I've encountered a number of incidents first-hand that happened this school year in Westerly RI .
It really showed me the true nature of some of our "staff" in our schools. I'm sure that there is much more. The people we trust our kids with , don't always deserve that trust. On the other hand there are many exceptional staff members.
1. Lack of consistency
Altering an Autistic child's schedule at will because it's easier. Including having a trained Autism Teacher Assistant manning a back door during the morning drop off instead of being the aide for the child she is assigned? After advocating for my daughter and not accepting less they finally left her routine and support as it was in the first place. What a terrible waste of everyone's time.
2. Bullying? Lack of proper support. Staff unaware of incidents or turning that blind eye.
A situation where the "reaction" was seen, but not the "incident ".
Incident where they only saw the "victim" stand up for herself. I again, advocated and asked 3 different staff members if they saw what happened. NONE saw. Lack of proper support or staff doing their job correctly.
They did state they would "watch better" .
3. Speech Pathologist use to consult 10 minutes after a speech session so I could follow up in our home(this has been going on for 3 years) All of a sudden one day she tells me that she can no longer do that due to her "work load". Another note of BS to add into the long list.
4. Not enough staff in specials t support IEP students.(Art, Music, PE and Library)
One teacher's assistant to 4 students, 2 of which need a hand on them most of the time or constant direction. Advocating for right support. The excuse I am given is that there is not enough staff and having 1 aide instead of 2 is the only way they can get a "break".
5. Lack of communication to parents
No home to school book. No verbal communication other than "it went well". OK I think this is great!
Then upon conversations with my daughter hear the things that she says happened.I ask the staff when she tells me something and they get defensive. I'm not accusing them. I ask, did this happen? Or she said this? I always get "Oh, no -- we never do THAT". She can't fabricate stories yet. I sit on "X" lap, means that literally that is how she is. Oh no we never do THAT.
6. Bullying? Staff member?
Incident -- My daughter "passed gas" in class. A student loudly stated that "you are gross". (normal for a child). I was never told of incident. I only found out because that same child stated loudly in the hall to me that "Kiera is so gross". Upon discussion with my daughter, and asking what the aide did, she stated that the aide said, "You are gross. You are disgusting." Kiera cried about this for 2 days saying "Miss K said I am so disgusting"
Inappropriate response by the aide. No one used it as a teaching moment. We wonder why bullying goes on? It was encouraged in this case by the staff. Evidently the classroom teacher did nothing to help.
7. COMMUNICATION/SPEECH
I request staff / share with staff that in group setting we use hand signs and it works well and keeps any frustration or tears or anxiety to 5%. This in turn means she is able to absorb what is being taught. The picture exchange makes her get frustrated or cry. They agree. In fact they reply in writing 3 times that hand signs are being used. The result when I finally observe(see next observation) is they are NOT using the hand-signs.
8. Lack of Proper Supports - Observation
I observe daughter's morning meeting piece. No aide support other than to say 3 commands.
Using pictures and words -- no hand signs. Daughter totally ignored for first 5 minutes and left on her own. I observe her confusion what to do. Her (supposed) aide is off with another child. This is not proper support. I plan to advocate and express concern.
9. REQUEST MEETING
I request 10 minute meeting to address a few concerns with Special Educator/Case worker. Her reply is she is unable to meet with me in a 7-day period. Her reasoning is because of all the things she has to do with her classroom. I know that she could easily find 10 minutes if she wanted to (she has in past years and this is very out of character for her) Another parent shared that she said she can't meet with her because she has to get home to her infant. I reply and copy director that it is unacceptable to deny a meeting. I also respond that my child will not attend until I meet with Director(which is schedule in a week). I also make it clear that it is unacceptable and possibly illegal.
10. Child hit by staff member?
My child articulated clearly that "Miss K hit me" Then she said, "she do this" and demostrated her hand being squeezed and twisted. Something easily done anywhere without anyone seeing. I have no proof other than her words. At this point happy she is out of the school. ( I am already an approved home schooler)
11. SPEECH while waiting for a meeting.
I decide to keep the speech sessions; 1:1 because speech is our main issue.
I receive an email that night from the principal asking me to meet with her while child is in speech. I agree because I am curious and am hopeful concerns will be heard.
12. MEETING with Principal (A. Faubert) of State Street School
Principal had emailed me and asked if I would meet with her while my daughter attended her 30-minute speech session. I agreed out of curiosity. Maybe she wanted to hear my concerns?
Principal did NOT even ask about my concerns but spent 10 minutes chastising me. She stated with that she didn't have contact info (which the school does). I ensure at the beginning of every year this is in place.
For three years I have not signed in while I bring my child to class because the administrative staff of the school said it was unneccessary. That was the first point the principal made, which I was fine with if she needed that to feel like she was in control. She made two flippant comments that I smiled through.
Next, she wanted any emails to staff go through her. Evidently she didn't like my paper trail from various staff on the same issue that proved I had my facts. About this time I stopped her and told her to save her breath. I was withdrawing my child anyways. Smile, thank her leave.
13. MEETING - SPECIAL EDUCATION DIRECTOR
Prior to meeting had decided I am withdrawing my daughter from all school; including services. I shared all the incidents with the special education director, some of which she was aware of from being copied on emails. The Special Ed Director offered another school or program. I shared that I can't after everything that happened. I did say I would think about it and she and I left the door open. I signed withdrawal papers. I put LACK OF APPROPRIATE SUPPORTS as the reason.
This is why the system is falling apart. However, for us, they didn't get away with it.
I haven't filed formal complaints yet!
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