I just toured a private preschool and was told by the director that they will not allow an aide in the classroom and are not legally bound to do so because they are a private school. Short of writing a letter to the church where the school operates, is there anything I can do? I wouldn't even want to send my daughter there now, but I'm pissed off and want to do something about it. NO. There is nothing you can do. Private is private and there is NOTHING more private than a parochial school because those are also protected by separation of church and state rules. In fact, a private placement that you, the parent, is paying for does not even have to accept an aide whose salary you also agree to pay for out of pocket, much less provide an aide. The truth is, if this school is rejecting an aide for your daughter and you feel your daughter NEEDS an aide to function properly in school, this is not the correct placement for her. What they are telling you is that this school is for children who can function at an age-appropriate level and that they are neither willing nor capable of addressing special needs. I'd look for a different preschool.
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