Child That Has Been Referred for Special Education

Updated on May 31, 2008
S.C. asks from Pittsburg, CA
4 answers

My son has just been referred for special education by the IEP team at his school. I have written about him before. He is 6-years old and does not think before he acts. He needs better control of his impulses when it comes to retaliating. I am in the process of finding another child psychologist/psychiatrist for him because I believe this is something he will grow out of. In the meantime, the school has said that his being suspended and removed from class will eventually effect his learning. They tested his academics, and each section resulted in high average or below average, so he does not have a learning disability. They have classified him as "seriously emotionally disturbed". One of the possibilities is placement in a school called Sunrise in Concord, CA. Have any of you ever heard of that school? If so, I would appreciate some feedback on it.

My husband was so upset at the meeting. I told him not to be that discouraged because we both know that our son is not emotionally disturbed. We just need to keep working with him, and maturity will also help. I beleive that they had to categorize him in order to get him the special education he needs. A smaller classroom setting may benefit him. Should I be concerned with the label at this point?

1 mom found this helpful

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

We have visited the school a couple of times, during class and during down time. We have also met with the County to complete the process of sending our son there. The principal is farely new but she seems enthusiastic, and has great interaction with the kids. One little boy started playing football with her while we were there, and that is something that is not practiced. He must played catch with her before because he felt very comfortable in the fact that she would play with him.

My husband and I have very good access to the school, and we both normally just pop up on him at school to check on him, so we will continue to do so. We are going to give the school a try and see if it helps. They also have a child psychologist on site who will work with him weekly on his temper issues. The great thing about it is he will still be able to go to his afterschool care provider because they will bus him there after school, and his school happens to be very close to my 1 year olds daycare, and his pre-school that I will eventually be enrolling him in.

Thanks for all of the advice provided. It is very much appreciate. We will continue to pray, and please pray for us. Thanks again.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.P.

answers from San Francisco on

I am a Special Education Assistant Substitute for the Mt Diablo School District. I go to the schools that have vacancy's, and help those students that need help. I haven't been to Sunrise yet, but from what I've seen the students that need help get just that. He won't be singled out in the classroom, at the beginning of the year he might need more help individually, but if you get a good SEA (special ed assistant) by the end of the year he shouldn't need them as much. Make sure you speak with the teacher and the SEA and voice your concerns and keep good communication with them. Since I go to different schools, I have worked with all sorts of students, sometimes I am just in a classroom and there are a few students who might need a little more attention that I am just available for and then there are the ones who are in a wheel chair that I just help that student through out the day. I will ask around and find out about Sunrise and see what I can find out.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

G.K.

answers from San Francisco on

S.,

Good Books:

Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinks
Raising the Difficult Child by ? (written years ago, title may differ, by a physician or his wife whose child was unlike the first children)

The regular classroom teacher finds it difficult to set up the individual goals, behavior contracts, and conferences needed to support children with disabilities. At your son's age, many of the learning problems are undiagnosed which makes it even harder for the teacher. She has to consider the SAFETY of the other students first and foremost. The other children, although perhaps not having severe problems, will still have the garden variety of "problems" that keep a primary teacher challenged. I think your son and family are blessed you had the resources to find and tackle his specific problem. Be grateful!! Your son will have MORE targeted support, and you, MOM and DAD will ALSO!!

I suggest you visit Sunrise for a scheduled visitation/observation before the school year ends.

Best to you and your entire family,
G.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.M.

answers from San Francisco on

I am very curious to find out what you learn about Sunrise school. My nephew was just recommended to be transferred there, and my sister has heard nothing but grim news about them. She's doing more research and I will post to you again if she turns up anything interesting. Good luck!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.C.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi S.,

I don't have a child at Sunrise, but one of my sons attends Shadelands, which is right next to Sunrise and shares a principal. (My son has autism). I have heard good things about the place. I know they have very small class sizes. I would get the second opinion just so you know for yourself, but I must say the district will be paying MORE money to educate your child in Sunrise or a similar program, so they probably really feel he needs this setting and that he is SED. I have found the district very cooperative in getting the services my children needs. I had to push a little to get speech and social skills groups for my other son, but they didn't resist too much. I hope you're right and he grows out of this.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions