RP: Issues with Jayden's pre-k teacher...

Makinroom4baby · September 2011

Jayden's been in school since April of 2010. He started in preschool early intervention, but since he was so you (only 3 yrs) his only option at the time was a class with kids of multiple disabilities (including himself), however, most of them were physically handicapped and nonverbal. Long story short, he regressed in his speech and his behavior issues grew worse. On a whim, I enrolled him in a private preschool 2 days a week. Speech expanded within weeks and his behavior improved. Even his PEI teachers commented on it. So it does prove that he does do better around typical peers as role models. So now, he is 4.5 and he's enrolled in a Pre-K/PEI combo class. There are 6 typical kids and 5 PEI kids (including Jayden) She also has a para educator so it's really a 6:1 ratio, which is pretty good for a pre-k class. We had a parent-teacher conference after 2 weeks of school just to let the teacher tell the parents how the kids were adjusting. The teacher told us that Jayden was "very sweet, and has a nurturing spirit and is a joy to have in the class". Of course he had a few of his usual fits when transitioning and his hyperactivity sometimes interrupted naptime, but it was nothing they couldn't redirect. All of his reports for the first 3 weeks of school were good reports. Then during week 4, the Tuesday after Labor Day, something switched in him.

The teacher called me to tell me he'd been having a rough day with being defiant and screaming out no no no. I told her he was upset that morning over a toy he wanted to bring to school, so maybe that initiated his bad mood. The next day, she called again. Now he's screaming and refusing to participate in anything. Then she called a 3rd day in a row and this time asked me for permission to have a behavior therapist to observe him. It was fine with me b/c I'd been requesting it all along, but his previous teacher said it wasn't needed b/c although he had behavior problems, he responded to positive reinforcement and redirection. Anyway, I signed the form she sent home. The 4th day, she sent home a note (didn't call that day) saying he had another rough day but they would still be working with him.

Monday and Tuesday of this week, he did well. No behavior problems to report at all. Wednesday, he must have lost it again. She called me at the usual time. First, she needed to explain herself b/c on Tuesday evening he got off the bus with a bite mark on his shoulder that was fresh and broke the skin. No one called me about that. So I emailed her asking about it. She explained the situation, of course making sure I understood that Jayden provoked the biter. So after we discussed that situation she says "And there's another thing I'm calling about. Jayden's having another rough day." This time, I could sense in her voice that she was about ready to quit on him. She decided to tell me ALL the details of how his day went. Pretty much, he screamed, fell out on the floor, kicked his legs, yelled no over and over, refused to share toys, swiped at other kids, screamed during naptime so loud that it made the other kids cover their ears, and scratched another teacher "so bad he drew blood. I mean it was a pretty bad scratch." I was THIS close to saying "Ok, I get it, really. He's being horrible." I let her finish and then after all of that she says "So do you have any suggestions? What works for him at home?" Really, woman?? After you just finish describing to me how my child is obviously the WORST child you've had to work with, you want my hormonal a$$ to give you suggestions?? I told her, "Honestly, we don't have those problems at home. I don't know what's going on to make him act out so bad and why the sudden change in behavior b/c he'd been doing so well." She told me perhaps he used the 3 weeks to get comfortable with them and now he's testing his limits. I can agree to that, but he's never tested limits like that, even at his previous school where he was even more frustrated b/c none of his peers could talk. She told me that they wanted to have the school mental health provider to observe him for 10 days to see if they can figure out a pattern to his behavior issues. I signed the form agreeing to it b/c if my child is indeed having personality and behavior issues like that, I'm taking him to see a private psychologist or counselor on my own time anyway so the more the merrier. That phone call yesterday had me so upset and stressed. Then by 8 that night I realized that I hadn't felt my baby move since that call. It freaked me out so bad that I pulled out my doppler to find his heartbeat. Still nice and strong. He moved a good bit today, but not nearly as much and I know it's from the stress.

So, I figured since an MHP is observing him for 10 days, then I'd at least have a 10 day break from the calls. Wrong. I got off work and was extremely tired and needed a nap before his bus came to drop him off in 2 hours. As soon as I closed my eyes, the phone rang. My husband yelled from downstairs "That better not be the school" Of course, it was her. She starts by saying "Im sorry to keep calling you but Jayden's having another bad day." She goes on to tell me his morning started off fine but the speech therapist came to take him for therapy while he was doing arts and crafts. Call me crazy, but am I the only one who thinks it's crazy to believe a 4 yr old would willingly leave arts and crafts for speech therapy??? What kid would leave a fun activity for something that's EXTREMELY frustrating to him?? So she acts like she's surprised that he protested. She said he immediately started screaming "NO NO NO! I don't want to!" and started swinging his arms to keep her from getting his hands. Then she said as the speech therapist went to grab him he grabbed a pair of scissors Indifferent She paused like she was waiting for a response from me, but I said nothing. Then she said that she went to grab his hand so he wouldn't hurt the teacher and Jayden hit her in the nose "really hard". She paused again, but I still said nothing. Her tone sounded like a 5 yr old tattler. So then she says "I'm fine and so is he..." I told her I am sorry it happened and I'm extremely shocked b/c honestly what she's describing does not sound like Jayden at all. Then she continues and finally says "I'm just not sure there's anything else I can do to help Jayden." Seriously?? After not even 2 full weeks of him acting out? In my opinion, if just 2 weeks ago you told me my child was a sweetheart and had a nurturing spirit, then you too should note that this is a change in his personality and that we should continue to work together to see what's going on. So I asked her "Ok, so if you feel that you can no longer handle him, what are our options from here?" She says, "Well I would suggest the PEI class for him." Speaking of the class with kids ages 2-5 (mostly 2-3 yrs old at that school b/c of the pre-k combo class option for 4 and 5s) with multiple disabilities and the majority of the class being nonverbal. I told her I would not consider that b/c it would be a huge disservice for Jayden. We have records showing how much he improved once being introduced to a class environment with typical peers. His behaviors did not 100% disappear, but they improved a lot and his speech soared b/c he listened to how the other kids talked to each other. His social skills soared. He just did much better. So for me to move him back to a class with 2-3yr olds that do not talk, I'd be making things much worse for him and really stopping him from getting prepped for kindergarten. I told her these concerns and she said she understood. Then suggested that maybe he would do better in a much smaller class with like 4 students per class with 2 teachers so a 2:1 ratio. I didn't agree with this either b/c he just completed a summer camp with a ratio of 16:1 and although he did have behavior issues there and had trouble with transitioning, even the uneducated teenage counselors were able to handle him. But then she goes on to say that they do not have small classes like that at his school so she actually named and suggested ANOTHER SCHOOL Surprise I was stunned. So my child's teacher seriously gave up on him. I couldn't reply b/c I was so put off by her. She caught on to my silence and then tried to save herself by saying she would speak with the pre-k coordinator and see what else she suggests and then she'd be in touch. I told her ok and we disconnected. She sent home the note for Jayden that simply said he had a rough day with his behaviors but she doesn't feel his behaviors are purposeful, rather impulsive. Then she put that they will continue to work on it with him. Funny, that note is an entirely different song than the one she sang on the phone. Perhaps the coordinator didn't agree with moving him so soon? IDK...

Switching schools is not going to be an easy option. Right now, private school is not an option b.c most private schools will not deal with his behaviors and none of them allow speech therapists (or any therapists for that matter) to come in during school hours. Public schools are district based only and me, my parents, and my cousin all live in the same district. My sister lives about 40 minutes away and it just won't make sense to have him at a school that's nearly an hour away, especially with his health issues. I am trying to get someone to cover my shift at work tomorrow morning so that I can go to the school and observe to see if there's something triggering him and these behaviors. I already know that neither he nor his teacher will perform the way they usually do with me there, but I can at least see how his class runs and see if I can offer some pointers. I just do not understand how she can so easily give up on a child that she knows has the potential to behave. And I find it very important that you are aware that she holds a special education degree. My heart hurts for Jayden and I hate that I'm allowing this situation to stress me out so much.

Makinroom4baby · September 2011

Ok, I just got off the phone with Jayden's PEI teacher from last year. The first thing she told me was "DO NOT put Jayden back in the PEI classrom. He needs to be in an inclusion class b/c it is indeed his least restrictive environment." She told me to fight to keep his placement, which I intend to do. She was also taken a back as to why this teacher would recommend I consider an RNC (reduced numbers class, I believe) for him when that is the MOST restrictive environment I could put him in

I have no idea why she would even suggest that to me. I asked her if there was something I didn't know about Jayden and how he behaves at school and perhaps I've become oblivious. She told me that Jayden can be difficult (which I know, and will fully admit!) but he does indeed respond well to positive reinforcement and an authoritative voice. That makes sense to me b.c his current teacher seems extremely soft spoken and Jayden will purposely go out of his way to test his limits with really nice people (I'm not one of those people! LOL). His previous teacher told me that Jayden is very smart and wants to learn so changing his placement will make things so much worse for him, both at home and at school. So my plan now is to go to the school to observe asap and then schedule a full IEP meeting with the entire team to figure out what exactly, is going on. I hate that I now have a bad taste in my mouth for his teacher. Unfortunately, she is the only teacher with a Pre-K combo class at his school...

