Working with the other SN parents at your school??

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have any positive (or negative) experiences to report from working with other SN parents at your school to affect change? Our school has been having numerous issues with many of our kids. A few of us (5 families I know of) have been talking about our issues with each other and with the principal...but we have yet to work together except to share our experiences and compare notes. County people (procedural support liaison, instructional office, behavior support, etc) are involved in many of our IEPs because we invite them. I believe the common thread that runs across all of our experience is that the teachers are either inexperienced or unable to work to understand our children. Whenever there is an issue they seem tell us (parents) about it looking for a solution or wait until we notice it and ask them how they (and us together) can solve it. None of us have ever been met with an effective strategy as an answer to one of our children's needs UNLESS it comes from one of the FCPS personnel above our teacher/school level. On top of that, each of us are having major issues with the implementations of the IEPs written for our children. Again, I think that is because we are bringing in county and private experts to write the IEP, but can't be there every day to monitor how it's implemented. I think we are on the cusp of seeing changes at our school but I don't know what form that is going to take: teacher training, new teachers? It is a really small school (<500) and I believe the principals are frustrated based on feedback we are seeing/hearing. Still, I continue to wonder if, as parents, we can do anything other than advocate for our children individually and complain/strategize with each other.

At the very least, maybe we need a formal "support group" in our neighborhood but it seems we could do more than that. Maybe even a PTA committee? I have no idea. Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

We're in the process of talking about organizing a group at our own school in MCPS as well so we would love to hear feedback from others who have experience.

We have talked to groups at other schools and the more active the group is at the school the better the school seems to be for special needs.

I honestly think the only way to get real change is to organize and applaud you for doing this. It sounds like things are heading in the right direction at your school but maybe you could give it a push doing things like organizing fundraisers for teacher training.

[Anonymous]

I would love to do this. But in our PEP class, I don't know who the SN parents are. I was thinking of trying to get more involved at the start of the year in September when my child starts K. I think there is a lot of power and knowledge to be gained by joining together.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would love to do this. But in our PEP class, I don't know who the SN parents are. I was thinking of trying to get more involved at the start of the year in September when my child starts K. I think there is a lot of power and knowledge to be gained by joining together.

Usually, the non-SN kids are brought to school by a parent and/or caregiver. SN kids are provided transportation, so if a kid rides the bus, usually they are SN.

[Anonymous]

I'm the OP. I have found out who the parents are just by telling my story around (here and there) and having friends or neighbors say "oh, me too." My daughter has speech apraxia and a shared aide so I think it's more obvious she has an IEP (if you are another parent keeping your eye out for a person going through the same experience!).

[Anonymous]

Things parents can do include...
Organizing quarterly clear the air sit-downs between principals or even district officials and SN families
Organizing speakers to come speak at PTA meetings or at school assemblies or for for SN families
Fundraisers for teacher training, student presentations, etc.
Fundraisers to donate money to organizations that provide pro-bono help to SN families with their IEPs, or other organization that helps SN children
If you're in a wealthier part of the county own you could also "adopt" a school in a less wealthy part of the county and provide guidance, support for SN families at the other school.
Organize a buddy/mentor program to match up older SN children with younger ones who can provide some guidance or friendship
Organize a buddy/mentor program to match up "veteran" SN parents with those who may be dealing with the IEP process for the first time or dealing with a diagnosis for the first time

[Anonymous]

I'm a SN parent who drives her kid to PEP. So the other parents I get to talk to don't have SN kids.

[Anonymous]

Talk to a lawyer?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Talk to a lawyer?

Good idea! One of the mom's in our group is actually a former trial lawyer! I don't think she has any background specifically in special education though.

Thanks to the other PPs for the ideas too.

[Anonymous]

We have a Special Needs liaison on our PTA. It is a way to help parents bring attention to their needs. That might be something you can look into doing.