APS and new healthcare provider

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:APS teacher of 10 years here - and I am beyond embarrassed by how outraged my colleagues are acting. I am actually happy about the switch to Blue Cross Blue Shield. In previous jobs I've held, insurance carriers have switched, and it hasn't been a big deal. Everyone saying they need days and days off to search for new doctors is beyond ridiculous. I watched the school board comments and I cringed. A small group of APS teachers act so outraged over EVERYTHING and they give the rest of us a bad reputation. Just want people to know we aren't all this crazy. And the people who speak at school board meetings (including one very vocal teacher) - DO NOT represent the majority of teachers in APS.

Thank you! I'm so happy that none of them work in my school.

“The people at the top DO respond to pressure from the bottom, yet the people at the bottom don’t have time or mental energy to fight back or to change how the interact or question why things are done the way they are done. This is how oppressive systems work and the reason they stay functioning. We need people from the bottom to rise up.”

Why do you have a problem with people speaking out about their experience? I didn’t speak out (except for here) and will have to take some leave. I don’t think it ridiculous to state that I am going to need more sub coverage during a sub and staffing shortage. What I am attempting to prevent is kids losing more time learning. We are also pointing out that there are effects from this change, and that classroom teachers shouldn’t constantly be expected to take the brunt of those systemic changes. They should plan in some way for some teachers to need time off. Others don’t need subs and will not have the same consequences.

Because it’s done as a threat to parents “call the school board or your child will miss out on instruction” It makes us all look bad. Misinformation is being spread about why Kaiser didn’t bid. They are in a strike due to overwork- have any of the people screaming conspiracy considered that Kaiser didn’t want us?

I agree that parent’s should be involved as this is within APS, but I also think as employees when we see this coming down the line, if we say nothing to admin, that is a problem too. I wrote to HR (and on here) and kept it to that. I don’t expect parents to care or do anything, but I also think it is my duty to tell admin that I will need some time off and that others probably will too because of the policy change. I don’t want my kid with multiple therapies to not get those.

Sorry- parents shouldn’t be involved with this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a federal employee, I wanted to chime in on the facebook threads and ask if teachers were urgently writing to their elected officials to advocate for the government not to shut down. How many families in APS would be impacted by a shutdown? That's a major upheaval, but, you don't see parents whining to teachers asking for support.

Ideally, APS would have more than one insurance option available to staff, but, the contracting/procurement/funding is what it is. I understand it's not ideal to have to switch health care providers, but, as numerous people have pointed out, this is routine in the rest of the professional world, and all of us who are not teachers do not get to enjoy summers off to schedule any and every appointment under the sun for ourselves and our families.

as a federal employee how many times have you had your healthcare changed up on you??????? and please do ask your question on the FB page…we’ll be waiting to respond.

DP. Federal employees have pretty good and consistent options. Premiums can change regularly. Nevertheless, it's not about any one individual profession. Federal contractors who have to change companies frequently experience benefits changes that not only include entirely different health plans; but sometimes no options among health plans, and different amounts of leave regardless of years of professional experience, different retirement plan options, etc. And sometimes they end up with really really crappy insurance and leave. And the stress of being a contractor with changes in contract awards etc.

I really do feel bad for those of you who chose Kaiser and now have to change. I really do. It sucks and it's crappy APS didn't give more consideration to that when half of its workforce is apparently on that plan and it is an entirely different system. I'd be furious and anxious and disappointed and angry and everything else, too. But it is not the issue you should expect parents to get involved in.

Exactly, federal employees have it pretty good.

Yes. Except for shutdowns and constant threats of defunding.

Don’t you get backpay? And if you don’t like it, find a new job like you keep telling us.

I'm not a federal employee. And I am not the one telling you to find a new job you like. But if you are so unhappy, then you probably should at least consider looking for someplace you will like better. Just like anybody else who is unhappy at their job. If you find something better, great. If you don't, please don't bring your negative attitude about your employer/employment conditions to the classroom or to the parents.

Your kids’ teachers reached out to you about this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:APS teacher of 10 years here - and I am beyond embarrassed by how outraged my colleagues are acting. I am actually happy about the switch to Blue Cross Blue Shield. In previous jobs I've held, insurance carriers have switched, and it hasn't been a big deal. Everyone saying they need days and days off to search for new doctors is beyond ridiculous. I watched the school board comments and I cringed. A small group of APS teachers act so outraged over EVERYTHING and they give the rest of us a bad reputation. Just want people to know we aren't all this crazy. And the people who speak at school board meetings (including one very vocal teacher) - DO NOT represent the majority of teachers in APS.

