Mainstream schooling for children with learning difficulties?

Question

my daughter is 19mnths old and has down syndrome...i am quite sure i would like her to go to mainstream school. my mother seems to think that this is a bad idea and is worried about her being bullied..its a long way off yet but i need to get her name down early so the nursery staff can start a support plan...she is doing really well..better than what was expected actually..and her early intervention worker seems to think that mainstream is the better option and thinks that she will cope really well. but i must admit im nervous about this as anyone on here had a similair experiences in starting a child with a learning disability in a mainstream school?

Answer 1

If your school is refusing to put your child into special education classes take it up to the superintendant. If he does not want to comply look online and ask around to find out more info on what you can do to fight your school. I will do some short research right now to get you started on a route.

http://school.familyeducation.com/specia...

This is just one site I found after a few minutes of searching. If you go to any search engine( Dogpile.com is my favorite) you can probably find anything you need. I am not sure if this site will help you with what you need but do whatever you need to do to get your daughter what she needs.

Answer 2

Can't speak from personal experience of being a parent with a child with down syndrome but can give a mainstream teacher's view, currently working in a Nursery class (with 2 children with disabilities)

I personally know 2 girls with downs syndrome who attended mainstream primary school.  1 managed this superbly and is now attending the local comp  and doing well.  The 2nd girl has gone to a special needs 'comp' because it was felt that her needs were best met there - personally I think she should have changed at the end of infants because she never got anything out of her 'junior' years in the mainstream setting.

I wouldn't worry about the bullying.  Nursery children are very accepting/caring - they dont see differences, all they will see is 'Helen' (or whatever your daughter is called)  As the children move through school you often find they are caring / protective towards children with difficulties.

You may need to fight to get exactly what your daughter is entitled to.  If they go to mainstream make sure they have their support and they get it.  Check that the support worker has expereince of working with children with downs syndrome.  

Some children manage in earlier stages of mainstream school but struggle as they move through.  Be aware of this and check with the school regularly that they are still offering the best education for your child.

Being open minded to ALL possibilities will help YOU choose what is best for YOUR daughter.

Answer 3

Check with your Early Intervention Worker about options for transition (when your child turns 3 yrs old).  My son is 3 yrs old and is in Special Ed preschool at through our local school system.  Here, they have all of the special education preschoolers together, with all different types of disabilities.  They also have "peer models", which are typically developing children.  Theses students have to meet certain requirements (have good social skills, be potty trained, have well developed communication and language skills, comply with adult requests, etc).  I think something like this might be a good way to start.  

But ultimately you want to make sure that your child is getting the best education possible.  Sometimes main stream is not the best place for that to occur.  It will ultimately depend on your child.  Know what your rights are.  Our state has a wonderful advocacy group called the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities.  www.ocecd.org  There is also tons of good info on the web regarding special education.

Answer 4

normal school day care if possible normal pre kindergarten then off to a special school . her biggest problem wont be downs it will be words spoken to her by children and adults but mostly children who despite all the PC c**p they are taught are still children and are no different then the ones 200 years ago . they will tease her and she will remember that and be harmed by that . the answer is to get her into a place a school that has all students with severe disabilities so they will understand each others pain and help each other not tease not torment but help each other . this isn't what you will see as the modern thing to do . this is what is the right thing to do .

also take her to church . i have worked with many many children and adults with downs and other problems and church seems to really be a key point in there lives. maybe god is the only teacher that can teach them very well and love them too. . may God bless you and your child this day and every day with strength. in Jesus name i pray amen

Answer 5

depends on the school

there is not substitute for having lots of friends and being in school and mainstreamed as much as possible.          

i have no personal exp but have seen plenty of good school environments.  public schools

Answer 6

I don't think she'd be bullied but they'll take liberties with her and the benifits of mainstream education will be outweighed by the problems. My step son was diagnosed as autistic although he's alot better now (12), he's in main stream education but the kids upset him a little and he doesn't understand why (that's exactly why they do it and how they do it). It's nothing major but it's not easy to cope with.

