I have a CSE meeting tomorrow and I am trying to get the district to pay for a private school and so far they have denied me but we are still talking and we have another meeting tomorrow. I have heard they want to offer to pay for tutoring 1 hour a week (something they always told me I had to pay for, which I did for a year and a half) and that he had last year and barely made it. I believe with all my heart that this private school is for him and I have all the testing to show that he is dyslexic and CAPD. The question is “If they offer nothing (which I am sure will be the case) do I have the right to ask for tutors to come into the home? I plan on going to a hearing. So, I was wondering if I had the right to tell them that while we are waiting for this conflict to be resolved, my son will be home, so he will need to have tutors coming to the house. I have been told I have every right to that, does anybody know anything about that? My son has not started school yet ( I have a lawyer who is working on this) and something needs to get started this week. My problem is the lawyer works for the district and I am starting to feel that she just wants to get this over and done with and wants me to take what they offer (which in my opinion isn’t enough). If anyone has any input about this, please get back to me. Thank You Liz
Re: Urgent question!!!
You can always ask for some kind of continuance. If you are uncomfortable with whom is representing your child (???), then you need to really consider what is going on.
I strongly suggest you have someone else go with you to the meeting and bring a tape recorder, extra tapes, batteries, extension cord and any othe means by which to tape the meeting.
If anyone balks, let them know it is too much and too confusing for you and you wish to review what is being said after the fact. Also, it is your right to be able to tape the meeting. Technically, they should get 24 hour notice. Ask them if they wish to reschedule due to your last minute request (another stalling tactic). Also, if they say no, then give them the option to tape the meeting too. They are a school district, odds are tape recorders are readily available. If they opt to tape and you do not, then they cannot tape, only when you break out the recorder. Don’t worry about them and their tape, bring someone who you trust, NOT THE LAWYER TO HANDLE THIS TASK.
What ever you do, make certain they are also taking notes and you are provided a document to sign at the end. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH WHAT IS BEING OFFERED D O N O T S I G N THE DOCUMENT!!!
Re: Urgent question!!!
You can always ask for some kind of continuance. If you are uncomfortable with whom is representing your child (???), then you need to really consider what is going on.
I strongly suggest you have someone else go with you to the meeting and bring a tape recorder, extra tapes, batteries, extension cord and any othe means by which to tape the meeting.
If anyone balks, let them know it is too much and too confusing for you and you wish to review what is being said after the fact. Also, it is your right to be able to tape the meeting. Technically, they should get 24 hour notice. Ask them if they wish to reschedule due to your last minute request (another stalling tactic). Also, if they say no, then give them the option to tape the meeting too. They are a school district, odds are tape recorders are readily available. If they opt to tape and you do not, then they cannot tape, only when you break out the recorder. Don’t worry about them and their tape, bring someone who you trust, NOT THE LAWYER TO HANDLE THIS TASK.
What ever you do, make certain they are also taking notes and you are provided a document to sign at the end. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH WHAT IS BEING OFFERED D O N O T S I G N THE DOCUMENT!!!
It is so very critical that you understand they will try to convince you so sign, and then “if you change your mind” you can recind. Again, DO NOT SIGN, if you do not agree with what is put in front of you.
If you are feeling pressured by the attorney, be clear and direct and ask why the pressure? What about your input as a parent? Do not get pressured into going against your parental instincts. Tell them you feel sick. Tell them you need to reschedule. Do what ever you need to do to not succumb to the bullying and pressure tactics that will try to make you feel inadequate or not know as much as “them”.
IF you do not agree, you need to tell them. Ask what are your rights from this point. Ask what is the next step. Ask who is supposed to explain your rights to you if you dispute what they are or are not offering. Ask the attorney who she/he really is working for…
Be unemotional (very difficult). Be specific (hard to stay focused). Keep the origional goal in context. Remember it is regarding your child, not fighting a system; it won’t feel that way. Bring a picture of your child to lay on the table to keep your focus. Bring note pad and pens. Bring friends and family. Pray. Maintain your focus. Take breaks if necessary. Don’t let yourself get bullied. The harder the pitch, the poorer the product.
I could go on and on, but must go to work. Sorry :(
DO NOT SIGN ANY DOCUMENT IF YOU DISAGREE!!!!
Best of luck and keep your wits about you.
Andy
Re: Urgent question!!!
You can also look through the entries of Mary MN on this site. In several of them, Mary refers you to chapter and verse of the Sped rules and where to access them on the net.
Carol
she is in their pocket...
and she is on their side and not for your son. If the tutor is good she may be able to make a dent but I would ask for 3-4 hours a day 5 days a week. Once a week is NOTHING…It will not help him with his CAPD. Also request a Speech and Language Pathologist who has training in remediating kids with CAPD, as in Lindamood-Phonemic Sequencing Program,or perhaps an audiologist who specializes in CAPD therapy. You can also request an assistive listening device, books on tape etc…. You can request to increase his Speech and Language services but with QUALIFIED personnel not just a warm body.
My advocate advised us to ask for the moon but be willing to make compromises on what we felt was fair and that is what we did. Andy is right on the money…listen to him. You are in the driver’s seat, don’t settle for crumbs just to make the lawyer’s life easier, but as I said before, They play hardball and they play to win.
Didn’t you read what was said about the district lawyer? Scroll down and read it again. I would say she probly is trying to ‘get it over with’. I am not able to advise you on the meeting, but look at what Andy and the others said earlier. I wish you the best.