Thank you! I'm so happy that none of them work in my school.

“The people at the top DO respond to pressure from the bottom, yet the people at the bottom don’t have time or mental energy to fight back or to change how the interact or question why things are done the way they are done. This is how oppressive systems work and the reason they stay functioning. We need people from the bottom to rise up.”

Why do you have a problem with people speaking out about their experience? I didn’t speak out (except for here) and will have to take some leave. I don’t think it ridiculous to state that I am going to need more sub coverage during a sub and staffing shortage. What I am attempting to prevent is kids losing more time learning. We are also pointing out that there are effects from this change, and that classroom teachers shouldn’t constantly be expected to take the brunt of those systemic changes. They should plan in some way for some teachers to need time off. Others don’t need subs and will not have the same consequences.

Because it’s done as a threat to parents “call the school board or your child will miss out on instruction” It makes us all look bad. Misinformation is being spread about why Kaiser didn’t bid. They are in a strike due to overwork- have any of the people screaming conspiracy considered that Kaiser didn’t want us?

I agree that parent’s should be involved as this is within APS, but I also think as employees when we see this coming down the line, if we say nothing to admin, that is a problem too. I wrote to HR (and on here) and kept it to that. I don’t expect parents to care or do anything, but I also think it is my duty to tell admin that I will need some time off and that others probably will too because of the policy change. I don’t want my kid with multiple therapies to not get those.

Do you have to take time off now for those therapies? If so how is it any different?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:APS teacher of 10 years here - and I am beyond embarrassed by how outraged my colleagues are acting. I am actually happy about the switch to Blue Cross Blue Shield. In previous jobs I've held, insurance carriers have switched, and it hasn't been a big deal. Everyone saying they need days and days off to search for new doctors is beyond ridiculous. I watched the school board comments and I cringed. A small group of APS teachers act so outraged over EVERYTHING and they give the rest of us a bad reputation. Just want people to know we aren't all this crazy. And the people who speak at school board meetings (including one very vocal teacher) - DO NOT represent the majority of teachers in APS.

Thank you! I'm so happy that none of them work in my school.

“The people at the top DO respond to pressure from the bottom, yet the people at the bottom don’t have time or mental energy to fight back or to change how the interact or question why things are done the way they are done. This is how oppressive systems work and the reason they stay functioning. We need people from the bottom to rise up.”

Why do you have a problem with people speaking out about their experience? I didn’t speak out (except for here) and will have to take some leave. I don’t think it ridiculous to state that I am going to need more sub coverage during a sub and staffing shortage. What I am attempting to prevent is kids losing more time learning. We are also pointing out that there are effects from this change, and that classroom teachers shouldn’t constantly be expected to take the brunt of those systemic changes. They should plan in some way for some teachers to need time off. Others don’t need subs and will not have the same consequences.

Because it’s done as a threat to parents “call the school board or your child will miss out on instruction” It makes us all look bad. Misinformation is being spread about why Kaiser didn’t bid. They are in a strike due to overwork- have any of the people screaming conspiracy considered that Kaiser didn’t want us?

I agree that parent’s should be involved as this is within APS, but I also think as employees when we see this coming down the line, if we say nothing to admin, that is a problem too. I wrote to HR (and on here) and kept it to that. I don’t expect parents to care or do anything, but I also think it is my duty to tell admin that I will need some time off and that others probably will too because of the policy change. I don’t want my kid with multiple therapies to not get those.

Sorry- parents shouldn’t be involved with this.

You are not required to do anything.

As a parent who is part of the APS community, I want to be informed of any challenges that a significant group (teachers) are experiencing. I may be able to help in some way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:APS teacher of 10 years here - and I am beyond embarrassed by how outraged my colleagues are acting. I am actually happy about the switch to Blue Cross Blue Shield. In previous jobs I've held, insurance carriers have switched, and it hasn't been a big deal. Everyone saying they need days and days off to search for new doctors is beyond ridiculous. I watched the school board comments and I cringed. A small group of APS teachers act so outraged over EVERYTHING and they give the rest of us a bad reputation. Just want people to know we aren't all this crazy. And the people who speak at school board meetings (including one very vocal teacher) - DO NOT represent the majority of teachers in APS.

Thank you! I'm so happy that none of them work in my school.