Answer 7

Your girl will benefit  immensely by inclusion of a mainstream school. She will learn important social skills from her fellow piers and be aware of and involved in the latest juvenile fads and trends.She  will feel a part of society rather than different. A child with special educational needs will be given a statement throughout their school life which entitles them to extra support and provision.

Answer 8

Most early education is about socialising the children, Downs children generally cope well with mainstram during their early years. I think it's worthwhile going for mainstream school especially now, if it gets to be too much for her then she can always change school later. It would be much harder for her to adapt to mainstream after a time in special ed than to do it the other way round. She might be bullied at school but she might not, bullying happens in special schools too. Children with Down's Syndrome usually have a good self image and strong sense of self, some call that stubborn but'\, it can stand them in good stead all through their lives.

I would have a very different opinion if your daughter was autistic as that involves a very different set of special needs.

Answer 9

Most school would have a para educator that would be with her all the time. The para would be with her in the class room and work with her one on one. I think mainstreaming her would be great. She would have someone with her all the time so bulling would not be a big issue.

Answer 10

hi there, everyone has given you some in depth answers here. Mine if from 'bullying experience'

I am very over weight i went to nursery as a big kid and i grew up with my class mates who just accepted me as i am. we all went from nursery to infants to juniors all knowing who was in the class because we grew up together. So i never experienced much bullying. But when i came to seniors my parents wanted me to go to a better school it was tough to get into only me and 4 others from my junior school got in. It was then i experienced the bullying because they didnt know me. it went on for two years my school was very helpful during the time i was bullied, did what they could until i got tough and started fighting back.

What im trying to get to is

- if you put your daughter in a special school for her whole of her school life she wont be prepared for the 'real lworld'

- If you put your daughter in a special school for 6yrs then decided to give mainstream a go she wont just be 'the new girl' she'll be 'the different new girl'

- However if you put your daughter into main stream now and when it comes to seniors try and get her into the school that most of her class will be going to. She will have grown up with all her class mates. and the class mates will know no different.

Well i hope all that helps

Best of Luck with your decision

Best of luc for your daughter on her first day

Answer 11

Hi...my son has down syndrome as well and is mainstreamed into our school district. he began school when he turned 3 this past December (early childhood preschool that is located in our kindergarten school). I too was nervous as well about it, but I have to tell you don't worry! you are going to be so surprised on how well she is going to do! In my son's class they interact with all the other kids in the school so they are not separated from them. I believe this is the best thing they could have done. it gives the "typical" children the opportunity to meet kids that are different than themselves and so far with my son they have all treated him just great! (children do not have the prejudices that adults have). it is funny but all the kids want to have Nick on their teams during recess...lol next year he will be going back to the same class for the first semester and his teacher is talking about transitioning him into the 4 yr old kindergarten during the spring semester because he loves to imitate others she feels he would excel being around different kids.... remember the decision is your to make...if you feel you daughter is ready for a regular school system..go for it! you will be pleasantly surprised and if for some reason she doesn't like it or doesn't do as well you ALWAYS have the option of taking her out.

Answer 12

Hi sandie,

How are you? Okay theres two ways looking at this, Mainstream schooling would be an great eduction for your daughter.  She will get alota support from teachers and classroom supporter thoughtout her class.  There are schools for learning disabilitites from age of 3years old - 19years old.  She will be with other learning disabilites childrens but if you put her into mainstream schooling, I feel that she will learn more from kids who knows more.  What I'm trying to say is that theres all types of learning disabilities in learning disabilities schooling and you know what your little girl may be more aware than other learning disabilities kids and this may put her behind as others kids keeping her back whilst in mainstream school she will get loads of support and will learn an awful lot.  And hopefully in near future she will be accepted in mainstream high school but only time will tell.  When she turns 16 and heading out to the big bad world, theres alot of support for her to seek work, don't be afraid for her, I'm working with alot of learning disabilities and they are doing things like other people doing today, also they are living in their own home and doin what other people do.  It's up to you to let her act as other people but there are support out there for her.  So i think mainstream will be an great achievement for her future. I wish you all the best but don't think for you but for whats best for her, and it's not up to your mother. This is 2007 and alot has change for disabilities, disabilities has rights!!!!

