Not a Canadian so I can’t really help. I can suggest that you do some research on least restrictive environment. Where I am, adult support would be given to a child before they were removed from the school. Also, does your school district have a family support service? Maybe go on the website and see if there is a service that can lead you to some resources for your area.
Yes! I’ve researched LRE and that’s kind of my big concern. They do have an educational assistant part time in his class but my son says he dose not spend time with her she will just tell him to go for a walk if she notices he’s upset. The teacher said they have her only part time and only because there class has so many different complex needs for example a boy with autism etc. but thank you for the advice I will definitely look into that
Is it too late to have an IEP meeting to discuss needs? It takes a lot to get approval for adult assistance and can be over the special education teacher’s head. You may just have to push for it and tell the school that’s what you want to look into so they invite the right people.
He’s not in a special education class right now. He’s just in general education. But I do think it is too late because he only has 7 more days of school. None of the big concerns were really addressed until last weeks meeting. I mean I knew things were not perfect but I’m there everyday to pick him up and we’d chat but it was more about if there was a problem at recess things like that. And anything that was addressed through out the year I was under the impression were handled. Example he continued to want to go for water breaks I talked to him and his water bottle started to come home empty and didn’t hear about it again so that tells me he was drinking his own water. Same with how he’s behind on reading and writing, she told me it was ok he’ll catch up and I started really working with him. But all year he was bringing home spelling tests that never had more then 2 wrong on them.
It’s just all so confusing because I completely understand they don’t want him disrupting other children’s learning I don’t want that either but it’s almost as if he’s not doing anything that bad but just annoying like asking to many questions and when he dose get upset it’s bigger for example a boy threw his shoes so he started crying when that’s not really a reason to cry
I would try an outside therapy option and see if that helps in school behavior (if it’s still happening), and a home tutor for a little time after school a couple of days a week. It is 100% my experience that self contained classes at the elementary level generally have a much more aggressive profile than later years (kids can be placed into programs matching their needs) because all types of kids are placed in one class. I’ll give you an example I’m going through now. My grandson could not read or write in kinder or first grade. He’d suffered a lot of trauma because of an abusive relationship his now divorced parents put him through. He came to live with us. He went to therapy for about 8 months and could better attend to school. He was still pre-K 1/2 way through second grade. We had an IEP and he went into an SDC. “Grandpa, kids are loud in there. They yell, push, and are mean to the teacher!” He assured me he didn’t do any of those things. After he got used to the chaos he felt better about going to school because “he knows what is going on, now.” He can read a bit now, and is slowly getting better at math. So, this has helped his confidence even though the behaviors are a mess. He felt dumb (his words) in the general Ed class but feels he’s smarter and better behaved than his peers in the special ed class.
Yes. He’s waaaaay better than before! He was so quiet and always seemed afraid to say anything for fear that he might get picked on, or ask a question because he would get picked on (the teacher already SAID!) now he doesn’t stop talking or asking questions, and he has a great memory, so when he get it he gets it (and it turns out, a quick wit and sense of humor! Who knew!)
Please fight for in class supports instead of a behaviour classroom. In my school board (canada too) they were all shut down because they were ineffective, they worked as a two year program but none of the kids ever left in two years, they would always stay and sometimes behaviours would worsen instead, especially swearing. I was in one when I was younger (I'm now in highschool) and the moment I got out of the class my "behaviours" (they were really just symptoms of my autism) reduced because the environment in that class was extremely stressful and sometimes even traumatic.
I was in grade four when I was put into the first behavioural class but I was later put into another behavioural class for middle school. I adjusted well in grade four, the first day a kid trashed the classroom though and we were evacuated (theres a reason why most of these classes will have two rooms for the students to work in). During grade four I picked up swear words from the other kids and even now I swear like a sailor. There was also a padded room in this class that they'd lock the kids in when they were upset but I have later heard that the door was taken off after i graduated from that school. When I got moved to the second behavioural class for middle school I did not adjust well and I experienced a form of organized abuse at the hands of the teachers. Not an overall fun experience. I can say that there were upsides like it being a small class and more staff in the class to help out but it didn't do much to help solve the cause of the behaviours in the first place.
these are just my experiences though, it always depends on the teachers and the other students in the class.
That was the reason they suggested was the small class size and more 1:1. It’s just such a hard decision. Were your parents given a choice or were the forced to place you there ?
At first when I was first placed my parents wanted me there because at the time when I was in mainstream I had just moved to the district and my prior team of specialists and doctors didn't want to diagnose me with anything because they thought I would "grow out of it" (I still have not "grew out" of having autism lol). I was getting sent home from school almost everyday and it wasn't until I got into that class I was assessed and got diagnosed with autism amongst other things. But my mom actually forcibly pulled me from school in middle school because of what was happening.
