLESS High School Diplomas!
Personal Learning Scholarship Accounts
~The money is going to go to Parents who have REJECTED FAPE???
Are you kidding me?
What most Parents of Students with Disabilities want IS FAPE!! Parents prepare as best they can to go to IEP meetings prepared to help their Child get the Support & Services they know their Child needs, then the FIGHT BEGINS!!! Parents have to learn how to Advocate and do a quick-study to be almost like a lawyer for their child at what begins the gut wrenching IEP meetings. Expecting and hoping to just get a well written IEP that MAKES SENSE!! Especially for our Children with the most significant learning challenges.
I WOULD NEVER REJECT A FREE AND APPROPRIATE EDUCATION for my Children!!!...but the District can FIGHT ME TOOTH AND NAIL at every meeting! Just t FIGHT ME in Due Process, State Complaints and OCR Complaints and say that these Personal Learning Scholarship Accounts will be going to those Parents that REJECTED FAPE at their Public School.
Public Education for ESE across the State should stop playing the absolute pure nonsense games and trickery that goes on at too many "THE IEP TEAM" Meetings. Schools need to provide Parents and the students rights to IDEA....without so much fighting and fussin and going to court over...oh goodness this stuff makes me angry!
As an Advocate for 12 years, listening to way too many phone calls from hurt and frustrated parents calling to tell me what was or wasn't happening to their child and what is going on at their child's school
What happened to me personally, as a parent wanting to help my daughter get a good education.~
~ I didn't reject FAPE!!!
~ I rejected the LOW EXPECTATIONS from staff and teachers at her new Middle School.
~ I rejected the BAD PLACEMENT the school wanted for my child.
~ I rejected the idea of EXCLUDING her from ever sitting in General Education Classroom again.
~ I rejected DENYING her right to her STEM Class, which they all knew was her FAVORITE CLASS!
~ I rejected the schools out-dated practices.
~ I rejected the IEP TEAM that seemed to have the Districts Blessings to PUSH & BULLY me thru 10 IEP meeings in a 7 month time span!
~ I rejected their idea to FORCE my child off receiving a Standard Diploma at Graduation!
~ I rejected the STRESS it was causing to our entire family.
~ I rejected the hurt it caused to my daughter.
~ I rejected the PURE NONSENSE and the unfriendly staff that was out to TAKE AWAY from my daughter's education.
It's really sad when families feel they are being forced out of the Public School System and "FAPE", because IDEA is NOT always provided! So if it's not being provided anyway...if a family decides to homeschool or enroll in a Private school, what are they walking away from...really? The McKay Scholarship has been a GIFT for us to find a school where we felt welcomed and my children feels VALUED & RESPECTED!
There are schools that provide a RICH QUALITY EDUCATION that provides for the Whole Child and that includes the Family too! Making families feel welcomed and including them in educational decisions shouldn't have to be a fight.
If we hadn't filed for our INTENT to use the McKay Funds during a certain time period then the PLSA/Personal Learning Scholarship Account would be available. Not all Parents can access the McKay Funds for whatever reason. So the PLSA's are going to help those children.
Parents want to TRUST Schools & Teachers to do the right things and provide IDEA at the very least.
Quoted from:
JEFFREY S. SOLOCHEK, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Blog: The Gradebook
Special education advocates offer different perspective on Florida voucher plan.
"However, on the last day, many of the terms recommended by CEES that had been included in the vastly different versions of this voucher bill for the entire Session evaporated in one amendment placed on a totally different bill. The new bill (SB 850) would greatly benefit some parents and students while potentially injuring the ability for others to receive the services they deserve and leading to predictable fraud and abuse. A total of $18.4 million was allocated to provide these new services, primarily to students whose parents had already rejected receiving FAPE through their public schools. More than six times the “new” money was allocated for these vouchers than was provided as an increase for the ESE Guaranteed Allocation."
http://www.tampabay.com/resources/documents
The organization had other concerns, not often heard, on issues including funding, diplomas and testing.~ Read the full summary here./2014/06/Final_CEES_2014_Session_Report__3_.pdf
SESSION OVERVIEW
http://www.tampabay.com/resources/documents/2014/06/Final_CEES_2014_Session_Report__3_.pdf
~The money is going to go to Parents who have REJECTED FAPE???
Are you kidding me?
What most Parents of Students with Disabilities want IS FAPE!! Parents prepare as best they can to go to IEP meetings prepared to help their Child get the Support & Services they know their Child needs, then the FIGHT BEGINS!!! Parents have to learn how to Advocate and do a quick-study to be almost like a lawyer for their child at what begins the gut wrenching IEP meetings. Expecting and hoping to just get a well written IEP that MAKES SENSE!! Especially for our Children with the most significant learning challenges.
I WOULD NEVER REJECT A FREE AND APPROPRIATE EDUCATION for my Children!!!...but the District can FIGHT ME TOOTH AND NAIL at every meeting! Just t FIGHT ME in Due Process, State Complaints and OCR Complaints and say that these Personal Learning Scholarship Accounts will be going to those Parents that REJECTED FAPE at their Public School.