Justinlove · September 2011

I hope you listen to the advice Auntie has given. There is a LOT of teacher bashing going on in your thread on the other board and the lynch-mob mentatlity that is building is not going to help you or Jayden.

Isalupup · September 2011

I hope It is okay if I post even though my son is not of school age. ?I apologize now for formatting. ?Auntie has some very wise advice and I'm sure the behavior specialist will have a lot of suggestions but some initial thoughts of mine: It sounds like (and I could be wrong) that there are times during the day (craft time) and during other preferred activities that your son is meeting the behavior expectations. ?It is time to capitalize on that. For instance a system of interval reinforcement. ?A chart could be made broken down into reasonable time intervals ( possibly a half hour/ less if that is too long for him). For each half hour your son follows the behavior expectations he could earn perhaps a sticker? ?If he does not follow behavior guidelines, no sticker. ?This will provide him with a visual and positive reinforcement. ?If the chart goes home each day it may also show a time pattern when he is not behaving. ?You know your son though. Is this possible or will he become extremely upset if he misses a sticker and focus on that alone as opposed to looking ahead to try to earn the next one? ?Also a clear picture schedule should be in place to help with transitions. If speech is a dreaded activity he needs to be prepared for when it is coming. ?Again hope it's okay I posted.

Isalupup · September 2011

Butting back in. I know you didn't ask and I know nothing of your pregnancy, but if your kick counts dropped do you need to call the ob for a "non-stress" test or something of the sort? Sorry for the not asked for advice.

Florak8 · September 2011

I totally agree with Justinlove and Auntie. I know it would tear me up to hear someone say those things about DS, but at the same time, as a teacher, I know how much it tears me up to have a situation like the one you guys are in.

An exercise that helps me is to write down a list of facts and events, with the mindset of keeping ALL emotion out of it. No biased language, etc. Then go into each discussion with the teacher with the mindset that you are two members of the same team, with some problems to solve.

I also want to say that the teacher's negative tone could be a result of her feeling badly telling you these things. It's hard giving bad news, and I am guessing she wishes she did not have to.

Good luck. I am so sorry this is happening.

Makinroom4baby · September 2011

Thank you Auntie, for all of that info. I do believe that there is frustration on both ends and thank you for acknowledging that you can understand my frustration. It's like a rollercoaster and you get so used to things going well and having a great time and then it all goes downhill. This all happened so suddenly though and caught me off guard. Please know that any reasons or "excuses" I gave for Jayden's behavior was always b/c she asked me if I knew what could be causing him to act out. So I have no idea if it was the fact that he couldn't bring a toy that day. I just know that he got out of the car sad about the toy, so that was the only possible answer I could give her. I'm not making excuses for him though.

I totally can understand her frustration. I work with kids of all kinds (drop in childcare) and there are several kids that I work with that have disabilities but the parents are not aware so we just have to deal with it. It can frustrating and on numerous calls I apologized to him for his behavior. It is when her tone changed completely and she started to just sound fed up with him. Of course I'm going to get upset about it. IMO, if things were getting so bad that she was that frustrated with him, her phone call to me should have been to ask for the best day to schedule an IEP meeting. This way we could talk face to face about whatever is going on.

I went to his class today and observed. He was awake and playing with play doh which has wheat in it. He has Celiac Disease and cannot eat wheat. It could cause GI issues and behavior issues. She's aware of his diagnosis but honestly didn't know play doh had wheat in it. Honest mistake and really my fault for not double checking on that, but I am not concerned that it hurt his stomach b/c he hasn't complained about pains and he takes probiotics. I did let her know about it today though. Again, I'm not making excuses for him. She actually asked me if I could come sometime to observe to class to see if something is triggering the behaviors. Anyway, I noticed that during nap time she plays a strange loud music with several different notes. It's certainly not soothing music. It was actually bothering me as I tried to talk to her. Jayden has auditory sensitivities so I'm willing to bet that's why he gets noisy at naptime and sometimes acts out. Even at home, if we are watching a movie with high pitched singing, he makes loud noise to block it out. The OT taught him this b/c years ago he used to just start kicking and screaming. Also, during centers, only 3 kids are allowed to play in each center and since Jayden still does not count objects, I don't think he "gets it" that there are 3 people in the center so he can't go. I didn't intervene b/c the teacher was saying "Ok there are 3 people in the center so you need to find another place to play." But even my husband was saying, "He doesn't understand that." Then once Jayden entered the center that was full already, several other kids followed suit and she ended up having to coach about 4 students out several times and it frustrated her. The only difference is that they actually left out and Jayden didn't and I know he was overstimulated. Again, I don't feel like I'm making excuses, just that I know my son and she did ask me to let her know if I noticed anything that could be done to help him. In the end, I think we need the IEP meeting asap b/c he does has the OT teacher consult that the teacher would definitely benefit from but I would like to have Jayden placed in OT again b/c he's obviously having a hard time adjusting to the new classroom environment.