“The people at the top DO respond to pressure from the bottom, yet the people at the bottom don’t have time or mental energy to fight back or to change how the interact or question why things are done the way they are done. This is how oppressive systems work and the reason they stay functioning. We need people from the bottom to rise up.”

Why do you have a problem with people speaking out about their experience? I didn’t speak out (except for here) and will have to take some leave. I don’t think it ridiculous to state that I am going to need more sub coverage during a sub and staffing shortage. What I am attempting to prevent is kids losing more time learning. We are also pointing out that there are effects from this change, and that classroom teachers shouldn’t constantly be expected to take the brunt of those systemic changes. They should plan in some way for some teachers to need time off. Others don’t need subs and will not have the same consequences.

Because it’s done as a threat to parents “call the school board or your child will miss out on instruction” It makes us all look bad. Misinformation is being spread about why Kaiser didn’t bid. They are in a strike due to overwork- have any of the people screaming conspiracy considered that Kaiser didn’t want us?

I agree that parent’s should be involved as this is within APS, but I also think as employees when we see this coming down the line, if we say nothing to admin, that is a problem too. I wrote to HR (and on here) and kept it to that. I don’t expect parents to care or do anything, but I also think it is my duty to tell admin that I will need some time off and that others probably will too because of the policy change. I don’t want my kid with multiple therapies to not get those.

Do you have to take time off now for those therapies? If so how is it any different?

You’ve never switched providers? There is usually some lead time to get in as a new patient to establish care. Potentially delays in medications as well. It’s not trivial.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:APS teacher of 10 years here - and I am beyond embarrassed by how outraged my colleagues are acting. I am actually happy about the switch to Blue Cross Blue Shield. In previous jobs I've held, insurance carriers have switched, and it hasn't been a big deal. Everyone saying they need days and days off to search for new doctors is beyond ridiculous. I watched the school board comments and I cringed. A small group of APS teachers act so outraged over EVERYTHING and they give the rest of us a bad reputation. Just want people to know we aren't all this crazy. And the people who speak at school board meetings (including one very vocal teacher) - DO NOT represent the majority of teachers in APS.

Thank you! I'm so happy that none of them work in my school.

“The people at the top DO respond to pressure from the bottom, yet the people at the bottom don’t have time or mental energy to fight back or to change how the interact or question why things are done the way they are done. This is how oppressive systems work and the reason they stay functioning. We need people from the bottom to rise up.”

Why do you have a problem with people speaking out about their experience? I didn’t speak out (except for here) and will have to take some leave. I don’t think it ridiculous to state that I am going to need more sub coverage during a sub and staffing shortage. What I am attempting to prevent is kids losing more time learning. We are also pointing out that there are effects from this change, and that classroom teachers shouldn’t constantly be expected to take the brunt of those systemic changes. They should plan in some way for some teachers to need time off. Others don’t need subs and will not have the same consequences.

Because it’s done as a threat to parents “call the school board or your child will miss out on instruction” It makes us all look bad. Misinformation is being spread about why Kaiser didn’t bid. They are in a strike due to overwork- have any of the people screaming conspiracy considered that Kaiser didn’t want us?

I agree that parent’s should be involved as this is within APS, but I also think as employees when we see this coming down the line, if we say nothing to admin, that is a problem too. I wrote to HR (and on here) and kept it to that. I don’t expect parents to care or do anything, but I also think it is my duty to tell admin that I will need some time off and that others probably will too because of the policy change. I don’t want my kid with multiple therapies to not get those.

Do you have to take time off now for those therapies? If so how is it any different?

You’ve never switched providers? There is usually some lead time to get in as a new patient to establish care. Potentially delays in medications as well. It’s not trivial.

Yes I have. We have 90 days, and an additional 90 if covered under continuity of care. The vast majority of us who aren’t Jewish have today to call

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:APS teacher of 10 years here - and I am beyond embarrassed by how outraged my colleagues are acting. I am actually happy about the switch to Blue Cross Blue Shield. In previous jobs I've held, insurance carriers have switched, and it hasn't been a big deal. Everyone saying they need days and days off to search for new doctors is beyond ridiculous. I watched the school board comments and I cringed. A small group of APS teachers act so outraged over EVERYTHING and they give the rest of us a bad reputation. Just want people to know we aren't all this crazy. And the people who speak at school board meetings (including one very vocal teacher) - DO NOT represent the majority of teachers in APS.

Thank you! I'm so happy that none of them work in my school.

“The people at the top DO respond to pressure from the bottom, yet the people at the bottom don’t have time or mental energy to fight back or to change how the interact or question why things are done the way they are done. This is how oppressive systems work and the reason they stay functioning. We need people from the bottom to rise up.”

Why do you have a problem with people speaking out about their experience? I didn’t speak out (except for here) and will have to take some leave. I don’t think it ridiculous to state that I am going to need more sub coverage during a sub and staffing shortage. What I am attempting to prevent is kids losing more time learning. We are also pointing out that there are effects from this change, and that classroom teachers shouldn’t constantly be expected to take the brunt of those systemic changes. They should plan in some way for some teachers to need time off. Others don’t need subs and will not have the same consequences.

Because it’s done as a threat to parents “call the school board or your child will miss out on instruction” It makes us all look bad. Misinformation is being spread about why Kaiser didn’t bid. They are in a strike due to overwork- have any of the people screaming conspiracy considered that Kaiser didn’t want us?

I agree that parent’s should be involved as this is within APS, but I also think as employees when we see this coming down the line, if we say nothing to admin, that is a problem too. I wrote to HR (and on here) and kept it to that. I don’t expect parents to care or do anything, but I also think it is my duty to tell admin that I will need some time off and that others probably will too because of the policy change. I don’t want my kid with multiple therapies to not get those.

Do you have to take time off now for those therapies? If so how is it any different?

You’ve never switched providers? There is usually some lead time to get in as a new patient to establish care. Potentially delays in medications as well. It’s not trivial.

Yes I have. We have 90 days, and an additional 90 if covered under continuity of care. The vast majority of us who aren’t Jewish have today to call

Ok, well I have already explained about this earlier in the thread and yes, it will be necessary for me to be there for the initial intake appointments because that is what the therapists (OT, PT, BCBA) do. Then we can establish weekly appointments after school, but you have to have the initial appointment and the screening is a longer appointment and usually done during the day.
Look, fight me all you want, question my ability to make appointments for special needs kids if you need to, but I am truly only trying to explain the situation and give a realistic view of my leave. Of course I will do my best, but again, I also think it is my job to give a heads up during a sub shortage that I will need more coverage because of the switch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:APS teacher of 10 years here - and I am beyond embarrassed by how outraged my colleagues are acting. I am actually happy about the switch to Blue Cross Blue Shield. In previous jobs I've held, insurance carriers have switched, and it hasn't been a big deal. Everyone saying they need days and days off to search for new doctors is beyond ridiculous. I watched the school board comments and I cringed. A small group of APS teachers act so outraged over EVERYTHING and they give the rest of us a bad reputation. Just want people to know we aren't all this crazy. And the people who speak at school board meetings (including one very vocal teacher) - DO NOT represent the majority of teachers in APS.

Thank you! I'm so happy that none of them work in my school.

“The people at the top DO respond to pressure from the bottom, yet the people at the bottom don’t have time or mental energy to fight back or to change how the interact or question why things are done the way they are done. This is how oppressive systems work and the reason they stay functioning. We need people from the bottom to rise up.”

Why do you have a problem with people speaking out about their experience? I didn’t speak out (except for here) and will have to take some leave. I don’t think it ridiculous to state that I am going to need more sub coverage during a sub and staffing shortage. What I am attempting to prevent is kids losing more time learning. We are also pointing out that there are effects from this change, and that classroom teachers shouldn’t constantly be expected to take the brunt of those systemic changes. They should plan in some way for some teachers to need time off. Others don’t need subs and will not have the same consequences.

Because it’s done as a threat to parents “call the school board or your child will miss out on instruction” It makes us all look bad. Misinformation is being spread about why Kaiser didn’t bid. They are in a strike due to overwork- have any of the people screaming conspiracy considered that Kaiser didn’t want us?

I agree that parent’s should be involved as this is within APS, but I also think as employees when we see this coming down the line, if we say nothing to admin, that is a problem too. I wrote to HR (and on here) and kept it to that. I don’t expect parents to care or do anything, but I also think it is my duty to tell admin that I will need some time off and that others probably will too because of the policy change. I don’t want my kid with multiple therapies to not get those.

Do you have to take time off now for those therapies? If so how is it any different?

You’ve never switched providers? There is usually some lead time to get in as a new patient to establish care. Potentially delays in medications as well. It’s not trivial.

Yes I have. We have 90 days, and an additional 90 if covered under continuity of care. The vast majority of us who aren’t Jewish have today to call

Ok. And then the new patient appts will need to happen at some point.

It can all happen but may require additional days off that weren’t already planned.

I like the PP’s idea of increasing sub pay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:APS teacher of 10 years here - and I am beyond embarrassed by how outraged my colleagues are acting. I am actually happy about the switch to Blue Cross Blue Shield. In previous jobs I've held, insurance carriers have switched, and it hasn't been a big deal. Everyone saying they need days and days off to search for new doctors is beyond ridiculous. I watched the school board comments and I cringed. A small group of APS teachers act so outraged over EVERYTHING and they give the rest of us a bad reputation. Just want people to know we aren't all this crazy. And the people who speak at school board meetings (including one very vocal teacher) - DO NOT represent the majority of teachers in APS.

Thank you! I'm so happy that none of them work in my school.

“The people at the top DO respond to pressure from the bottom, yet the people at the bottom don’t have time or mental energy to fight back or to change how the interact or question why things are done the way they are done. This is how oppressive systems work and the reason they stay functioning. We need people from the bottom to rise up.”

Why do you have a problem with people speaking out about their experience? I didn’t speak out (except for here) and will have to take some leave. I don’t think it ridiculous to state that I am going to need more sub coverage during a sub and staffing shortage. What I am attempting to prevent is kids losing more time learning. We are also pointing out that there are effects from this change, and that classroom teachers shouldn’t constantly be expected to take the brunt of those systemic changes. They should plan in some way for some teachers to need time off. Others don’t need subs and will not have the same consequences.

Because it’s done as a threat to parents “call the school board or your child will miss out on instruction” It makes us all look bad. Misinformation is being spread about why Kaiser didn’t bid. They are in a strike due to overwork- have any of the people screaming conspiracy considered that Kaiser didn’t want us?

I agree that parent’s should be involved as this is within APS, but I also think as employees when we see this coming down the line, if we say nothing to admin, that is a problem too. I wrote to HR (and on here) and kept it to that. I don’t expect parents to care or do anything, but I also think it is my duty to tell admin that I will need some time off and that others probably will too because of the policy change. I don’t want my kid with multiple therapies to not get those.

Do you have to take time off now for those therapies? If so how is it any different?

You’ve never switched providers? There is usually some lead time to get in as a new patient to establish care. Potentially delays in medications as well. It’s not trivial.

Yes I have. We have 90 days, and an additional 90 if covered under continuity of care. The vast majority of us who aren’t Jewish have today to call

Ok, well I have already explained about this earlier in the thread and yes, it will be necessary for me to be there for the initial intake appointments because that is what the therapists (OT, PT, BCBA) do. Then we can establish weekly appointments after school, but you have to have the initial appointment and the screening is a longer appointment and usually done during the day.
Look, fight me all you want, question my ability to make appointments for special needs kids if you need to, but I am truly only trying to explain the situation and give a realistic view of my leave. Of course I will do my best, but again, I also think it is my job to give a heads up during a sub shortage that I will need more coverage because of the switch.

No one is fighting you. Is it your current practice to alert families when you will need to be out for a medical appointment?

[Anonymous]

I’lll add that we were on a wait list for OT for 4 months to get an intake appointment and were finally seen this month. Therefore, if they offer an appointment for intake, I will snap it up whenever it is available. Maybe you can concede that this isn’t as easy for everyone as it is for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’lll add that we were on a wait list for OT for 4 months to get an intake appointment and were finally seen this month. Therefore, if they offer an appointment for intake, I will snap it up whenever it is available. Maybe you can concede that this isn’t as easy for everyone as it is for you.

With Kaiser?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:APS teacher of 10 years here - and I am beyond embarrassed by how outraged my colleagues are acting. I am actually happy about the switch to Blue Cross Blue Shield. In previous jobs I've held, insurance carriers have switched, and it hasn't been a big deal. Everyone saying they need days and days off to search for new doctors is beyond ridiculous. I watched the school board comments and I cringed. A small group of APS teachers act so outraged over EVERYTHING and they give the rest of us a bad reputation. Just want people to know we aren't all this crazy. And the people who speak at school board meetings (including one very vocal teacher) - DO NOT represent the majority of teachers in APS.

Thank you! I'm so happy that none of them work in my school.

