[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

[Krista]

I was wondering if someone could recommend an elementary school in Cloverdale? My son will soon be starting kindergarten and we are looking for a great school that will be supportive of our ABA program. All thoughts and comments are very much appreciated. Thank you.

Please email me at khanson1@shaw.ca

[Nicole Kaler]

Stacey,
I did not hold my daughter back and she was also very behind her peers in Kindergarten. Our logic was that that extra year would be more valuable to her in high school when activities are going to be harder to locate in our community. I also knew that it would be another year that she would be with her siblings in school in the future (they are younger). She had of course attended preschool and was as ready as she would be for K.

I think that it is a matter of figuring our your reasons for wanting to keep her back and its implications long term and short term for your family. Although consultants are important the decision impacts you and your family so I encourage you to get a much advice from those of us who have made that decision as you can.

Good Luck.

[Peter Wong]

Stacey,

I will suggest you to ask your consultant.

Personally, I wish we did more therapy hours when my boy was young. It was not an option for us. My wife had to work for her parents (they don’t want to spend money to hire people) about 6 hours per day, 6 days per week, so my boy spent a lot of time in the day care wondering around.

Just my 2 cents.

Peter

[Stacey Parson]

Oops, please respond to my last posting at jsparson(at)telus.net. Thank you!

[Stacey Parson]

My son is almost 3.5 with "classic" autism. He only started repeating words and labelling everyday objects last week and is extremely behind his peers at preschool. This has me thinking that I might want to hold him back from starting Kindergarten (he's not scheduled to start until September 2011). I'm wondering if any parents have similar experiences and what you think I should do?? His birthday is November 28 and he is, like I said, extremely behind. He would be starting school at 4 years old if I didn't hold him back. Yet, James has been in ABA therapy since January and is making great progress. If I were to hold him back, is it better to repeat 3 year old or 4 year old classes? He attends Wind and Tide twice a week with about 20 hours of therapy a week. I am totally conflicted and confused! Any ideas??

[L Suk]

Hi All,
Are there any parents out there who have their children in Secondary school in Surrey school district? We are planning to move, and considering which catchment area would be the best for my son. As he is non-verbal and very much delayed, we are looking for a secondary school where there are more trained staffs. And are there parents who have any (positive/negative) experience with North Surrey Secondary Schoool in Fleetwood area or Any Secondary School in Fraser Hights area to share with me?
As you can see, we are definately staying in Surrey BUT have NO idea which area to move. Everything will depend on where the school is located. So any of your feedbacks would be appreciated.
email) Haekyungsuk@yahoo.co.kr
Thank you ALL!
Lucia

[Peter Wong]

Richmond cut 15 educational assistants, 18 learning resource teachers, 11 custodians and eight teacher librarians.

I always feel pretty sad for the families in Richmond. I don’t think Richmond likes ABA very much (just personal opinion, of course, I might be wrong).

Two families I knew moved out Richmond when their kids were diagnosed about 4-5 years ago and I think those were very smart decisions.

Best Wishes.

http://www.news1130.com/news/local/article/46061–richmond-school-board-cut-94-jobs

RICHMOND (NEWS1130) – Another school district and another huge budget shortfall. As expected, the Richmond School Board has cut 94 positions because of a lack of provincial funding.
The positions being dropped include 15 educational assistants, 18 learning resource teachers, 11 custodians and eight teacher librarians.
Two-thirds of the laid off staff may be re-hired. They are also considering a two week spring break instead of one.

[Luke’s mama]

Hi Tony
That's easy to answer…why must disabled kids suffer and be first in line to ax their education??Because disabled kids are non existent. Look what happened to James Delorey from Nova Scotia going into the woods freezing without warm clothes and dies days later. It doesn't have to be this way.

It is sad that we put up vigils and light candles and grieve over the lost kids like James but do nothing about the ones that are still here and could be the next James Delorey.

Disgusting and ridiculous

[Super Dad]

Here is another news article on school budget issues:

http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/columnists/story.html?id=531796a7-fdf3-46b4-91cc-691e47c02053

What I don't understand is why the school boards will not plan to have all students suffer to the same degree. Why must disabled students be first in line to lose their education?

[walkerc]

Sorry forgot to put contact info in my below post
charsupermom@hotmail.com

Hello does any one know of an agency or person who advocates for special needs children in schools. My high functioning autistic son is being bullied at school. As well the staff just do not understand his disability (high functioning autism). School is becoming a place where he no longer feels safe. We are located in Langley.

Thanks in advance
we are at our wits end.
Char

[Author]

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