So, say we can't work out a spot for Johnny and I choose to just look into other programs for him. We have a large variety of private, Catholic, Christian, and certified Montessori schools in our area/surrounding areas.

What are our options and what responsibility will the school district have regarding that? Paying for therapy? Paying for an aide? Paying tuition? If we go every painful route of TRYING to work with the public school system to get him into a pre-school that is best for him (LRE) and it's not working out to come to an agreement where can I send him? I really don't want his education to be delayed with their stall tactics. He's already past his 3rd b-day and there is not even an IEP yet.


Johnny's Journal: http://www.caringbridge.org/oh/johncamden/index.htm

so sorry you are having so many problems. I know when I was thinking of putting Abigail in Head Start they said the school system would suply the theripies that she needeed. I would have to pay for the tuition. They charge on a slidding scale for income. I was just over the line,but since Abigail had Ds I may not pay anything.She has to be potty trained so maybe next year. I think that the school system suplies theripeis. but the parent would be responsible for the tuition. I am sure someone else knows more then me.

Carol mom to Adam 6/17/96, Emily 8/7/98 & Abigail 8/16/04

if you choose a private preschool within the district limits, then they are required to provide the needed therapies. However, you are responsible for paying any tuition. BUT, I do think a fight could occur to somehow get it covered by someone, I just didn't need to look that far as he is currently in public. I am sure someone out there could help ya!

Also wanted to touch base a bit about the one-on-one. I just read Vicki's response to you relating to the worry of dependency. I can absolutely see that as something that could happen with Marco. He is a bugger and would wrap anyone around his finger if he knew he could. I am fortunate in that I FOUND his one-on-one and she is very clear about my expectations for Marco. In fact, she is probably at times a bit more stern than even I am. You know how it is when you have other children, you might give in earlier than you should. I was at his school just this past Wednesday and am soooooooo pleased with what I saw. My hopes for Marco this year were that he learn to receive and respond to direction and that he learn and adhere to routine. Let me tell you...those things have already occurred only 2 and one half months into the deal! He is doing awesome and I've no reason to doubt Johnny will do the same! I do hope to begin weaning him from the one-on-one, but not until next year. I really feel that it is important that Jess stays in place through this year as Marco is not a fully participating member of the classroom and needs someone shadowing (which is exactly what she does) him in order to continue helping him learn and undersatnd the dynamics of a classroom.

I wouldn't be too concerned in the fact that he hasn't started yet and in fact I would kind of encourage you to hold off until after Christmas break. As a teacher I know that this time of the year is so exhausting and challenging in so many ways with the holidays right around the corner. Plus, you want to keep in mind that Johnny would just get started and then have an extended break. Not knowing how he might adjust to school, this could be detrimental. Of course, it may not be, but is that a rsik you want to take? Marco technically didn't start school until he was 3 years, 3 months which is what Johnny would be in January right?? Just a few thoughts! You can ignore them if you want

Thanks so much Sharon! That is VERY helpful. I don't know who to ask about our local rules or anything. I tried calling the OCDEC, or whatever their abbreviations are, and have left TWO messages and not gotten anyone to call me back. A third time I got a librarian who kindly gave me the second phone numberI called and she also overnighted me a packet of books and brochures that I need to find time to sift through.

Hopefully after the Thanksgiving weekend someone will call me back. If not, the 'ol Renee Squeak will have to bust out.

In the meantime, I looked up a couple of programs that I'd like to go visit at least. At this point, with all his extra bills and no help to pay for his stuff we can't pay for school tuition. We'd also like to move to a bigger house and that isn't happening any time soon, so maybe we're just meant to take care of Johnny's health issues while we continue live in a 2 bedroom house and send our kids to public school.?


Johnny's Journal: http://www.caringbridge.org/oh/johncamden/index.htm

I agree with Sharon. If you wait until after Christmas break then he will not have to get use to school all over again. There are only a few weeks left. Next week I know Abigail has A half day because of teacher conference. I almost feel like not sending her at all. But if yoy wait I don't think it will be that big of a deal. If he goes after Christmas then the place will be more relaxed. Did they give you another day for a meeting?

Carol mom to Adam 6/17/96, Emily 8/7/98 & Abigail 8/16/04