a question for any teachers...

[happy1nuv]

Nic (2 1/2) is currently in early intervention for speech. (at 2 years, he spoke at a 10 month level - he's made leaps and bounds since). I highly doubt he'd qualify for the preschool program, but I'm having him evaluated anyway (im curious just to see where he places right now -- i think his speech has improved DRAMATICALLY. BUT, i'm reading through "parental rights in special education" and im wondering if im doing the right thing...

Yes I'm a biased parent - but I think Nic might be one of those troublemakers because hes bored kind of kids (he masters something and moves on - once he "gets" it, he's no longer interested in it ... I was like that too but I was too quiet to be a troublemaker, where Nic is more outgoing/loud) Anyway... if he gets placed into special education preschool for speech -- will future teachers be more apt to think of him as a dumb troublemaker rather than a bright kid who's bored?

Why I'm overthinking these things, I don't know... so... if you're a teacher -- is there a bias against "labelled" kids?

thanks

[shimmerstar]

I'm sure others feel differently, but when the teacher I know find out a kid was in sped just for speech we are kind of relieved. So I wouldn't necessarily think he is going to have learning issues.

[mommydearest]

Honestly...

We see the kids long before the IEP paperwork follows. I might not get it until the second or third week of school. By that point, I've formed an opinion about a kid regardless of the paperwork that follows. I read over them for the accomodations, but usually good teaching tells you what the kid needs much more than the paperwork file. I wouldn't worry about the label. I have kids that are not labeled that I KNOW are autistic, and kids that are labeled that have outgrown whatever needs they might have had in early elementary school.

You could also petition to have him tested for the gifted program separately from his speech IEP. I have several kids that go to speech, but are incredibly bright. They will have a case conference every year for him once he is 3 and you get to state your concerns/opinions about the level of services, and then you get to sign off on what accommodations you want. So if you do not feel something is appropriate or you want something done, you can voice that.

Also, in some states, when he no longer needs services, he is released from the program and no more paperwork follows him to his classroom teacher.

I would definitely try out the preschool and see how it works for you. I think it really depends on the teachers. My good friend's son is high functioning autistic and found that the preschool was too "special needs" for her son and that he did better in a really good regular preschool. Another friend's son is thriving there. I think it really depends on your son's personality and the willingness of the teacher to address his needs.

[NotDesperate]

I agree with the previous posters. Teachers form their own opinions before we even see the paperwork. Also, kids nowadays are considered SPED for such a wide variety of things that most teachers don't automatically assume "slow trouble-maker."

I think you should definitely pursue an IEP for this because then you will be getting your DC the help he needs. Otherwise, the school won't get him any speech help.

And if you are worried, talk to the teacher right away and let her/him know that your DC has an IEP for speech.

[ambula704]

I am a special ed teacher...and I wanted to add my 2 cents. MOST of my kids are the most well behaved students in the school! I teach students with mild to moderate disabilities (so some of them have learning disabilities, high functioning autism, mild mental disabilities, etc... NOT the severely disabled.) I also collaborate in general education classes and I have noticed that my students with disabilities are typically more well behaved than the rest! Now this is in high school, but still!

So teachers are going to think whatever...you can't worry about it. As long as you teach your son respect and manners and he shows those in class, he will be doing better than alot! And talking to his teachers to address the boredom is KEY...then maybe he won't demonstrate those negative behaviors.

Also, many students are served in speech and get out of special ed once they are in middle or high school. So many of my friends were in speech in elementary school and are now successful adults! I understand your concern, but as long as you communicate with his teachers it will be fine!

[happy1nuv]

Thanks... the paperwork they sent me just makes it sound sooo... official. Granted its geared towards all special ed, not just those with speech delays - but they frequent use of the word "disabilities" "disabled" etc. totally threw me for a loop! Before I read that, i really hadn't questioned it...

Thanks

[Tracie]

I used to teach kindergarten, and the majority of kids that came through my classroom coded were coded because of speech. I expected them to be otherwise typical children. Also, when and if the speech issues resolved, they would be discharged from Sped. I don't even know if future teachers would even realize they were even Sped in that case! IMO, it is much better for kids to get the help they need.