Answer 13

I work in a non profit preschool whose' focus is children with Downs' Syndrome and we do mainstream in each class.  Our program runs from 6 mos to 6 yrs with 10 children per class (5-7 have Downs').  They are grouped developmentally, not necessarily by age. That makes a difference, because the older children in the class have Downs'  and the younger ones do not which lessen the "gap" in both development and size (b/c as you know children w/ Downs' are often smaller than their peers.)  

Please do not be afraid of mainstream, just check it out first, some schools have strange versions of mainstreaming, others offer little support for the child or teacher, but you should be able to find a high quality program especially since you are starting so early.

Our school has several locations through the country, if you would like to know more, please contact me through my profile and I will see if there is a location near you.

Good luck and keep fighting the good fight!!!

Answer 14

Mainstream schools can work for children with learning difficulties.

My cousin's son has got learning difficulties, the children who went to the same nursery/play school have fortunately gone to the same primary school, so they were used to him already.  And his friends from nursey already had older siblings at the school.  So there hasn't been any bullying from them or children who have joined the school after him.

Answer 15

I think it is a great idea,if you can arrange this. I do know there are schools that will intergrate children with problems, and know that they arrange help for the child, in severe cases, they can be allotted one carer to help the child within the normal school day. It is so good for the child, also for the other children in the class.  Have a word with the local council. Or contact a local school, for advice, and help.  There will be someone out there to help &guide you. Good luck and hope you can arrange something. Your child isnt any different really. They are just 'special'

Answer 16

Hi

Many schools have added support for those with learning difficulties, so i wouldnt worry too much. its a hard decision i know as you want to protect your daughter, but maybe a mainstream school would make her feel better.

Answer 17

I don't blame you for being worried.  Maybe you can try your child in pre school to get her used to being around other kids.  See how she interacts.  It probably depends on her personality and how resiliant and happy go lucky she is.  Head Start usually will take kids with disabilities and put them with so called normal kids.  This could be a trial run for her.  Drop in unannounced alot and let your daughter tell you how she likes it.  

Yes, kids can be cruel and you have a tough decision, but sounds like your a caring mom and you will do the right thing for her in the end.

Answer 18

Follow what you feel is best for your children no matter what hurdles are placed in your way. you don't need to send both children to the same mainstream school if there is a choice.

It is far easier to get a special school place for her and that could always be a back up plan if things didn't work out as you hoped. all parents wish the best and as a parent it is up to you to aim for it.

Answer 19

My son is 2 1/2 and has Down syndrome and will soon be starting preschool in a mainstream program.  It sounds like you have had excellent care in your EI program and I'm sure that your EI team will work with the School District team at your IEP meetings.  I think mainstreaming is a great idea, if the child can cope with it.  It exposes children of varying abilities to one another and I think all kids benefit from it.  As for bullying, I suppose that is a concern we all have, but the overwhelming thing I keep hearing from parents who have already "been there" is that children tend to bond quite strongly with kids like ours and actually take them under their wing and can be quite protective.  Any child can be bullied (I was as a child) and I think that it is just up to us as parents to teach our children that they are important, and special and just as good as anyone else.  I hope to instill a deep sense of self-esteem and worth in my son and help him through the rough spots, just as I would any child.

You sound like a fantastic mom and I think that if you stay involved, maybe volunteer from time to time in the classroom, and just continue to work with your daughter, everything will be fine.  Your mom's concern is sweet and she obviously cares a great deal, so if you can get her involved as well, that would be fantastic.

Good luck!

Answer 20

Go for it.

As has already been said oung children are very accepting.

If your daughter does not do well she can transfer to special needs - it's easier to go from mainstream to special needs than the other way round.

