IEP question

amajane

Marley started preschool this week (yay!) and it seems to be going ok. Because she can't walk we have been asked by her teacher to bring a stroller so they can use it to transport her around in. There are a total of 7 kids in the class with 3 adults. She is the only one who is not walking. She does not have a 1:1 aide because the district said during her IEP that they discourage aides as they don't wants kids to get attached to just one person.

I understand that Marley needs to be in a stroller to be transported but I worry that she is sitting in the stroller longer than necessary because there is just not the adult available to help her walk and monitor her safety while she is playing on different structures. She hates being in the stroller and overall is really mobile- crawls and cruises and walks if she is holding on to your hands. But I don't think she is getting the opportunity when they are outside on the playground.

My nanny told me yesterday when she went to pick up Marley that she was in her stroller sobbing. She stopped as soon as she took her out of it. I hate to see her so upset but I'm not sure if the situation necessitates a 1:1 aide as I am not able to see personally how much time she is spending in the stroller versus out. I do think she needs more adult help than the other kids in the class as they are all walking and can mostly follow directions.

After only 3 days of school is this something worth going to school district about? 

duchess0727

Are you able to go and observe her at school?  Can you go and give them suggestions on how to best help her interact?  I would probably talk to the teachers first if you are concerned about how much time she is in the stroller.  I would be very concerned about that too and keep emphasizing how important it is for her to be able to move around.  I know they know it - but it's easy for them to just let her sit a few minutes longer when someone isn't reminding them about it.  I wouldn't go over their heads until I felt like they really weren't responding to my input because I think people get really defensive when you do that.  Especially if all of the other kids are walking, I would think one of the 3 adults should be able to help her while she is on the playground.  If you can't observe her at school, then I'd ask to set up a conference before or after school with them and talk to them in general about how she is doing and then specifically mention that your nanny came to get her and she was in the stroller crying and then give them the benefit of the doubt but be firm in that she needs to be able to move around.  If you feel like they aren't responsive, then go to the school district. Good luck!

JenGK

If you have a private PT or OT, you might see if s/he can go to observe and work with the teachers on strategies for involving her on the playground.

TriciaJoy

How mobile is she? Would she be able to crawl in and out of a wagon or something that is low to the ground with low sides?

Perhaps if you had something she can get out of on her own, but still be available to transport her, there would be less risk of her being stuck in the stroller.

In the mean time, I like the suggestion of asking the other members of your team what they observe. I always have done that with my son even though his issues are quite different. And honestly, I've asked his caregivers about their observations during therapy. It's always good to get an outside perspective as long as you weigh it appropriately.

 

In the mean time, perhaps you could make a phone call or two during the day to check on her, asking what she's doing right now and that way if she's in the stroller, you could offer suggestions what to do as an alternative right then. I don't mean in a confrontational way- I'm always hesistant to alienate any of my son's caregivers. But just "hey, wondering how she's doing? What's she up to? Oh.. she's in the stroller crying? Have you tried letting her _______? She really likes that.."

 

Bride2bMO

Amajane,

 I do think that your concerns are completely valid, whether or not it's only been 3 days. It doesn't sound right to me. Which is a bigger detriment - "getting attached to only one person," or being isolated and restricted by lack of available help to allow her to physically participate? I'd say the latter, and I'd get pushy (but diplomatic...if possible).

But I also just wanted to say hi! It's nice to see you -- I remember you and Marley from the early baby days on the age boards. Good to see you!