Public Education for ESE across the State should stop playing the absolute pure nonsense games and trickery that goes on at too many "THE IEP TEAM" Meetings. Schools need to provide Parents and the students rights to IDEA....without so much fighting and fussin and going to court over...oh goodness this stuff makes me angry!
As an Advocate for 12 years, listening to way too many phone calls from hurt and frustrated parents calling to tell me what was or wasn't happening to their child and what is going on at their child's school
What happened to me personally, as a parent wanting to help my daughter get a good education.~
~ I didn't reject FAPE!!!
~ I rejected the LOW EXPECTATIONS from staff and teachers at her new Middle School.
~ I rejected the BAD PLACEMENT the school wanted for my child.
~ I rejected the idea of EXCLUDING her from ever sitting in General Education Classroom again.
~ I rejected DENYING her right to her STEM Class, which they all knew was her FAVORITE CLASS!
~ I rejected the schools out-dated practices.
~ I rejected the IEP TEAM that seemed to have the Districts Blessings to PUSH & BULLY me thru 10 IEP meeings in a 7 month time span!
~ I rejected their idea to FORCE my child off receiving a Standard Diploma at Graduation!
~ I rejected the STRESS it was causing to our entire family.
~ I rejected the hurt it caused to my daughter.
~ I rejected the PURE NONSENSE and the unfriendly staff that was out to TAKE AWAY from my daughter's education.
It's really sad when families feel they are being forced out of the Public School System and "FAPE", because IDEA is NOT always provided! So if it's not being provided anyway...if a family decides to homeschool or enroll in a Private school, what are they walking away from...really? The McKay Scholarship has been a GIFT for us to find a school where we felt welcomed and my children feels VALUED & RESPECTED!
There are schools that provide a RICH QUALITY EDUCATION that provides for the Whole Child and that includes the Family too! Making families feel welcomed and including them in educational decisions shouldn't have to be a fight.
If we hadn't filed for our INTENT to use the McKay Funds during a certain time period then the PLSA/Personal Learning Scholarship Account would be available. Not all Parents can access the McKay Funds for whatever reason. So the PLSA's are going to help those children.
Parents want to TRUST Schools & Teachers to do the right things and provide IDEA at the very least.
Quoted from:
JEFFREY S. SOLOCHEK, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Blog: The Gradebook
Special education advocates offer different perspective on Florida voucher plan.
"However, on the last day, many of the terms recommended by CEES that had been included in the vastly different versions of this voucher bill for the entire Session evaporated in one amendment placed on a totally different bill. The new bill (SB 850) would greatly benefit some parents and students while potentially injuring the ability for others to receive the services they deserve and leading to predictable fraud and abuse. A total of $18.4 million was allocated to provide these new services, primarily to students whose parents had already rejected receiving FAPE through their public schools. More than six times the “new” money was allocated for these vouchers than was provided as an increase for the ESE Guaranteed Allocation."
http://www.tampabay.com/resources/documents
The organization had other concerns, not often heard, on issues including funding, diplomas and testing.~ Read the full summary here./2014/06/Final_CEES_2014_Session_Report__3_.pdf
SESSION OVERVIEW
http://www.tampabay.com/resources/documents/2014/06/Final_CEES_2014_Session_Report__3_.pdf
Sunday, June 22, 2014
FL Gov. Rick Scott signs into law Personal Learning Accounts ~ THIS IS GREAT NEWS!!
FL Gov. Rick Scott signs school choice expansion bill
Good move Florida Gov. Rick Scott!! Because of signing into law SB 850, more families will now have the option to send their children to Private schools, especially when things aren't always going so well at Public schools.
Click the link below to read a really well explained news article pertaining to the new Senate Bill 850.
http://www.redefinedonline.org/2014/06/scott-signs-school-choice-legislation/
Florida Establishes Personal Learning Scholarship Accounts ~ Governor Scott Signs Bill Giving Families More Choices for Students with Special Needs - Read more at:
http://excelined.org/news/8855/#sthash.bED1wbCW.dpuf
From ~ Florida Politics Blog
After daylong standoff, Legislature sends Gov. Rick Scott a school-voucher expansion
By Aaron Deslatte
Tallahassee Bureau Chief
May 2, 2014
Senator Gardiner like our family, is raising a child with Down syndrome. For our children to be successful in life, a good education is a must! Sen.Gardiner said,
"(SB 850) that also creates "personal learning accounts" for special-needs students and abolishes "special diplomas" -- a priority of incoming Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, who has said the diplomas are worthless and wants universities to instead work to develop better technical training.
"That's pretty important to me," Gardiner said.
Thank you, Senator Gardiner for standing up for what should already be for our Children with Down syndrome and students with UNIQUE ABILITIES! YES!!! This is such an important Law for so many people!!
http://www.politifact.com/florida/statements/2014/jun/19/nan-rich/vouchers-take-3-billion-out-public-schools-nan-ric/
Good move Florida Gov. Rick Scott!! Because of signing into law SB 850, more families will now have the option to send their children to Private schools, especially when things aren't always going so well at Public schools.
