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How to respond to people who don't understand homeschooling special needs children?

admin — Fri, 22 May 2009 04:58:06 +0000

I am homeschooling my son who has PDD. We are relaxed about our homeschooling. It is not like i can say that we do this subject at this time and this subject at that time. I can say that i have homeschooled my older daughter- who has developmental issues, since we pulled her from school after first grade- she is now 17 and she has made amazing progress. Other people have noticed it as well.
Now with my younger son, somehow i am getting questions and comments from people that are along the lines of, what do I plan on DOING with him- how long is he going to stay home doing 'nothing' when he can be in a special school where there are special ed teachers who can help him, and blah blah blah.
What do I say to this? How do I even begin talking to these totally ignorant people about the subject of homeschooling children with Special Needs?
In additon to having some tips on what to say, i'd appreciate being pointed to some good articles on the advantages of hsing special needs children
The last person who did this was someone whom my husband and i approached to ask him to tutor our son in a subject that we felt we weren't able to teach our son ourselves. He ended up calling and telling me that our son needs a lot more than JUST his tutoring, and basically gave me the old 'it's not good for him to just be home…' routine.
Well, as you all might have predicted, the tutor did not work out. We're on the lookout for another tutor now. I wish there was some way to 'smell' whether a potential tutor is going to 'give me the business' about homeschooling before he/she gets hired, but my feeling is it's often they just smile and nod their head at the initial interview because they want to get hired, and when they get the job they feel more free to tell you their two cents because they're already involved with your child and feel that it's now their business.
I extended the question so i can hear more good thoughts on the subject. I hope to come back to 'pick best answer' but if i dont make it back online on time, let me just say 'thank you all'

I'm sorry you have to face this. There are some people in this world who seem to think they have all the answers, even when they don't know the situation. Aargh!

If you feel you need to answer their "concerns", just say something like, "We've made a decision based on what is best for our family", then change the subject. If they persist, tell them firmly that you really don't want to discuss it any further – it is your decision and it was not made lightly. If they can't accept this, maybe it's time to cut them out of your life and find friends who are more supportive of your decision (and your child's needs).

Can a child in special needs get kicked out of tutoring for behavior?

admin — Tue, 19 May 2009 15:08:10 +0000

My son was recently excused from tutoring saying he is a distraction to the other students while tutoring. I don't think they can do this. He is in Special Needs and I think they should take other measures to help him since he's failing the subject he's tutoring in. Anyone who knows anything about this please let me know.

You really need to refer to his IEP first. See what modifications are in there already… Does he have a 1:1 aide? Does he have a behavior plan that should already be implemented? IF, for example, the current teachers/instructors are not responding to his behavior as designated by his IEP, then you should make sure they are following that. SO, I would review his IEP and collaborate with the school/teachers as to what is going on.

Secondly, they can do that if he is a disruption to others who are trying to learn. See it from the others' view (or the other parents).

BUT, in saying that, it shouldn't be a long-term solution. He should be in an environment that suits both his and other students needs. So, ultimately, if it is appropriate for him to be tutored 1:1 without Other students present, then implement that as best practice. If it benefits him to be with others, then collaborate with the team and agree (with help from a behavior specialist) about an appropriate intervention or behavior plan that addresses the situation.

In general, be pro-active, know your son's IEP, and collaborate with your son's child study team (work together, not against).

What certificates are needed to work with special needs students?

admin — Sat, 16 May 2009 21:21:07 +0000

i am looking 4 these certificates for a school project and for the project is to create our own business. And this is for a Special Needs students in a daycare setting

it depends on the state…each state has different licensing procedures for teachers, daycare workers etc…most states do not require day care workers to be specifically trained in special education theory and practice, which leads to a lot of problems…most states require anyone who works w/SPED students to have a special education certificate or a certain # of course hours…check the state ed web site for the specifics…

how do i get a sponsor for a van for children with special needs?

admin — Thu, 14 May 2009 05:01:17 +0000

i am a multilink carer who looks after six children with Special Needs, only one at a time giving there parents a much needed break.I need a special adapted van or bus to be able to transport the children, on outings and trips. They are all in wheelchairs and are not able to be transported by car.I would be really greatfull if i could get someone to sponsor us as these vans or buses are too dear for us to buy but we are in urgent need of one.But do not have the funds needed to buy one.

Hi,
Im not sure if I can help directly, unless you are in Hertfordshire.
I belong to the Masonic movement, and last year we bought a new adapted mini-bus for such folks as yourself, and for local kids. No publicity, just here are the keys.
If you let me know which county you reside, I could put you in touch with a local representative.
We lads are not what many mistakenly think, and go a long way to providing such items, when possible. The whole thing is a nice charitable arrangement, world-wide.
A van / minibus with electric lift on the back etc., should not be a huge issue.
Hope that we can help in some way
Bob, the stand-in Charity Steward.

What purpose do special needs people have on this earth?

admin — Mon, 11 May 2009 14:44:06 +0000

FIRST! Please do not take this question the wrong way. I couldn't really find a good way to word it. I really enjoy working with people who have special needs and believe that they were put on this earth for VERY important reasons. I am writing a paper and need some ideas to start with. In your opinion why were people with special needs put on this earth and what kind of an impact can they leave on the rest of us?

I have worked with Special Needs people since 1992. They show us the humanity of man. To be appreciate the simple things in life. Love Joy and Laughter. They all have something to teach us if we are willing to listen. We in turn learn something about our-self. Some of my most best experiences have been in that setting.

What do you take in college/university to become a special needs teacher?

admin — Mon, 11 May 2009 04:30:14 +0000

In general, I know you need a B.ED, but what do you take to specialize in education for Special Needs students? Do you specialize your masters towards that, or are there special programs you can take at some universities that offer courses in special needs education? If so, do you know which colleges and universities offer courses in this?

Some schools offer an undergrad major in special ed and/or and elementary ed degree with certification in special ed. It is also widely available as a Master's degree program. Look at the websites of schools that interest you and see how their program works. This may vary from state to state as to specific requirements.

See the website below for one example.

How do I become a special needs teacher?

admin — Fri, 08 May 2009 05:38:07 +0000

I think that I would like to be a Special Needs teacher. What qualifications would I need? Would I be able to get into the special needs sector with a PGCE or is there a different type of qualification that i would need?

PGCE is fine you can then apply for jobs in a Special School where you will have CPD in Special Education