Before our fall break we had an IEP meeting with Robin's current school (the alternative school). We decided to meet with the local high school and see about switching him to their self-contained SIED program, with the goal to eventually mainstream him. We had that meeting yesterday and boy, was I blindsided. The team at the high school said they don't feel he's capable of succeeding at their school right now. They suggested he go to a school in the next district that is a licensed day center/school. Basically it's a self-contained school with therapists on staff. They focus mainly on therapy and credit reclamation (which he doesn't need at this point). I've looked into this school in the past but I told them at the meeting that I didn't come into the meeting thinking he'd be sent there. We have another meeting next Tuesday with that school's principle. If we decide to send him there it'll take about a week to get that set up with registration and transportation. I have very mixed feelings. I'm sure the program will help him and maybe teach him the skills he needs to handle regular school. On the flip side the protective mommy bear in me is scared ****less! They suggested I try to take a tour of the school with Robin before the meeting next week. The parent advocate also told me to call him so we can talk before the meeting. He's been awesome. The principle of the alternative school has been awesome, too. He's done everything in his power to help Robin and would love for Robin to stay where he is, continuing to make accommodations as they can. The problem with that is it's a small, new school that doesn't have the resources other schools do. Robin's the only kid with an SIED IEP at his current school. *sigh* I guess we'll see.

By Bobbie~moderatr on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 - 01:10 pm:

(((HUGS))) Cat.. Keep us posted.

By Tarable on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 - 02:46 pm:

My thoughts are with you.

By Crystal915 on Thursday, October 23, 2008 - 01:31 am:

(((HUGS))) Let us know how it goes. Good luck!!

By Kaye on Thursday, October 23, 2008 - 08:39 am:

wow...i just can't imagine.

what I hate about special ed...they are so informed and there are just so many people there, you really get bullied. Great job for standing up and saying wait, I am not ready for this. That is so hard to do.

By Cat on Friday, October 24, 2008 - 03:40 pm:

We visited the day treatment center/school this morning. We actually know another student there. He is the younger brother of a friend of Robin's and was in Randy's class until a few weeks ago when he punched a teacher in the face. This is *J*'s second go around at this center/school. He spent most of 7th grade there, too. *J* is a lot like Robin. His mom and I bounce things off each other every so often. I'll have to give her a call. I think Robin's excited about this new school. I also think that all he saw today during the tour was the good stuff--the point/reward system, the cool things painted on the walls, etc. I saw all that too--along with the isolation rooms, the kid in an isolation room trying to get out by banging incessantly against the door, the chairs in the main office that were strapped to the tables so kids can't throw them, etc. We'll see how long the honeymoon period lasts. We still haven't officially placed him there, but I do think this is the best option. I'll know more after our meeting Tuesday.

Thanx for all the hugs.