Yes sh may be bullied but so may a child who is fat, has red hair, talks with a different accent or whatever the bullies think is uncool this year - but you are aware of that and can intercede if neccesary.

Is there a nursery at your local school - so she can get used to her classmates and they can get used to her.

You know your own daughter, and as you know downs is a syndrome - with very varied disabiities and needs. Follow your instincts.

Answer 21

My daughter is now 7 i should have started her in preschool she has add and a speech/mentality delay she is supposed to be in grade 2 but her functioning is at sk level ...The teacher feels she should have gone to sum kind of preschool ..if u or ur worker feel she is ready for preschool give it a go for a while see how she does..they r at a young age that they may not bully her but might get a close bond with her wich will help her function better ..I now am having difficulties with my daughter for that reason not letting her be a part of a nursery or anything similar..Best advice It doesnt hurt to try

Answer 22

I've found in my career that children are less likely to bully "disabled" children if they all started in the nursery at the same time, because they don't see any of the children they've always been with as different.  The children I work with all have autism and the ones who started at nursery were just "oh there's bob he doesn't talk, look there's sam she's got red hair" it's just a facet to their person to the other children.

Answer 23

the answer to this question is kind of a roller coaster of one----you need to consider a multitude of items when choosing the "right" placement for your daughters education.

you need to take into consideration these items along with the recommendations of her doctors, pt/ot therapists, and your own gut feelings as a parent.

you will need to thourghly research the schools in your area--there should be a variety of them---"regular" (read mainstream)--"special education"(read possible reverse mainstream or isolated educational program--and then a cross between either of them.

you need to be aware of your daughters strengths/weaknesses and of her ultimate potential also

once you put all of this information thogether then you make the decision---to begin with of course and then future decisions will also include the results of this placement also

i have dealt with a great number of "special" needs children over the years including 2 of my own(one with auditory processing/speech problems and one with add/adhd and severe learning disablities) and each child is different--(my third child whom i had tested before she entered kindergarten was soo far ahead of schedule she was also considered "special needs" but at the "good" end of the scale)and with each child placement is just as difficult

one of my children remained in regular school with only speech/reading help, one in regular school (but in the gifted program) and the other eventually went to a private school that was specifically set up for children with learning differences(and he did very well there)

good luck and dont give up hope---i once had a boy in my classroom whom the parents and doctors thought was totally deaf, when he went for his kindergarten eval they noticed he had a great amt of impacted earwax and when they cleaned it out his hearing was fine

Answer 24

my stepson also has downs.  I would never mainstream him.  we have fought with the schoolboard every year to get him into a special school.  it's lots cheaper for them to just send him to school with the multitudes.  however, i know he would learn nothing without a one on one teacher who teaches diabled kids.  he is 20 now and we feel he has pretty well achieved the goals we had for him.  He does interact one day a week with kids his age at the public school and they (i hear) think the world of him.  He does not talk well, and mostly only family can understand him.  however he was taught signing at an early age (too bad they didn't teach me). would they have done that at public school?   Now he has special olympics  and tons of friends like him so he feels like he fits in.  in my wifes family there are several downs boys (how does that speak for hereity)  and one cousin was fighting every day to protect his downs cousin.  I would say if you have other kids in school it would be tourture for them.  my best advice is to try mainstream if you want and keep really close tabs on your kid.  maybe after a year you'll want to re assess and go from there.  We were always more concerned with our child being able to coup with the world rather than  an education.

Answer 25

I wouldn't

Answer 26

if you know the school and the staff and you feel they will be supportive I would say try her at mainstream. You can always change if your daughter doesn`t cope.

It is important that the decision is child centered its not about right and wrong its about what your daughter gains from the school she attending. Some children will be disadvantaged at main stream others disadvantaged at special school.

At each stage of her development you as her parent with help and advice from all the other agencies involved with her will be able to make an informed decision about her future.

  As for her being bullied, in my experience the opposite is the norm. Children tend to rally round and protect the vulnerable.