My son needs to go to the Sylvan Learning center for learning disorders. We can't afford it.?

Question

He is in the first grade and having a terrible time. His teachers want him on Riddelon (sp?) but he does not have behaviors at home. Is there such a thing as financial aide for that?

Answer 1

The school should provide some kind of help for your son that doesn't cost extra.  Why can't you afford a tutor for him?  Can't you take on another part time job or find one that pays better?  You need to get your finances in better order.  When you have a child, it's not fair to your child for you to be living hand-to-mouth.  There are always going to be unexpected expenses and some of them can cost a lot more than the Sylvan learning center.

Answer 2

There have been many studies that show Sylvan is not good for children with learning problems.

The school is suppose to help him with learning problems. Write to district special ed director and request 'a initial full educational evaluation testing in all areas of suspected disabilities as specified by IDEA law to determine if my child can qualify for special education services'.

Now you will have to fight to get this. They will tell you all kinds of c**p not to do this, but by law that HAVE to. If they dont', file a complaint with your state dept of education.

Also it is ILLEGAL for schools to even MENTION medications to parents.  Copy this link and whip it out the next time they say anything about it.

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?c1...

THe only reason they want kids on meds is so they won't have to DEAL with them. THis law was made because some kids DIED when taking these meds, all the schools fault.

Answer 3

I don't know where you live, but if your son's teachers are calling for him to be on meds, then he also needs some sort of educational help.  

Contact your school's administrators (such as the principal), and ask for information on special tutoring or other assistance for your child.  Tell the people you speak to that you think something else--such as tutoring or other special classes--should be done before resorting to Ritalin or other medications.  

There should be no charge for services provided through your school district.  If you are wondering about any sort of help with tuition at Sylvan, contact them directly and ask, preferably in person.  If they say no, ask them what help you can get from your son's school.  I wish you and your son the best.

Answer 4

no , but if you could get a diagnosis for a physician and be sure he needs the meds. for school help if you are near an university or colllege with a degree program in education then you can hire an education  student  to help your son . I did that with my oldest daughter and it was a wonderful experience and it helped her alot  good luck and do not give up on your child!! the school district should provide special education help for your child it is called an IEP .

Answer 5

Has he been tested? You need to go to the teacher, psychologist, or principal and demand testing to be done. You may have to sign a permission to test.

Although standardized, the tests are play-related and child friendly and give an idea where he stands compared to his peers. This way it is documented and gives you a base-line of exactly what skills he is missing.

Next the team of psychologist/principal etc need to sit down and explain the test results. Then they need to make recommendations for how he can get support at school.

Public schools rarely pay for private tutoring but may offer tutoring within the school.

Answer 6

The No Child Left Behind funding is supposed to also pay for tutoring if the child requires it to keep up with a class.  I would go to the principal and ask if there are funds for that sort of thing at your school.  Otherwise, contact the state department of education and ask for the office that works with children who have learning disabilities.

It is Ritalin that the teachers want you child to take.  I would NOT do that without a complete workup--acting out does not always mean prescribing Ritalin.  Your son may need to be in a special education class so that he can get the attention he needs.

Without knowing where you live, this is the best advice I can give.

Answer 7

yeahhhhh the school should provide like a special learning program for him... I have A.D.D. and when i was in elementary school, i was in a learning program. What you guys could do is learn more about his behavior and then try to work with him yourself... or find a cheaper place.

Answer 8

You may not really be aware of how he is different at home from other children., especially if he is an only child.   Ritalin can do awesome things for your son.  You have to realize, however, that it impacts ADD only, not other learning problems.

I would definitely get him to a pediatrician along with a written description of what is happening from the teachers.  If they think he is so bad, you need to ask for Special Ed help.  Tell your teacher you want tutoring services from the school system.

Ritalin is a miracle drug for those who do have ADHD.

Answer 9

you can apply for financial aide as well as get a student loan.  we had to take my stepson there for a year, but did not qualify for any financial aide so we just had to take out a student loan.

in short, with our experience, it was well worth our money.  he went from being in 7th grade and only a 4th grade level in english and math to being in 8th grade at a 9th grade level for both.

it is very hard but worth the $.  as for the ritalin - don't do it unless your child is professionally diagnosed as adhd.  no need to put a child on medicine needlessly, and schools are too quick to try and get people to drug up their kids because they do not fit into the mold of the typical child.