“The people at the top DO respond to pressure from the bottom, yet the people at the bottom don’t have time or mental energy to fight back or to change how the interact or question why things are done the way they are done. This is how oppressive systems work and the reason they stay functioning. We need people from the bottom to rise up.”

Why do you have a problem with people speaking out about their experience? I didn’t speak out (except for here) and will have to take some leave. I don’t think it ridiculous to state that I am going to need more sub coverage during a sub and staffing shortage. What I am attempting to prevent is kids losing more time learning. We are also pointing out that there are effects from this change, and that classroom teachers shouldn’t constantly be expected to take the brunt of those systemic changes. They should plan in some way for some teachers to need time off. Others don’t need subs and will not have the same consequences.

Because it’s done as a threat to parents “call the school board or your child will miss out on instruction” It makes us all look bad. Misinformation is being spread about why Kaiser didn’t bid. They are in a strike due to overwork- have any of the people screaming conspiracy considered that Kaiser didn’t want us?

I agree that parent’s should be involved as this is within APS, but I also think as employees when we see this coming down the line, if we say nothing to admin, that is a problem too. I wrote to HR (and on here) and kept it to that. I don’t expect parents to care or do anything, but I also think it is my duty to tell admin that I will need some time off and that others probably will too because of the policy change. I don’t want my kid with multiple therapies to not get those.

Do you have to take time off now for those therapies? If so how is it any different?

You’ve never switched providers? There is usually some lead time to get in as a new patient to establish care. Potentially delays in medications as well. It’s not trivial.

Yes I have. We have 90 days, and an additional 90 if covered under continuity of care. The vast majority of us who aren’t Jewish have today to call

Ok, well I have already explained about this earlier in the thread and yes, it will be necessary for me to be there for the initial intake appointments because that is what the therapists (OT, PT, BCBA) do. Then we can establish weekly appointments after school, but you have to have the initial appointment and the screening is a longer appointment and usually done during the day.
Look, fight me all you want, question my ability to make appointments for special needs kids if you need to, but I am truly only trying to explain the situation and give a realistic view of my leave. Of course I will do my best, but again, I also think it is my job to give a heads up during a sub shortage that I will need more coverage because of the switch.

No one is fighting you. Is it your current practice to alert families when you will need to be out for a medical appointment?

You have reading comprehension issues? Go back and re-read.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’lll add that we were on a wait list for OT for 4 months to get an intake appointment and were finally seen this month. Therefore, if they offer an appointment for intake, I will snap it up whenever it is available. Maybe you can concede that this isn’t as easy for everyone as it is for you.

With Kaiser?

Yup and I’m not sorry to leave Kaiser. I have one point and that is to make sure APS understands I will need to take time off to find new providers. We started the OT process in May so I could make appointments over the summer and not miss school. That can’t happen this time. APS should prepare for that and I have a duty to tell them that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’lll add that we were on a wait list for OT for 4 months to get an intake appointment and were finally seen this month. Therefore, if they offer an appointment for intake, I will snap it up whenever it is available. Maybe you can concede that this isn’t as easy for everyone as it is for you.

With Kaiser?

Yup and I’m not sorry to leave Kaiser. I have one point and that is to make sure APS understands I will need to take time off to find new providers. We started the OT process in May so I could make appointments over the summer and not miss school. That can’t happen this time. APS should prepare for that and I have a duty to tell them that.

I think informing admin is a great idea. I think getting parents worked up over the possibility is a bad idea.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:APS teacher of 10 years here - and I am beyond embarrassed by how outraged my colleagues are acting. I am actually happy about the switch to Blue Cross Blue Shield. In previous jobs I've held, insurance carriers have switched, and it hasn't been a big deal. Everyone saying they need days and days off to search for new doctors is beyond ridiculous. I watched the school board comments and I cringed. A small group of APS teachers act so outraged over EVERYTHING and they give the rest of us a bad reputation. Just want people to know we aren't all this crazy. And the people who speak at school board meetings (including one very vocal teacher) - DO NOT represent the majority of teachers in APS.

THANK YOU! I wish that you and other teachers like you could speak out publicly about this, but I understand that the current climate (ahem, AEM) would make that a very bad idea. I also respect that you actually shouldn't have to speak out b/c this is your private business and no one needs to air that for all of Arlington to see.

I wish that the people on AEM would see how their actions might not look how they think they look. And the parents who are suggesting that teachers will check out and leave are a huge part of the problem.

For the most part, I love the teachers my kid has had and I am grateful to not see their names on AEM.