Click the link below to read a really well explained news article pertaining to the new Senate Bill 850.
http://www.redefinedonline.org/2014/06/scott-signs-school-choice-legislation/
Florida Establishes Personal Learning Scholarship Accounts ~ Governor Scott Signs Bill Giving Families More Choices for Students with Special Needs - Read more at:
http://excelined.org/news/8855/#sthash.bED1wbCW.dpuf
From ~ Florida Politics Blog
After daylong standoff, Legislature sends Gov. Rick Scott a school-voucher expansion
By Aaron Deslatte
Tallahassee Bureau Chief
May 2, 2014
Senator Gardiner like our family, is raising a child with Down syndrome. For our children to be successful in life, a good education is a must! Sen.Gardiner said,
"(SB 850) that also creates "personal learning accounts" for special-needs students and abolishes "special diplomas" -- a priority of incoming Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, who has said the diplomas are worthless and wants universities to instead work to develop better technical training.
"That's pretty important to me," Gardiner said.
Thank you, Senator Gardiner for standing up for what should already be for our Children with Down syndrome and students with UNIQUE ABILITIES! YES!!! This is such an important Law for so many people!!
http://www.politifact.com/florida/statements/2014/jun/19/nan-rich/vouchers-take-3-billion-out-public-schools-nan-ric/
Saturday, June 21, 2014
What IS Common Core? Do you know? ~ Now Called Different Names = Mean the Same
Brilliant anti-Common Core Speech by Dr. Duke Pesta
NGA
ICCR
What would qualify Governers to rewrite education?
NGA
ICCR
What would qualify Governers to rewrite education?
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Media ~ Tell the FULL STORY of Taxpayers Money in Broward Public ESE Education
The part of this Sun Sentinel News story that wasn't included is the fact that Broward Public Schools is NOT doing their part with TAXPAYER MONEY for many students with learning disabilities either.
Parents are retaliated against for Advocating for the much needed services for their child via the IEP Process. Many Principals, District Admins and teachers have an outdated mindset for some students with IEP's and don't want to do the right things by many ESE Students. THANK GOD for the McKay and that there are the different VOUCHERS for parents to make the choice to remove their children from Broward County Public Schools so they CAN GO ELSEWHERE where there are NO HASSLES and our Children and Parents are treated with RESPECT when Advocating for the much needed services and supports parents know their children need.
Sun Sentinel ~ Tell the REAL STORY of why parents are LEAVING Broward Public schools for Private or Charter.
The Public Schools are NOT USING TAXPAYERS MONEY as they should be on our Special Needs Students...they are WAREHOUSING THEM into NON-ACADEMIC - NON-DIPLOMA Track ESE Cluster Classrooms and some families want more for their Children than what Broward Public Schools wants to do for our children.
Enough is enough and parents have the choice and the right to take their Child's Taxpayers money's and 'shop elsewhere'.!!
Wish the Sun-Sentinel would tell the FULL Story of what really is or is not going on with ESE students and families in Broward Schools!
*Sun Sentinel interview some of the parents that have withdrawn their children with IEP's from attending a Broward Public School and ask them WHY and what are the real reasons they enroll their children in Private and Charter schools.
Tell the FULL STORY of how our Taxpayer monies are being used in Public Education here in Broward. ESE Monies!!
Click link here for Sun Sentinel story:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/fl-mckay-scholarship-no-ese-20140606,0,7092946.story
Click link here for Sun Sentinel data base MAP to Private & Charter schools in Broward:
http://databases.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/schoolmap/#/?address=110%20Southeast%2010th%20Avenue%2C%20Fort%20Lauderdale%2C%20FL%2C%20United%20States%20Florida%20Florida&radius=16100
Parents are retaliated against for Advocating for the much needed services for their child via the IEP Process. Many Principals, District Admins and teachers have an outdated mindset for some students with IEP's and don't want to do the right things by many ESE Students. THANK GOD for the McKay and that there are the different VOUCHERS for parents to make the choice to remove their children from Broward County Public Schools so they CAN GO ELSEWHERE where there are NO HASSLES and our Children and Parents are treated with RESPECT when Advocating for the much needed services and supports parents know their children need.
Sun Sentinel ~ Tell the REAL STORY of why parents are LEAVING Broward Public schools for Private or Charter.
The Public Schools are NOT USING TAXPAYERS MONEY as they should be on our Special Needs Students...they are WAREHOUSING THEM into NON-ACADEMIC - NON-DIPLOMA Track ESE Cluster Classrooms and some families want more for their Children than what Broward Public Schools wants to do for our children.
Enough is enough and parents have the choice and the right to take their Child's Taxpayers money's and 'shop elsewhere'.!!
Wish the Sun-Sentinel would tell the FULL Story of what really is or is not going on with ESE students and families in Broward Schools!
*Sun Sentinel interview some of the parents that have withdrawn their children with IEP's from attending a Broward Public School and ask them WHY and what are the real reasons they enroll their children in Private and Charter schools.
Tell the FULL STORY of how our Taxpayer monies are being used in Public Education here in Broward. ESE Monies!!
Click link here for Sun Sentinel story:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/fl-mckay-scholarship-no-ese-20140606,0,7092946.story
Click link here for Sun Sentinel data base MAP to Private & Charter schools in Broward:
http://databases.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/schoolmap/#/?address=110%20Southeast%2010th%20Avenue%2C%20Fort%20Lauderdale%2C%20FL%2C%20United%20States%20Florida%20Florida&radius=16100
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Monday, May 26, 2014
Inspire Inclusion By Dr. Julie Causton ~ VIDEO #2: Legal Aspects of Inclusive Education
Inspire Inclusion
Video #2: Legal Aspects of Inclusive Education Dr. Julie Causton
http://www.inspireinclusion.com/video-2-legal-aspects-of-inclusive-education/ HERE
IDEA Supplementary Aides & Services Check List to take to IEP meetings! HERE
http://www.inspireinclusion.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/checklist_full.pdf HERE
I am thankful for and inspired to share with you one of the Top Experts in supporting Inclusion for ALL students into neighborhood schools & classrooms they would attend if they didn't have a disability! ~ Dr. Julie Causton
Her Video's and website are JAMMED PACKED with the tools needed to Advocate for our Children to be provided an Inclusive Education. Sign up to receive more useful resources Dr. Julie Causton provides!
This is the Meat & Potatoes!!!!
Have a Great Day!
Pass it on!!
Nancy and Mariah
321 Fun ~ Mariah's Life!
Video #2: Legal Aspects of Inclusive Education Dr. Julie Causton
http://www.inspireinclusion.com/video-2-legal-aspects-of-inclusive-education/ HERE
IDEA Supplementary Aides & Services Check List to take to IEP meetings! HERE
http://www.inspireinclusion.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/checklist_full.pdf HERE
I am thankful for and inspired to share with you one of the Top Experts in supporting Inclusion for ALL students into neighborhood schools & classrooms they would attend if they didn't have a disability! ~ Dr. Julie Causton
Her Video's and website are JAMMED PACKED with the tools needed to Advocate for our Children to be provided an Inclusive Education. Sign up to receive more useful resources Dr. Julie Causton provides!
This is the Meat & Potatoes!!!!
Have a Great Day!
Pass it on!!
Nancy and Mariah
321 Fun ~ Mariah's Life!
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Special Education is Not a Place: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act By Lily Clausen, Isabel Frye and Chloe Marsh Junior Division
Special Education is Not a Place
U.S. Department of Education sent this bulletin at 05/21/2014 11:21 AM EDT
Special Education is Not a Place:
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
By Lily Clausen, Isabel Frye and Chloe Marsh
Junior Division
This website was created by 3, seventh graders.
Pass this GREAT RESOURCE on to others! I think they did an absolutely fantastic job on their project!
http://65454531.nhd.weebly.com/uploads/2/5/7/8/25788665/process_paper.pdf
http://65454531.nhd.weebly.com/
U.S. Department of Education sent this bulletin at 05/21/2014 11:21 AM EDT
Special Education is Not a Place:
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
By Lily Clausen, Isabel Frye and Chloe Marsh
Junior Division
This website was created by 3, seventh graders.
Pass this GREAT RESOURCE on to others! I think they did an absolutely fantastic job on their project!
http://65454531.nhd.weebly.com/uploads/2/5/7/8/25788665/process_paper.pdf
http://65454531.nhd.weebly.com/
* OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ~ A Due Process for an IEE in Broward County 5/21/14
Who wants to sit in on a Live DUE PROCESS HEARING to LEARN the "PROCESS" of a Due Process? A Due Process with a ALJ / Administrative Law Judge for an IEE / Independent Evaluation in Broward County.
A Broward Mom has requested for it to be OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Let me know! Come and LEARN the "Process" of an IEE Due Process at 9AM - May 21st, 2014.
The Hearing site is on Commercial Blvd. South side of Commercial Blvd West of 95 at:
1400 W. Commercial Blvd. Fort Lauderdale
This below address was not the correct place for today's meeting.
(*The 'game played' on that is another blog story!)
This below address is where Due Process Meetings could be held, so I am keeping the address listed on the blog for future reference.
Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims
Building I
Suite 200 (2nd Floor at top of the Stairs)
4500 N. State Rd. 7
Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33319
(954) 714-3400 Ext. 111
Let me know if you will be there for the hearing!!
Great Learning Opportunity to learn the PROCESS of a DUE PROCESS.
A Broward Mom has requested for it to be OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Let me know! Come and LEARN the "Process" of an IEE Due Process at 9AM - May 21st, 2014.