I spoke with the teacher today and she said that he actually had a wonderful morning and only started to act out once it was naptime and then of course centers. Then we talked again about the incident that happened yesterday, but this time face to face and it was much more pleasant. She told me that the scissors were already in his hand b/c they were doing a cutting craft, but I swear on yesterday she told me he GRABBED scissors. Then she told me that she believed his hand just happened to hit her in the face b/c his arms were flailing. Yesterday she told me he hit her in the face really hard. Perhaps she just called me too soon after the event and was so frustrated about it that she just let it all out...or maybe she's just sugar coating it? I just know that it's not like him at all. He has behavior issues but they are pretty much screaming, refusing to transition, and not listening. Never has he tried to physically harm someone, so unless all of a sudden he has a personality disorder, I won;t just sit back and allow someone to tell me my son needs a placement change b/c of his behaviors, especially without seeking out all of the services available to him on his IEP.

Makinroom4baby · September 2011

Isalupup:
A chart could be made broken down into reasonable time intervals ( possibly a half hour/ less if that is too long for him). For each half hour your son follows the behavior expectations he could earn perhaps a sticker? If he does not follow behavior guidelines, no sticker. This will provide him with a visual and positive reinforcement. If the chart goes home each day it may also show a time pattern when he is not behaving. You know your son though. Is this possible or will he become extremely upset if he misses a sticker and focus on that alone as opposed to looking ahead to try to earn the next one?

She's actually going to start a sticker chart for him next week. We've already been doing it at home b/c he enjoys it. Once he knows what he's working towards and can see how well he's doing, it usually fills up really quickly with stickers and he loves seeing them fill up. If he misses a sticker, he doesn't get upset b/c he knows why. However, if he's tired, cranky, and over stimulated and then doesn't get a sticker, I don't think he will have a clear enough mind to process WHY he's not getting a sticker until much later, which could equal a tantrum in the classroom. That's why I want to push for him to get his OT services back.

Makinroom4baby · September 2011

FloraK8:
An exercise that helps me is to write down a list of facts and events, with the mindset of keeping ALL emotion out of it. No biased language, etc. Then go into each discussion with the teacher with the mindset that you are two members of the same team, with some problems to solve.
I also want to say that the teacher's negative tone could be a result of her feeling badly telling you these things. It's hard giving bad news, and I am guessing she wishes she did not have to.
Good luck. I am so sorry this is happening.

My main issue is that when I feel attacked, I shut down b/c I don't want to say anything I would regret, especially when it comes to my son and people who are caring for him. And, of course, when I'm getting calls daily about how bad my son is behaving and that he's only getting worse and that his teacher is ready to give up on him, I feel attacked. So I honestly did draw a blank. However, today we did have a much better discussion about it and I sent her an email with what I felt could help him (and her) in class.

I did feel that she hated having to tell me all of that stuff yesterday b/c she had a hard time ending the phone call and I could sense that she may have felt sorry for me. I feel sorry that she has to deal with it, but I feel more sorry that my son is going through it.

Makinroom4baby · September 2011

Justinlove:
I hope you listen to the advice Auntie has given. There is a LOT of teacher bashing going on in your thread on the other board and the lynch-mob mentatlity that is building is not going to help you or Jayden.

Perhaps you are much stronger than me, or not dealing with issues that are as stressful as what I'm dealing with, but I don't see anything wrong with me venting when I've had a stressful day like yesterday. Just please know that I have never been nasty with her and would never even think of being nasty or rude with someone that I have to leave my child with for nearly 7 hours a day 5 days a week.

Makinroom4baby · September 2011

Isalupup:
Butting back in. I know you didn't ask and I know nothing of your pregnancy, but if your kick counts dropped do you need to call the ob for a "non-stress" test or something of the sort? Sorry for the not asked for advice.

Thanks for your concern. I've been counting his movements and, although he's moving less, he's still moving enough to not warrant a Drs visit. He actually has hiccups right now

Justinlove · September 2011

Makinroom4baby:

Justinlove:
I hope you listen to the advice Auntie has given. There is a LOT of teacher bashing going on in your thread on the other board and the lynch-mob mentatlity that is building is not going to help you or Jayden.

Perhaps you are much stronger than me, or not dealing with issues that are as stressful as what I'm dealing with, but I don't see anything wrong with me venting when I've had a stressful day like yesterday. Just please know that I have never been nasty with her and would never even think of being nasty or rude with someone that I have to leave my child with for nearly 7 hours a day 5 days a week.

No one said it is wrong to vent. If you will reread my post, I simply suggested that you listen to Auntie's advice since much of the "advice" you were given on the other board was very negative in tone instead of objective as Auntie's was. I get that you are worried and upset and it is ok to vent, but when you are so emotional that you misinterpret what is being said (as you did with my response), it is hard to think objectively.

And please don't ever assume or insinuate that others are not dealing with stressful situations themselves. It is just insulting and hurtful and not what this board is about.

Makinroom4baby · September 2011

Justinlove:
Makinroom4baby:

Justinlove:
I hope you listen to the advice Auntie has given. There is a LOT of teacher bashing going on in your thread on the other board and the lynch-mob mentatlity that is building is not going to help you or Jayden.

Perhaps you are much stronger than me, or not dealing with issues that are as stressful as what I'm dealing with, but I don't see anything wrong with me venting when I've had a stressful day like yesterday. Just please know that I have never been nasty with her and would never even think of being nasty or rude with someone that I have to leave my child with for nearly 7 hours a day 5 days a week.

No one said it is wrong to vent. If you will reread my post, I simply suggested that you listen to Auntie's advice since much of the "advice" you were given on the other board was very negative in tone instead of objective as Auntie's was. I get that you are worried and upset and it is ok to vent, but when you are so emotional that you misinterpret what is being said (as you did with my response), it is hard to think objectively.

And please don't ever assume or insinuate that others are not dealing with stressful situations themselves. It is just insulting and hurtful and not what this board is about.

And THIS is why I hate posting about serious, and emotionally draining, issues on the internet. Obviously you misread my tone b/c my reply wasn't meant to be insulting and hurtful. And obviously, I read your tone wrong. No offense yet I apologize if I did offend you.

carlinlp · September 2011

Nia, my first thought was wondering if he was being exposed to gluten at school some how. We had this issue with DD this week. She's been coming home on yellow and with bad marks for an entire week when she didn't get 3 ALL of last year. She has been sensory off the charts, we're about to go out of our minds as a result. It's been a very, very rough week. We could not figure out what was up with her until a math project came home that included pretzels. Non gluten free pretzels. She didn't eat any that we know of but just being exposed to them for 4 days, putting her hands in her mouth, etc. really did a number on her. Her behavior has been horrible, she's been melting down, irrational, stomach aches, bowel issues, sensory off the charts to the point we put her back in OT. I'm glad we figured out what was causing it but I'm angry with the school for not being more diligent. I've had her react to such small amounts of gluten before and it's crazy. I would not underestimate the gluten he was exposed to in the play-doh. You may also want to check their cleaners and other art project supplies to see if there is any hidden in there as well.

I'm sorry you and your family are having a hard time and I hope things improve asap!

Makinroom4baby · September 2011

carlinlp:
Nia, my first thought was wondering if he was being exposed to gluten at school some how. We had this issue with DD this week. She's been coming home on yellow and with bad marks for an entire week when she didn't get 3 ALL of last year. She has been sensory off the charts, we're about to go out of our minds as a result. It's been a very, very rough week. We could not figure out what was up with her until a math project came home that included pretzels. Non gluten free pretzels. She didn't eat any that we know of but just being exposed to them for 4 days, putting her hands in her mouth, etc. really did a number on her. Her behavior has been horrible, she's been melting down, irrational, stomach aches, bowel issues, sensory off the charts to the point we put her back in OT. I'm glad we figured out what was causing it but I'm angry with the school for not being more diligent. I've had her react to such small amounts of gluten before and it's crazy. I would not underestimate the gluten he was exposed to in the play-doh. You may also want to check their cleaners and other art project supplies to see if there is any hidden in there as well.
I'm sorry you and your family are having a hard time and I hope things improve asap!

