[FEAT BC Admin]

In this discussion area, please feel free to share your experience in implementing A.B.A. programs in the school system. We would particularly like to hear from those parents who converted their school teams to A.B.A. We’d like to hear the nightmares as well as the success stories.

Any insight that can be shared by school-based special education assistants to help parents would also be very meaningful.

Topic

[Deleted User]

Dear Peggy,
CUPE bargaining is now done on a provincial basis so it doesn't matter how "strict" they are…. I am a member of the union and in a very "strict" district. I presented a dr's letter to my son's school and HR and his job posting has been changed to suit the requirements. If there is no one who meets the requirements, the posting will be held externally. Hiring will be done at the end of August so only time will tell if it works! But the school district has to follow the requirements. I can tell you that often CUPE is used as an excuse as to hiring practices. I didn't realize how postings are set until I asked why deaf students get a trained ASL SEA and how could I do the same thing for my son. It was CUPE who told me!

[Peggy Boon]

Dear Anonymous: Thanks for that little tip about presenting the district with a Dr's note – that will hopefully be a loophole many of us have been looking for! Would you (or any other members who have done this) be able to share which district(s)this has been successful in? My understanding is that CUPE's degree of flexibility varies significantly from district to district and I can assure you they are fairly rigid out in Delta. I can be emailed at: ourhouse@direct.ca

Thanks.

[Deleted User]

If you wish to have a SEA for your child that has certain qualifications you need to get a letter from your doctor stating the need, qualifications and why. Present a copy to the school and to the human resources director. Under the CUPE collective agreement variances from standard hiring practices must be accommodated by such a letter.

[Cory McLaughlin]

This message is for any parents who have
children in the Surrey School District (#36).

We are tired of fighting as individuals to get an
ABA-Lovaas qualified/trained/experienced SEA
for our son. Our goal is to ensure that families
who wish to have ABA-Lovaas qualified SEAs
are able to do so without being blocked by
CUPE, management, etc. If you are interested
in putting pressure on the district collectively
then call (604-576-0420) or email us
(gmclaug@netr
over.com).

Cory and Gary McLaughlin
Liam's parents

[Carol Ramey]

Does anyone have EA job
postings/descriptions from BC school districts
with ABA job requirements?

Since my last post, our school district has
agreed to post my son's EA position as an
ABA position. We want to be very clear and
what does (and does not) constitute an ABA
qualified EA. We have recieved great
information from our consultant and other
sources, but would be helped by precidents
from other school districts.

If your school district hired an ABA EA or
required ABA experience for your child's EA,
could you please send me the qualifications
they required? A copy of the job posting would
be best. CUPE and non-CUPE postings are
fine.

Many Thanks
Carol
(cramey@shaw.ca)

P.S. I also want to say thank you to everyone
who replied to my previous posting about
school. I'm sorry if I didn't reply – I'm sure you
understand how busy life can be. C.

[Deleted User]

Homeschooling.

Parents should realize that provincial funding for homeschooling a child adds up to very little per year. A few thousand at most. School Districts may receive considerable amounts of funds per year ($15000 +)for enrolled children with a diagnosis of Autism. Parents may be able to persuade School Districts to utilize this additional funding to support a childs treatment program as it gradually transits to school. This type of cooperation usually requires extraordinary amounts of effort on the part of parents to educate district administrators and advocate for their child ahead of school time. This additional funding is not there for homeschooled children to my knowledge.

[Deleted User]

Hi Barbara, please email me at alexbarclay@shaw.ca with your address so I can pass on some info off the board.

Alex Barclay
Powell River BC

[Deleted User]

In regards to Barbara's post about Giant Steps, I believe that the intial school district was only Surrey, then Coquitlam got on board as well. Canada.com might have the story archived for Global.

[Barbara Rodrigues]

Hello everyone:

We really need some help here. I need to know what districts are giving funds to Giant Steps school. I believe it's Richmond, Coquitlam, Vancouver but if someone could post it to me or over the chat that would be great. I know Global news did a story on a few months back so it's public info somewhere. Also is anyone receiving the schools support funds to pay for ABA – in home with the ultimate goal for transistioning to the school???? We don't need your name just the district.

Also does anyone know if the school districts have indeed been given more leeway with how they distribute funds??? ie: if a child is not ready to be integrated and needs further teaching in-home?

Thanks for any and all help in advance.

Barbara
Jeremy's Mom

[Peggy Boon]

Hello all: Having a little trouble with the educational powers that be – nice for it to be happening in the last month of school.
– Is it a parent's right to be on the school grounds at any time provided they give sufficient notice? I am wanting to be on the playground daily to 'observe' the aide and the lunchtime socialization program that is part of the IEP.
– If a parent so chooses, could they send in a person of their choice to be with their child at lunchtime (on the school grounds)despite the fact there is a useless SEA assigned?
– I get a sense there are families in other school districts that are able to get ABA therapists (non unionized/non SEA trained)into public schools to do the aide job…for those of you who are able to do this could you please explain HOW?? Thanks for your anticipated responses. E-mail me privately if you wish: ourhouse@direct.ca

[Author]

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