What's the best education option for my family?

Question

I have a nine-year-old daughter who is struggling in school, but meeting "minimum educational requirements" for her retained grade. I also have a bouncy three-year-old. When the two children are together my older daughter is easily distracted(which is also an issue for her at the public school.) Because they are so far apart in age and my daughter requires so much individualized time and attention from me in her education, I'm afraid homeschooling might cause my son to be neglected. My daughter is not the type you can explain an assignment to and expect her to do it on her own. The public school has refused my written request to have my daughter tested for learning disabilities, She has no IEP. We cannot afford private school. I also cannot afford preschool for my son, so that he can have receive the extra attention he needs. What option do you think will work best with a limited income?

Answer 1

The public School can not REFUSE (that is illegal) to test your child-they can say she does not meet eligibility criteria after testing-

if this happens complain to teh superintendent and board of ed-if that doesn't work file a due process request-

search for something liek PRISE (parental rights in special education)

Has your child been medically evaluated? If she has a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD or Sensory Integration Disorder-she shoudl be eligible for a 504 plan (accommodations within the regualr ed setting) to help her in school if not special ed.

Answer 2

This might sound a bit harsh, but since you are on a budget anyway ...

1. Remove all distractions - TV, video games, put a password on the computer.

2. Buy a lot of age-appropriate books on various topics - such as basic math, language, drawing, etc. Go to good book stores and explain your situation carefully.

3. Set a good example. Whenever you can, take the time to read/solve/draw with your kid.

4. Schedule an appointment with an educational psychologist. That might be costly, but you do need to know whether your child has a learning disability or not. It is imperative to know what you are dealing with.

5. Again, not to sound harsh, I don't live in the US, however I am familiar with the "minimum educational requirements" of your system and they are considered substandard almost everywhere else in the industrialized world. It is preferable if she could overachieve them.

6. (optional) Get her to play an instrument. Studies have shown that children who were taught to play an instrument usually score as much as 20 points higher on IQ tests then those who weren't. Now, while IQ is somewhat controversial measure of intelligence, I have observed cases in which an instrument made a great difference in a child's life.

To conclude, my main point is that you should design a study environment for your daughter where she won't be distracted. You should also set a good example and, providing you can afford it, hire an experienced tutor to work with her whenever possible.

I wish you and your family the best of luck!

Answer 3

Distractibility is a behavior.  In the world of Applied Behavioral Analysis, it is called off-task and non-attending behaviors.  She needs a Functional Behavior Analysis to see why she is distracted and a Behavior Support Plan written to correct it.  If she has trouble getting and staying organized, she needs an Executive Functioning assessment.  If her handwriting is sloppy, she needs an Occupational Therapy assessment.  If she is afraid of noises or has other sensory issues, she needs a Sensory Integration assessment.  These are a few examples that may be pertinent for your daughter.

The school district cannot refuse to test your child.  However, if it isn't in writing, it was never said.  Always do everything in writing.  Here is a sample letter requesting initial evaluation for your child from our web site:

Sample Letter 2: Requesting an Initial Evaluation

Today's Date (include month, day, and year)

Your Name

Street Address

City, State, Zip Code

Daytime telephone number

Name of Principal or Special Education Administrator

Name of School

Street Address

City, State, Zip Code

Dear (Principal's or Administrator's name),

I am writing to request that my son/daughter, (child's name), be evaluated for special education services. I am worried that (child's name) is not doing well in school and believe he/she may need special services in order to learn. (Child's name) is in the ( _ ) grade at (name of school). (Teacher's name) is his/her teacher.

Specifically, I am worried because (child's name) does/does not (give a few direct examples of your child's problems at school).

We have tried the following to help (child's name): (If you or the school have done anything extra to help your child, briefly state it here).

I understand that I have to give written permission in order for (child's name) to be evaluated. Before the evaluation begins, I have some questions about the process that I need to have answered (list any questions you may have). I would be happy to talk with you about (child's name). You can send me information or call me during the day at (daytime telephone number). Thank you for your prompt attention to my request.

Sincerely,

Your name

cc: your child's principal (if letter is addressed to an administrator)

your child's teacher(s)

If you email this letter, request a read receipt.  If you fax it, keep the confirmation.  If you hand-deliver it, take two copies and have the school secretary time/date stamp both, keep one for your records and deliver the second one.  

Below I have listed some resources.  Our organization is called Special Needs Advocates for Understanding.  Click on the "what's new" button for sample letters.  Wrightslaw is an excellent resource to learn what your rights are.

Answer 4

Boy this is a tough one mom. The school is going to try to convince you they can refuse to eval. Evals cost money and moneys tight everywhere! So if they can get out of it they will!

There are agencies and ed advocates all over the country trained to support parents through this process. You might see if there is a link to a local agency at www.fcsn.org -federation for children with special needs.

If there is any way your health insurance will pay for evals, you'll probably get more accurite results. However if they won't, you want to request a COR evaluation from the school.

Send your letter to the director of special Ed services in your district. Be sure to cc: the school principal, the classroom teacher, and the guidance counselor. In your letter let them know that you are aware the evals may be provided to you free of charge and ask what documents you need to prove financial eligibity.  (These guidelines can run as high as 400% of the poverty level, so there's a good chance you're eligible)

In your letter let them know you'll be calling back within 7 days to expedite this process, and ask them to forward the neccessary documents immediately. Better yet ask to pick them up at the school or SPED office!

If your health insurance pays for the eval., submit a copy to the school and they must schedule an eligiblity meeting within a couple weeks.  If the school is doing the evals., You have a right to see them two days before the eligibility meeting! Request this in writing other wise you may find yourself at the meeting in shock hearing this information for the first time.

If you disagree with the eval results, you have the right to an independent eval., (with the same financial eligibility as noted above)

Tonight write your letters to the school, then google ed advocates in your state/community. Contact any advocates you can tonight via e-mail. On Tuesday drop off/mail  your letters (keep a copy) and contact local agencies to help you find an advocate.

My husband and I are both teachers working on our child's IEP process- the most important things you can  get for your child are an accurite diagnosis and a good ed advocate.

Answer 5

I don't believe the school can refuse your child to be tested. I was told they have to do an eval in 30 days from your documented letter. Then the results prove, whether or not your child needs any special help. They can only refuse because of scheduling needs. But as far as my school district goes, they do IEPs as long as the teachers are there. (Well into June) What district does your child go to? Did you check some of the private PreK's ? (WELS prek worked out for me)Sometimes those are less.