Thank you so much Lyndsay. I saw your FB posts and was planning to send you a message but didn't want to pry. I do have a feeling that the play doh is a possible culprit b/c his high pitched screaming (which the teacher has described in detail on several occasions) only presents itself when he's ingested gluten. And to see him yesterday so overstimulated and unable to focus made me really think hard about that. And I can tell he needs to get back in to OT and since this all happened so suddenly, I don't totally believe it's b/c his introductory period is over and now he's testing the waters. It literally happened overnight with him and even his teacher will attest to that. I'm nixing the use of play doh for him and sending him with moon sand and will try my luck at the homemade GF playdoh this weekend. I'm also going to ask about the cleaning supplies. She did assure me that he's watched like a hawk during lunch and snack time.

Makinroom4baby · September 2011

I will be the very first one to admit that I am extremely emotional and hormonal right now and I truly feel like I need a mood stabilizer b/c I let even small things ruin my entire day! So you can only imagine what the constant phone calls were doing (and have done) to my mood. And when her tone changed and she started suggesting other placement options for him so soon after the behaviors presented themselves, I just didn't know what was going wrong. It had seriously left me feeling depressed. I am actually so glad I went to observe the classroom on Friday b/c otherwise I would have been feeling like crap this entire weekend. Just by observing for that 1 hour, I saw several things that definitely can help Jayden if changed.

And I agree, if she needs to contact me so often about his behavior, I'd prefer emails. She already sends home conference forms stating exactly what we discuss on the phone and I sign it and keep the main copy and she gets the carbon copy for his records. So if she could nix the calls and just send the forms and maybe just call me at the end of the week to sum things up, perhaps that would help. I know we need to communicate with each other in order to help him, and don't get me wrong I appreciate the communication, but when everyday the phone call is pretty much the same thing that Jayden is not behaving at all, at what point do we stop the calls and have a meeting? It wasn't until I requested an IEP meeting that it was put into consideration. I'm not sure if that's protocol and perhaps the teachers cannot request an IEP meeting?? IDK, but it should be happening sometime in October. Until then, I'm sending him with some extra stuff on tomorrow to help him to cope and we've started to detox him this weekend for the gluten exposure.

CrazeyJaneyR · September 2011

I have nothing to add, I just want to say what a beautiful smile your son has. So handsome

Makinroom4baby · September 2011

CrazeyJaneyR:
I have nothing to add, I just want to say what a beautiful smile your son has. So handsome

Thank you! It lights up my life

LifeIsAPuzzle · September 2011

I know no one knows me on this board, as mainly I lurk/post on The Knot and lurk here and on the Blended Family board. My fiance and I will be married in the next month and I will then "officially" be the step-mother to a young child with autism.

Incidentally, I taught special education for several years before accepting an offer to advance my degree. My specialty areas are autism and behavior. I thought I'd give you SOME background so you'd realize I'm not pulling this out of nowhere!

I recommend, prior to the IEP, that you request a functional behavior assessment - a FULL functional behavior assessment and a corresponding behavior intervention plan. All behavior occurs for a reason other than "he wants to make my life miserable". Functions include sensory, attention, escape, and access to a tangible. Behavior intervention plans should match function. For example, if a little guy is throwing a tantrum to get attention you teach him to ask for attention then ignore the tantrum. This way, he is reinforced for appropriate behaviors rather than inappropriate behaviors. Further, a functional behavior assessment should include the academics he is lacking and these should be taken into consideration! The fact that he was being reprimanded during centers for being the 4th child was a red flag considering he doesn't count yet. A behavior specialist in your area should be able to do this type of assessment, as should local university staff in the special education department if they are willing. Avoid accepting an assessment and intervention that are simply "forms" or "checklists"!

The behavior assessment needs to be such that anyone could pick it up and see the big picture with specific details related to Jayden. The intervention should be individualized, specific to him and his setting, and based on function. It should also have enough detail that anyone could read it and put the intervention into place. Finally... make sure they collect data related to his behavior! This will be your ammo for fighting a change in placement to a more restrictive environment! Make it an IEP goal that his behavior improve. Make it required that the teacher do the intervention as written, every day, and have a superior pop in and complete an intervention checklist for fidelity.

I apologize if this is too much. I just HATE that when children have behavior problems, teachers don't react. Most don't know how. But they have the resources to get help and this is one way they can receive the help Jayden needs.

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