The Hearing site is on Commercial Blvd. South side of Commercial Blvd West of 95 at:
1400 W. Commercial Blvd. Fort Lauderdale
This below address was not the correct place for today's meeting.
(*The 'game played' on that is another blog story!)
This below address is where Due Process Meetings could be held, so I am keeping the address listed on the blog for future reference.
Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims
Building I
Suite 200 (2nd Floor at top of the Stairs)
4500 N. State Rd. 7
Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33319
(954) 714-3400 Ext. 111
Let me know if you will be there for the hearing!!
Great Learning Opportunity to learn the PROCESS of a DUE PROCESS.
Is this the SB 1108 Parent Signature for DIPLOMA OPTION that Parents have to sign YES or NO?
Appendix C
Florida Department of Education
Parental Consent Form/Prior Written Notice
Instruction in the State Standards Access Points Curriculum and
Florida Alternate Assessment Administration
SB 1108 Parent Signs off on DIPLOMA OPTION click here
http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/studentsupport/ese/PDF/ParentConsent%20FAA_AccessPoints_Eng.pdf
Florida Department of Education
Parental Consent Form/Prior Written Notice
Instruction in the State Standards Access Points Curriculum and
Florida Alternate Assessment Administration
SB 1108 Parent Signs off on DIPLOMA OPTION click here
http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/studentsupport/ese/PDF/ParentConsent%20FAA_AccessPoints_Eng.pdf
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Customize your Child's Special Education with Florida Personal Learning Accounts SB 5103
CS/SB 5103
This Bill takes effect July 1st, 2014
Students with Disabilities; Establishes Florida Personal Learning Account Program to enable parents of students with disabilities to customize their child's education using wide range of instructional services; provides student eligibility, responsibilities for program participation, administration & funding of Florida Personal Learning Accounts, & DOE, nonprofit scholarship-funding organization, & school district obligations.
http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2014/5103/ByVersion
http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2014/5103/Analyses/h5103a.EDAS.PDF
PERSONAL LEARNING ACCOUNTS!
Down syndrome, Autism, Occupational Therapy, Medical Services, TUTORING, EDUCATIONAL CHOICES, Academic Services, Private Schooling. Thinking of HOMESCHOOLING? Are you already HOMESCHOOLING? Annual Evaluation, Educational Progress, HIGH ACCOUNTABILITY for how the Funds are spent! Cross Referenced with APD. Cross over with the McKay Funds.
Watch and Hear some HEROIC MOMS provide PUBLIC TESTIMONY!
Julie Kleffel ROCKED the House!!
The Bill Passed!!
This is GREAT NEWS that will mean FINANCIAL HELP to many parents raising Children with Special Needs!
*PASS IT ON SO THOSE INTERESTED KNOW ABOUT THIS EXCITING NEW BILL*
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/VideoPlayer.aspx?eventID=2443575804_2014031151&committeeID=2711
CLICK HERE to view WARRIOR MOMS ADVOCATING FOR THEIR CHILDRENS' EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS IN SUPPORT OF PERSONAL LEARNING ACCOUNTS.
This Bill takes effect July 1st, 2014
Students with Disabilities; Establishes Florida Personal Learning Account Program to enable parents of students with disabilities to customize their child's education using wide range of instructional services; provides student eligibility, responsibilities for program participation, administration & funding of Florida Personal Learning Accounts, & DOE, nonprofit scholarship-funding organization, & school district obligations.
http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2014/5103/ByVersion
http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2014/5103/Analyses/h5103a.EDAS.PDF
PERSONAL LEARNING ACCOUNTS!
Down syndrome, Autism, Occupational Therapy, Medical Services, TUTORING, EDUCATIONAL CHOICES, Academic Services, Private Schooling. Thinking of HOMESCHOOLING? Are you already HOMESCHOOLING? Annual Evaluation, Educational Progress, HIGH ACCOUNTABILITY for how the Funds are spent! Cross Referenced with APD. Cross over with the McKay Funds.
Watch and Hear some HEROIC MOMS provide PUBLIC TESTIMONY!
Julie Kleffel ROCKED the House!!
The Bill Passed!!
This is GREAT NEWS that will mean FINANCIAL HELP to many parents raising Children with Special Needs!
*PASS IT ON SO THOSE INTERESTED KNOW ABOUT THIS EXCITING NEW BILL*
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/VideoPlayer.aspx?eventID=2443575804_2014031151&committeeID=2711
CLICK HERE to view WARRIOR MOMS ADVOCATING FOR THEIR CHILDRENS' EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS IN SUPPORT OF PERSONAL LEARNING ACCOUNTS.
Friday, May 2, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
BENSON HaPpY!!! Priceless!!!
BENSON HaPpY!!! Priceless!!!!!!
Awe Mommie!!!! I am so HaPpY for Benson and You!!! This is what has been needed for so long for Benson......SUPPORT!!!!
Thank you Community!!
Awe Mommie!!!! I am so HaPpY for Benson and You!!! This is what has been needed for so long for Benson......SUPPORT!!!!
Thank you Community!!