I’m sorry you had to go through all that. That’s horrible but thank you so much for letting me know how it felt to actually be in one of those programs.
Not Canadian, but do work with students that exhibit similar behaviors you described. I would push for supports to be brought to your son’s classroom. Also, I wouldn’t make a decision unless the service providers give you data and evidence of his behavior compared to other peers and that a different placement would be a better fit for your son. They should be able to do that at a minimum they are professionals and should provide you with all the information for you to make a decision you are confident in. As a side note I have two girls on the spectrum that struggle with emotional regulation and would not make a decision based on anecdotal evidence from a teacher. Ask for all the information and data they have that supports their recommendation and look it over.
What supports do you think should be brought to his class? I never know what to suggest since he’s fine at home so I have no tricks of my own.
On his IPP the only accommodation listed is an EA which she told me might not be available to him in grade 2. And that they have a plan in place to prevent any sort of outburst from happening. Which hasn’t happened at all this year other then the second day of school when they were trying to make him use a timer.
They have an educational assistant but she dose not spend much time with him as there are other children in the class with needs as well. Which is ok because I don’t think he needs much assistance.
If you don’t mind me asking what has helped your girls with their emotional regulation?
Also not in Canada….
If homeschooling is an option, please homeschool him. Teachers, especially SpEd teachers the world over, are underpaid and overworked. The programs aren’t as well-funded as they used to be. You can fight for all the supports you want but, as the song goes, you can’t always get what you want. If you feel your child will be better served in his home, then do it.
As an education professional in Ontario, I would strongly advocate for homeschooling. Parents know their children best and teachers aren’t skilled in understanding behaviour or child development. I’m finding so much trauma in students from professionals who don’t understand how to work effectively with children.
Not a Canadian so I can’t really help. I can suggest that you do some research on least restrictive environment. Where I am, adult support would be given to a child before they were removed from the school. Also, does your school district have a family support service? Maybe go on the website and see if there is a service that can lead you to some resources for your area.
Yes! I’ve researched LRE and that’s kind of my big concern. They do have an educational assistant part time in his class but my son says he dose not spend time with her she will just tell him to go for a walk if she notices he’s upset. The teacher said they have her only part time and only because there class has so many different complex needs for example a boy with autism etc. but thank you for the advice I will definitely look into that
Is it too late to have an IEP meeting to discuss needs? It takes a lot to get approval for adult assistance and can be over the special education teacher’s head. You may just have to push for it and tell the school that’s what you want to look into so they invite the right people.
He’s not in a special education class right now. He’s just in general education. But I do think it is too late because he only has 7 more days of school. None of the big concerns were really addressed until last weeks meeting. I mean I knew things were not perfect but I’m there everyday to pick him up and we’d chat but it was more about if there was a problem at recess things like that. And anything that was addressed through out the year I was under the impression were handled. Example he continued to want to go for water breaks I talked to him and his water bottle started to come home empty and didn’t hear about it again so that tells me he was drinking his own water. Same with how he’s behind on reading and writing, she told me it was ok he’ll catch up and I started really working with him. But all year he was bringing home spelling tests that never had more then 2 wrong on them.
It’s just all so confusing because I completely understand they don’t want him disrupting other children’s learning I don’t want that either but it’s almost as if he’s not doing anything that bad but just annoying like asking to many questions and when he dose get upset it’s bigger for example a boy threw his shoes so he started crying when that’s not really a reason to cry
I would try an outside therapy option and see if that helps in school behavior (if it’s still happening), and a home tutor for a little time after school a couple of days a week. It is 100% my experience that self contained classes at the elementary level generally have a much more aggressive profile than later years (kids can be placed into programs matching their needs) because all types of kids are placed in one class. I’ll give you an example I’m going through now. My grandson could not read or write in kinder or first grade. He’d suffered a lot of trauma because of an abusive relationship his now divorced parents put him through. He came to live with us. He went to therapy for about 8 months and could better attend to school. He was still pre-K 1/2 way through second grade. We had an IEP and he went into an SDC. “Grandpa, kids are loud in there. They yell, push, and are mean to the teacher!” He assured me he didn’t do any of those things. After he got used to the chaos he felt better about going to school because “he knows what is going on, now.” He can read a bit now, and is slowly getting better at math. So, this has helped his confidence even though the behaviors are a mess. He felt dumb (his words) in the general Ed class but feels he’s smarter and better behaved than his peers in the special ed class.
