Another Mom Tells Me She Saw the Teacher Single Out My Child For ...

I don't have experience with special education, but I do know that teachers shouldn't talk down to students let alone single them out. I am a mom who never put up with that sort of treatment without a justifiable reason. With that said, rest assured, if my opinion means anything, your concerns are valid and warranted.

However, because the information was second hand, the teacher is leaving the program, and you only have a few weeks left before your son starts a new program, I'd just ride it out. The fact that the teacher is leaving is probably a sign that either the school, the teacher herself, or both have concluded that she's not a good fit and is better off in a new setting. So that can be a good thing. Because if the school would support someone like that, that's almost worse than dealing with one bad apple in the cart...then you'd be dealing with a bad batch of apples.

From here on out, I'd look at this as a learning experience. Perhaps put together a check list of assessments or requirements you need met for you to feel your son is getting the education he needs, rather than relying solely on the opinion or recommendation of others about a program. I think awards or rave reviews only go so far where schools and programs are concerned. I'm a firm believer that "mother's intuition" trumps everything when it comes to making major decisions. I say meet the teachers he'd be with and have a casual coffee clutch with them.

Once school starts, do regular unplanned pop-ins, and schedule regular visits or make phone calls to check on his progress, all the while checking on the staff. This at the very least will put them on notice that you are involved in your son's well-being. If they have a tendency to slip you'll be sure to catch it, and at the very least they'll work harder at trying to meet you and your son's needs.

Last but not least, keep tabs with your son. If you sense he's not happy, or he says he doesn't like someone or something about school, be his biggest advocate and take action, even if it's quiet observation or actively filing a complaint after getting hard facts of your own.

Your children will face lousy teachers and other adults/children who make their world's feel sad. Talk to them about their experience instead of assuming they are unhappy.

Every adult a child meets is an opportunity to learn about other people. Even YOU are teaching your children how they do and don't want to behave in their own lives M. (no one is perfect).

Thankfully this teacher is leaving... however, as the future comes, be prepared to confront your children's teachers in the presence of an administrator to check their behavior. Then, empower your children to think for themselves by checking in with their feelings and what they have learned from the adult they do/do not like.

You are the best advocate and protector of your child. Make yourself seen regularly at school. Observe as often and as long as you can and make sure everyone knows you are there. Special kids coupled with an instructor or aide that is having a rough patch in life can be a volatile mix. If you observe anything really off, contact the princial immediately. Otherwise, just your presence will probably take care of it. My oldest (now 23) had a teacher in first grade with a great reputation, whose mother was dying and that year she zoned out. My son with LD missed alot because of it. These things happen and if I had made myself known and present more of the time I believe he would have received better instruction.

SAHM of seven, most with special needs

If it were me, I would keep him in the program because of the new teacher. I would contact the new teacher and set up a meeting with her to discuss your concerns. Don't just approach her after class. Teachers hate that and this is something that should have her undevided attention.

Good luck