Monday, April 28, 2014
A Father's Sacrifice ~ Thomas S. Vander Woude ~ Focus on the Family
A Father's Sacrifice
Focus on the Family
Published on Mar 19, 2014
Thomas S. Vander Woude gave his life for his youngest son, Joseph. In this video, members of the Vander Woude family remember their husband and dad. They also share what Thomas' life and death taught them about living life well, sacrifice... and faith.
Focus on the Family
Published on Mar 19, 2014
Thomas S. Vander Woude gave his life for his youngest son, Joseph. In this video, members of the Vander Woude family remember their husband and dad. They also share what Thomas' life and death taught them about living life well, sacrifice... and faith.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Tis the Season for Filing State Complaints & Going to Due Process in Florida.
Close to the end of another the school year is in the air! This is when I hear about a few Due Process & State Complaints being filed during this time of year.
My phone is ringing with pleading parents wanting to know what to do now, because they are concerned and fed up with a situation that's been going on for too long now at their Child's school. Some are concerned their child isn't being provided therapies during FCAT time, and other basic violations to IDEA.
I have been getting a few phone calls pertaining to Occupational Therapy and it has been taken away from their child at school and parents don't know what to do.
Wondering what to do about a situation that needs to change at school?
Now is the time to know what the Procedural Safeguards are and to finally DO SOMETHING about it!
My Best Advice to you is:
FILE!!! Just Do It & FILE!
Google your State Dept. of Education and look up and read all about what is a "Due Process" and/or "How to File a State Complaint".
Filing is a learning experience and it's a learning process. Don't be afraid of filing for a Due Process or a State Complaint if you know your Child's Rights and their IEP is being Violated.
My phone is ringing with pleading parents wanting to know what to do now, because they are concerned and fed up with a situation that's been going on for too long now at their Child's school. Some are concerned their child isn't being provided therapies during FCAT time, and other basic violations to IDEA.
I have been getting a few phone calls pertaining to Occupational Therapy and it has been taken away from their child at school and parents don't know what to do.
Wondering what to do about a situation that needs to change at school?
Now is the time to know what the Procedural Safeguards are and to finally DO SOMETHING about it!
My Best Advice to you is:
FILE!!! Just Do It & FILE!
Google your State Dept. of Education and look up and read all about what is a "Due Process" and/or "How to File a State Complaint".
Filing is a learning experience and it's a learning process. Don't be afraid of filing for a Due Process or a State Complaint if you know your Child's Rights and their IEP is being Violated.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Monday, April 7, 2014
My 2 calls today ~ 2 different students with Down syndrome being pinched, scratched, pulled by their backpacks to get on/off the bus.
April 7th, 2014.
I received 2 calls since 3PM today, it's now about 5:30PM. Both calls were from two different mom's telling me their children with DS are being hurt and treated 'roughly'. One at school and one on the bus to and from school. One parent from Broward, the other parent from Palm Beach school district. I know both of these 2 children and I know these mom's and their families. One is a girl about 7 and the other a boy about 10 years old. My heart aches hearing from both of them today and what they told me.
Do I believe what they are telling me? Absolutely I believe both of them! I am their 'go-to person', I don't hear from them very often, but when I do, it usually because they need my advice on what they should do.
One said, her son is being Pinched in the 'soft spot' under his upper arm. That there have been some unexplained scratches lately that seem to be nail scratches on his neck.
The other mom, told me her daughter is acting a lot different and doesn't want to get on the bus like she did before. Mom asked the bus aide and the driver if something has been happening to her daughter while riding the bus.
What can either parent do when they suspect something has happened and their child is being mistreated, hurt, pulled, pushed, scratched, pinched...etc?
Mother's Protect your Children and Keep Them Safe!
Always follow up what you see, know and have been told with an email to your Child's school. Document what your Child communicates to you. Take pictures of any bruises, cuts, scratches, bumps etc. Request to VIEW THE TAPES from the Bus ride that day you know something may have happened. Request written accident reports when your Child comes home with unexplained marks they didn't have when they were sent to school in the morning. Take your child to the doctor to document each and every unexplained, boo-boo. Request to have a meeting with your school principal and ESE person to voice your concerns and request to view video tapes where incidents may have happened.
If you are a person that works everyday with our Children with Down syndrome, either as a classroom assistant or a 1:1 Aide or the Bus attendant on an ESE Bus, take a break and let someone else have your job if you see yourself loosing your cool and not having the patience with our Children. Protect both of you!
People that work with our children with Down syndrome on school buses and in the classrooms....please be kind and considerate to our children!!!!
School employees; Stop hurting our Children! You know who you are and what you do. STOP!!
I received 2 calls since 3PM today, it's now about 5:30PM. Both calls were from two different mom's telling me their children with DS are being hurt and treated 'roughly'. One at school and one on the bus to and from school. One parent from Broward, the other parent from Palm Beach school district. I know both of these 2 children and I know these mom's and their families. One is a girl about 7 and the other a boy about 10 years old. My heart aches hearing from both of them today and what they told me.