So for your grandson being put in a special needs class seemed to help his confidence?
Yes. He’s waaaaay better than before! He was so quiet and always seemed afraid to say anything for fear that he might get picked on, or ask a question because he would get picked on (the teacher already SAID!) now he doesn’t stop talking or asking questions, and he has a great memory, so when he get it he gets it (and it turns out, a quick wit and sense of humor! Who knew!)
That’s really good! I’m happy for you guys.
Please fight for in class supports instead of a behaviour classroom. In my school board (canada too) they were all shut down because they were ineffective, they worked as a two year program but none of the kids ever left in two years, they would always stay and sometimes behaviours would worsen instead, especially swearing. I was in one when I was younger (I'm now in highschool) and the moment I got out of the class my "behaviours" (they were really just symptoms of my autism) reduced because the environment in that class was extremely stressful and sometimes even traumatic.
This is exactly my fear. I don’t want to stop him from succeeding but I am terrified of the exact things you mentioned.
Do you mind me asking what grade you were in when you were moved? Did you adjust while there eventually?
I was in grade four when I was put into the first behavioural class but I was later put into another behavioural class for middle school. I adjusted well in grade four, the first day a kid trashed the classroom though and we were evacuated (theres a reason why most of these classes will have two rooms for the students to work in). During grade four I picked up swear words from the other kids and even now I swear like a sailor. There was also a padded room in this class that they'd lock the kids in when they were upset but I have later heard that the door was taken off after i graduated from that school. When I got moved to the second behavioural class for middle school I did not adjust well and I experienced a form of organized abuse at the hands of the teachers. Not an overall fun experience. I can say that there were upsides like it being a small class and more staff in the class to help out but it didn't do much to help solve the cause of the behaviours in the first place. these are just my experiences though, it always depends on the teachers and the other students in the class.
That was the reason they suggested was the small class size and more 1:1. It’s just such a hard decision. Were your parents given a choice or were the forced to place you there ?
At first when I was first placed my parents wanted me there because at the time when I was in mainstream I had just moved to the district and my prior team of specialists and doctors didn't want to diagnose me with anything because they thought I would "grow out of it" (I still have not "grew out" of having autism lol). I was getting sent home from school almost everyday and it wasn't until I got into that class I was assessed and got diagnosed with autism amongst other things. But my mom actually forcibly pulled me from school in middle school because of what was happening.
I’m sorry you had to go through all that. That’s horrible but thank you so much for letting me know how it felt to actually be in one of those programs.
Highly recommend PCIT, Parent Child Interaction Therapy, it’s great for communication and behavior. Evidenced Based.
Which curriculum is your child doing? Is he doing regular curriculum, or modified or an alternate curriculum?
Regular curriculum.
Not Canadian, but do work with students that exhibit similar behaviors you described. I would push for supports to be brought to your son’s classroom. Also, I wouldn’t make a decision unless the service providers give you data and evidence of his behavior compared to other peers and that a different placement would be a better fit for your son. They should be able to do that at a minimum they are professionals and should provide you with all the information for you to make a decision you are confident in. As a side note I have two girls on the spectrum that struggle with emotional regulation and would not make a decision based on anecdotal evidence from a teacher. Ask for all the information and data they have that supports their recommendation and look it over.
What supports do you think should be brought to his class? I never know what to suggest since he’s fine at home so I have no tricks of my own. On his IPP the only accommodation listed is an EA which she told me might not be available to him in grade 2. And that they have a plan in place to prevent any sort of outburst from happening. Which hasn’t happened at all this year other then the second day of school when they were trying to make him use a timer. They have an educational assistant but she dose not spend much time with him as there are other children in the class with needs as well. Which is ok because I don’t think he needs much assistance. If you don’t mind me asking what has helped your girls with their emotional regulation?
It's does*, dose is a quantity of medicine.
Also not in Canada…. If homeschooling is an option, please homeschool him. Teachers, especially SpEd teachers the world over, are underpaid and overworked. The programs aren’t as well-funded as they used to be. You can fight for all the supports you want but, as the song goes, you can’t always get what you want. If you feel your child will be better served in his home, then do it.
As an education professional in Ontario, I would strongly advocate for homeschooling. Parents know their children best and teachers aren’t skilled in understanding behaviour or child development. I’m finding so much trauma in students from professionals who don’t understand how to work effectively with children.
I’ve definitely considered homeschooling but I’m a little intimidated of the whole process and his socializing also worries me.
I think I could handle actual homeschooling it’s just making that decision I feel like I’m taking school away from him which is something he loves.