Dominic has been doing really well in school. He's had a few rough days where he couldn't follow directions or was too touchy-feel with other students. There was one incident report from last week though. Dominic was spinning in circles with his hands on his hips and elbows out on the playground. According to him, another student came too close and was hit in the chest with his elbow. The report stated that Dominic had punched the child though. Even with this set back, this year is much better than last. At this point last year we already had 3 or 4 incident reports!
There are two boys who live in our apartment complex and ride the bus with Dominic in the afternoon. They have come over to play a few times. Each time is incredibly nerve racking for me. I want Dominic to have friends, and I have to stop myself from constantly correcting him and trying to help him keep friends. I do remind him (before they come over) to let them decide what they what to do. Dominic is incredibly bossy and always wants to direct the play, at times even forcing the other person to do what he wants. He has shown great restraint when the boys come over though. Although there are a few issues, such as violent playing, or giving his toys away, it seems to be going rather well.
I've explained to Dominic that he may not see things they way that most people do. I tell him that I will help him understand how to make and keeps friends, and what he can and can not do or say to other people. Sometimes he listens to my hints, but most times he just blatantly ignores me. I just hope that one day it will start to sink in. My main points are to not be so bossy, let others take control and follow along, and not point out things that might be embarrassing (such as "why are you missing part of your arm?"). Every day brings new understanding about Dominic for me. It's been really hard to understand the way that he thinks and does things. But it's been getting better and that's very encouraging.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Friday, September 2, 2011
IEP....or 504??
The first meeting with Dominic's teacher, counselor, PACE teacher, kindergarten teacher and school psychologist was this past Wednesday. At first I was feeling rather defensive. The psychologist explained that to have an IEP, Dominic has to be having a problem with his education. Dominic is very smart. She explained they would test his IQ and if it's in the average range, but his educational performance is lower than average, he would qualify. I doubt Dominic is in the average range. I wanted to ask them to test him anyway because I'm curious as to if there is a difference in his IQ and his performance.
Then the counselor said she doesn't think Dominic needs an IEP. She then brought up a 504 plan. "A 504 plan spells out the modifications and accommodations that will be needed for these students to have an opportunity perform at the same level as their peers." (http://specialchildren.about.com/od/504s/f/504faq1.htm) They explained what it was, what it was used for and then the counselor said she doesn't think Dominic needs that either. When she said that I became annoyed. They weren't offering help for him, they were just telling me what he doesn't need!
At this point his kindergarten teacher spoke up. She said she believes Dominic needs a 504 plan because that way it's set every year, no matter what school we go to, what Dominic needs to thrive in school. Most of what is being done for him now they kept calling "good teacher practices". For example: preferred seating, having him help out in class, encouraging other classmates to praise him when he does something right (such as apologizing, letting someone else take the lead, etc.), and giving him harder course work. Mrs. Fletcher (kindergarten teacher) pointed out that not every teacher would think to do those things for Dominic. Also if we switched schools, we'd be starting all over. They wouldn't just take my word for what needs to be done for Dominic.
After all this discussion it was determined we would do a 504 plan for Dominic. I could've cheered! The first meeting to get that started is next week. I hope this will be the best action to help Dominic. Unfortunately I'm wading thru the dark here and I only know whether it was the right choice when it's too late to change my mind!
As a side note, at one point during the meeting Dominic's current teacher, Ms Jurado, was explaining what Dominic does when "forced" to apologize and say sorry. He grabs his throat and says it hurts to say the word. He has done this with me as well and I never understood what was going on, why he would say that. Ms Jurado said to him "That's emotions, Dominic." It was like a light bulb went off! I knew Dominic has a hard time with other people's emotions, I never realized it was difficult for him to deal with his own as well. Now that I know it'll be a lot easier to handle. :- )
Then the counselor said she doesn't think Dominic needs an IEP. She then brought up a 504 plan. "A 504 plan spells out the modifications and accommodations that will be needed for these students to have an opportunity perform at the same level as their peers." (http://specialchildren.about.com/od/504s/f/504faq1.htm) They explained what it was, what it was used for and then the counselor said she doesn't think Dominic needs that either. When she said that I became annoyed. They weren't offering help for him, they were just telling me what he doesn't need!
At this point his kindergarten teacher spoke up. She said she believes Dominic needs a 504 plan because that way it's set every year, no matter what school we go to, what Dominic needs to thrive in school. Most of what is being done for him now they kept calling "good teacher practices". For example: preferred seating, having him help out in class, encouraging other classmates to praise him when he does something right (such as apologizing, letting someone else take the lead, etc.), and giving him harder course work. Mrs. Fletcher (kindergarten teacher) pointed out that not every teacher would think to do those things for Dominic. Also if we switched schools, we'd be starting all over. They wouldn't just take my word for what needs to be done for Dominic.
After all this discussion it was determined we would do a 504 plan for Dominic. I could've cheered! The first meeting to get that started is next week. I hope this will be the best action to help Dominic. Unfortunately I'm wading thru the dark here and I only know whether it was the right choice when it's too late to change my mind!
As a side note, at one point during the meeting Dominic's current teacher, Ms Jurado, was explaining what Dominic does when "forced" to apologize and say sorry. He grabs his throat and says it hurts to say the word. He has done this with me as well and I never understood what was going on, why he would say that. Ms Jurado said to him "That's emotions, Dominic." It was like a light bulb went off! I knew Dominic has a hard time with other people's emotions, I never realized it was difficult for him to deal with his own as well. Now that I know it'll be a lot easier to handle. :- )
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)