Do I believe what they are telling me? Absolutely I believe both of them! I am their 'go-to person', I don't hear from them very often, but when I do, it usually because they need my advice on what they should do.
One said, her son is being Pinched in the 'soft spot' under his upper arm. That there have been some unexplained scratches lately that seem to be nail scratches on his neck.
The other mom, told me her daughter is acting a lot different and doesn't want to get on the bus like she did before. Mom asked the bus aide and the driver if something has been happening to her daughter while riding the bus.
What can either parent do when they suspect something has happened and their child is being mistreated, hurt, pulled, pushed, scratched, pinched...etc?
Mother's Protect your Children and Keep Them Safe!
Always follow up what you see, know and have been told with an email to your Child's school. Document what your Child communicates to you. Take pictures of any bruises, cuts, scratches, bumps etc. Request to VIEW THE TAPES from the Bus ride that day you know something may have happened. Request written accident reports when your Child comes home with unexplained marks they didn't have when they were sent to school in the morning. Take your child to the doctor to document each and every unexplained, boo-boo. Request to have a meeting with your school principal and ESE person to voice your concerns and request to view video tapes where incidents may have happened.
If you are a person that works everyday with our Children with Down syndrome, either as a classroom assistant or a 1:1 Aide or the Bus attendant on an ESE Bus, take a break and let someone else have your job if you see yourself loosing your cool and not having the patience with our Children. Protect both of you!
People that work with our children with Down syndrome on school buses and in the classrooms....please be kind and considerate to our children!!!!
School employees; Stop hurting our Children! You know who you are and what you do. STOP!!
Friday, March 21, 2014
Video: Kids with severe disabilities taking mandatory standardized test BY VALERIE STRAUSS March 12 at 3:29 pm
Video: Kids with severe disabilities taking mandatory standardized test
BY VALERIE STRAUSS
March 12 at 3:29 pm
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2014/03/12/video-kids-with-severe-disabilities-taking-mandatory-standardized-test/
BY VALERIE STRAUSS
March 12 at 3:29 pm
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2014/03/12/video-kids-with-severe-disabilities-taking-mandatory-standardized-test/
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Faces of Common Core & The Impact on Special Needs Children by Gretchen Logue
Our Children Are Not All The Same
Special Education is not part of Common Core.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
SPD = Sensory Processing Disorder ~ The Chronicles of Ellie Bellie Bear
Sensory Processing Disorder ~ The Chronicles of Ellie Bellie Bear
So What Exactly Is SPD?
http://ellietheurer.blogspot.com/p/sensory-processing-disorder.html
The Chronicles of Ellie Bellie Bear continues because I want the world to see what I see just how wonderful and utterly perfect my daughter is, designer genes and all. That our little Bear-Bear has more determination and motivation than most adults I know and that she is surpassing all of our expectations. That, yes, there are challenges and yes, sometimes thing are hard, but Ellie is our beautiful, sassy daughter who completes our family.
*A note from DS Advocate Blog writer, Nancy Linley-Harris: I like to share fellow bloggers stories that help educate society to a better understanding of 'our world' of raising a wonderfully unique person with Down syndrome. If you are interested in having one of your stories featured and shared on one of my blogs please send me a link to your story.
HaPpY Blogging!!
Nancy ~ DS Advocate
So What Exactly Is SPD?
If you happen to be like me, Sensory Processing Disorder [SPD] is a new experience and a bit confusing. Okay, it is really confusing. As you start to read all of the checklists and behaviors that might be associated with said disorder, you start to think “hey, I have that.” or “OMG, my child has that for sure!”. The fact of the matter is that everyone has some of the behaviors on the checklists and that is absolutely typical. It is true. What makes it a disorder is that it affects one’s ability to complete tasks, learn, and / or communicate. The sensory issues are so severe that they impact daily activities of living [ADL].
History:
While SPD may seem like a relatively new phenomenon, it was studied by Dr. Anna Jean Ayred, PhD, OTR since the 1960s where she coined the term “sensory integration dysfunction”.Ever hear of the book “The Out-Of-Sync Child” by Carol Stock Kranowitz from 1995? This author touches on SPD and that was in the mid-1990’s. Since then, starting around 2007, Sensory Processing Disorder and Sensory Integration Disorder have become more widely studied. HOWEVER, there is no actual ICD-9 medical code for SPD. . . YET. An ICD-9 is a diagnostic code used by medical providers, OTs, etc. For example, Down Syndrome has a ICD-9 code of 758.0 Without an ICD-9 code, billing to insurance and obtaining therapies is rather difficult.
How is it that a disorder that has been around for over 50 years does not even have its own diagnostic code? How is it that there is no definitive diagnostic tool for SPD?
http://ellietheurer.blogspot.com/p/sensory-processing-disorder.html
The Chronicles of Ellie Bellie Bear continues because I want the world to see what I see just how wonderful and utterly perfect my daughter is, designer genes and all. That our little Bear-Bear has more determination and motivation than most adults I know and that she is surpassing all of our expectations. That, yes, there are challenges and yes, sometimes thing are hard, but Ellie is our beautiful, sassy daughter who completes our family.
