Thursday October 11, 2012
I had Taevon's IEP today. Overall it went well and I am happy with his goals. I am still considering homeschooling my boys and today made it look like the best option. I feel like there is nobody standing up for kids, especially those with special needs. While I was in the office waiting for our meeting I witnessed something so sad and wrong. A little girl was brought into the office by two adults holding her under her arms. There was another adult (custodian) walking behind them. The little girl dropped to her knees once she was inside the office. The custodian asked the teacher/aide if she wanted her to call someone (a male name). The tone of her voice was not pleasant and I would never want anyone to talk like that in front of any of my children. The little girl reached her arm out to swat/slap at the teachers leg. (she was on her hands and knees and all of the adults were standing up around her). The teacher moved her leg back and she was not touched. All of a sudden the custodian got down on her knees and got in the little girls face. She had her finger pointed in this child's face. She said in "I will not let you hit (teachers name)" and continued to keep her finger in her face while starring at this child. I could not believe the tone of voice that was used and felt like she was attempting to intimidate this child. I am still wondering why a custodian is involved with the children. As a parent of 3 special needs children I have NEVER had a custodian be apart of any of my children's IEPS. I have never discussed my child's needs, wants, challenges with a custodian and I do not want them attempting to discipline my child. If that wasn't enough a few minutes later another child was brought into the office by 2 custodians (the woman from before and a male). She was placed into a room and the door was shut. The male was pleasant and did not raise his voice while the woman was still being rude. This child walked into the office without help, was quiet and calm. She went into the room with no problems and did not object when the door was closed. She stood at the door and as looking out the window. The woman asked the other custodian if she had been told to sit down in a tone that should never be used with children. The male stated she had been told that she could sit or stand. The woman says "well she can't look out the window" in the same offensive tone. The male opened the door and told this child she needed to sit down, she complied. The woman then went over and looked in the window. I was finally called back for my meeting. I had problems staying focused as I wondered about those children. Who is standing up for these children? Is anyone listening at home? Is anyone talking to the school about this? Why are they being treated like this? Why are custodians involved in the children's care? Why would someone attempt to intimidate a child? As a parent of a special needs child with behavior problems I am well aware of the frustrations/challenges of raising these special kids. But I will not allow my children to be treated in such awful way. I often wonder why some people have children. Why some parents or other family members give kids excuses for poor behavior. Is it because they don't know how to parent the child or is it just easier to give an excuse and then dismiss the behavior. In the end it is the child that will suffer if they have been allowed to act a certain way because everyone has said the can't help it for this reason or that reason. It is so sad that some people are always looking for the easy way out. It is also sad that when people have more than one child they decide they have a favorite. It disgusts me watching one child be ignored and the world revolving around the favorite and nobody stepping in for the other. My children are my whole world and I can't imagine allowing someone (boyfriend, husband, friend) calling my child names. I wish everyone would stand up for their kids and put them first. They are such precious gifts and need to be treated so much better. Children are a lot of work but so worth all of the effort. It is the most rewarding job I have ever had and I treasure each moment with all of my sweet angels.
love these boys more than anything
