I need your advice badly regarding my dd's transition from EI to prescchool. One word - NIGHTMARE! We still don't have a placement. I'm in Syracuse NY. Have contacted many people for help to no avail. Wondered if you could point me in the right direction? Would be very grateful.
Kristen
Congratulations. Sounds as though things are falling in place. Keep us up to date.Not that simple....I toured preschools back in may, our CPSE meeting was in June. I thought we had the school we wanted but someone screwed up and no one bothered to tell us until 2-3 weeks ago. At this point, everything is filled and I 'might' be able to get her BACK into school (she's been in program since last year) by the end of september. This is what I'm being told because now there's a waiting list everywhere. There wasn't a waiting list for ANY of the schools back when all this should've been taken care of. I wrote to the superintendent of our school district, the superintendent of the other school district (that I originally wanted her to go to) and to VESID. No one is responding and no one seems to give a crap that my daughter isn't going to get what she needs because SOMEONE didn't do what they were supposed to. Have also just emailed my local ASA chapter and FEAT in the hopes that they can support me in this and maybe show me the way to go. We "fell through the cracks" so to speak, and I'm pissed (hard to tell, I know). This isn't right and I'm not gonna stop pestering people until I get what I want for Jessie. So now what do I do? (Maybe I should've read the links first, just assuming that you thought I was just beginning this process....)
Kristen
Yes...you must contact your local school district (the one you live in). They will conduct a full, multidisciplinary evaluation and find a placement by age 3. Since you live upstate, your best bet for advocacy guidance is to contact http://www.advocacycenter.com/ The Advocacy Center is located in Rochester, but it helps people all over New York. Also, go to http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/publications/lawsandreg s/part200.htm This is the Part 200, NYS's regulation of IDEA 2004. Click on 200.3 and look for the preschool regs there.
Kristen -- Please contact the Advocacy Center at once!. Your district is OUT OF COMPLIANCE! They could have a state complaint put against them. Also, write a letter IMMEDIATELY stating that they must give your child compensatory services for each and every day she misses and each and every minute of therapy she misses. They can do this during school breaks. Really, you need the help of an advocate now!Also, get a copy of FROM EMOTIONS TO ADVOCACY from www.wrightslaw.com It's imperative that you follow their advice for keeping records and for written communication with the District. You must not only create an accurate paper trail, you must be able to keep every piece of paper at the ready, at your fingertips.Thank you Tzoya. There's one other question though - I just got an email back from a local autism group here and the woman told me she just learned of an opening at a preschool. It's one I toured back in May but I didn't like it. Am I still going to have a leg to stand on if I were to not persue this school? Do I have the right to insist on the school that I want for her or am I just foolish for turning down the opening at this point? And would the school district still be considered out of compliance or does this opening put the burden back on me? Sorry to bombard you with all this - you're right - I do need an advocate at this point. Will definately pick up Emotions to Advocacy too. Thanks again!
Kristen
Since you toured it, I would write down why you don't want your child to go to that school. If your district asks you to place your child there, you can send them your answer in writing as to why you believe that placement is inappropriate. They will then have to answer your concerns. In the end, if the District INSISTS, you may have to take them to a hearing. But they cannot give you only ONE "option." By definition, and option means a CHOICE. If you have no choice, they have violated your parental right to participate in the development of your child's IEP. I'd also contact the Advocacy Center about this. Their advice is free since they are publicly funded.BREAKING NEWS: I just got a call a few minutes ago from a school I liked for Jessie and they have an opening for her that starts next wednesday!!!!!!!! I'm SO HAPPY I practically have tears in my eyes! This isn't the school I originally wanted but I think it's going to work out just fine. She'll get all the services she needs and there won't be a lapse in time off from school. I can't thank you enough for your help Tzoya (although I'm glad I don't have to use it at this point!) Still placed my order this morning for "From Emotions to Advocacy" because I know I'm going to need it! OH, WHAT A RELIEF!!! Thank you again, just your support in this has made me feel so much better.
Kristen