*A note from DS Advocate Blog writer, Nancy Linley-Harris: I like to share fellow bloggers stories that help educate society to a better understanding of 'our world' of raising a wonderfully unique person with Down syndrome. If you are interested in having one of your stories featured and shared on one of my blogs please send me a link to your story.
HaPpY Blogging!!
Nancy ~ DS Advocate
Friday, November 22, 2013
8 Teachers from Broward & Palm Beach Disciplined ~ For doing some Crazy Crap!
BACKGROUND CHECKS & PROPER TRAINING EVERY YEAR for ALL PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES! ~ MANDATED!
"The state has disciplined eight area teachers and former teachers for incidents that allegedly happened both inside and outside their classrooms."
This is some crazy crap a couple of teachers are 'getting caught at' doing off and on-the-job! What the heck is wrong with some of these people? Are you kidding me??
Most of them will continue to do what they do...they get a slap on the wrist for unprofessional behavior and no work ethics! Get rid of them for good if they have proven themselves uncaring and without morals in the treatment of the students and people they are assigned to work with.
These slaps on the wrist are becoming more common and in the news all too often....especially stories pertaining to abuse of some sort towards students with special learning needs.
Camera's in ALL CLASSROOMS is maybe something that should be put on the table for discussion. Setting up cameras as a monitoring tool used as SPOT CHECKS of any classroom every now and again or anywhere within the school and work place. This will help to ensure and document that things are running smoothly on any given day. Cameras could be set up overnight if there is ever a concern for what is taking place within any given area of the school campus. Portable cameras that move around the campus if there is such resistance to having permanent cameras placed and running everyday in certain classrooms. If everyone is doing their job professionally, there should be no worries about what gets captured and recorded on any given day.
Absolutely camera's are needed in ESE and Special Education Classrooms all day every day! There have been way too many abuse stories going on with our students receiving Special Education and seems the stories are increasing.
If you are concerned for our - YOUR Children at school and your Child maybe more vulnerable to being taken advantage of because of being a student in Special Education, please join the Cameras In Special Needs Classrooms Facebook group that has almost 14,000 members! https://www.facebook.com/CamerasInSpecialNeedsClassrooms
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Friday, November 15, 2013
Investigation into California Special Education ~ Denying & Delaying Services is happening across the Country!
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
NICHCY no longer being funded by OSEP...WHY?
I went to the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) website this morning and was surprised to see that NICHCY is no longer being funded by U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)
WHY?
Why would OSEP not want to continue funding this resource for us?
Be sure to visit the NICHCY website and save some of the resources for future reference. Great resourse for anything and everything pertaining to Individual Education Plans (IEP's)
The site will "be open" until September 30, 2014.
http://nichcy.org/schoolage/iep/iepcontents
*below is the notice I received when I visited the NICHCY website this morning.
NOTICE: The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) is no longer in operation. Our funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) ended on September 30, 2013.
Our website and all its free resources will remain available until September 30, 2014.
The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) has provided information and resources to the nation on disabilities in children and youth for many decades. On September 30, 2013, however, our funding from the Office of Special Education Programs at the U.S. Department of Education ended.
This rich website and all its free resources will remain available until September 30, 2014. We encourage you to explore our website and collect any resources that may assist you in serving children and youth with disabilities.
*See the New IDEA Website
WHY?
Why would OSEP not want to continue funding this resource for us?
Be sure to visit the NICHCY website and save some of the resources for future reference. Great resourse for anything and everything pertaining to Individual Education Plans (IEP's)
The site will "be open" until September 30, 2014.
http://nichcy.org/schoolage/iep/iepcontents
*below is the notice I received when I visited the NICHCY website this morning.
NOTICE: The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) is no longer in operation. Our funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) ended on September 30, 2013.
Our website and all its free resources will remain available until September 30, 2014.
The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) has provided information and resources to the nation on disabilities in children and youth for many decades. On September 30, 2013, however, our funding from the Office of Special Education Programs at the U.S. Department of Education ended.
This rich website and all its free resources will remain available until September 30, 2014. We encourage you to explore our website and collect any resources that may assist you in serving children and youth with disabilities.
*See the New IDEA Website
Thursday, November 7, 2013
SURVEY ~ PT & OT ~ ESE Services in Florida Public Schools
Take the Florida PT & OT Survey!
PT & OT ~ ESE Services in Florida Public Schools
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3DW85N7
Click here to take survey
Share and Pass this survey on!
Post it to your FB page and let others know about it.
Thank you,
DS Advocate
http://www.dsadvocate.com/
PT & OT ~ ESE Services in Florida Public Schools
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3DW85N7
Click here to take survey
Share and Pass this survey on!
Post it to your FB page and let others know about it.
Thank you,
DS Advocate
http://www.dsadvocate.com/
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