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Message edited 1/31/2015 11:24:28 AM.

Re: Observing classes

It's not "illegal", but no special ed preK (and I'd imagine many typical preKs too) will let a parent hang out in the classroom and observe for the whole day/session, in your child's class or in another classes you want to see. It would be very disruptive plus if they let you do that they have to let all the parents do it. Having parents in the classroom like that would totally interfere with learning. You can pop into a class with an administrator to see the make up of the class, the structure, talk to the teacher, get a feel of the class, but not observe for the whole session. In your own child's class, volunteer to read a book, do a craft, prep for the teacher etc... That will get you in the classroom so you can observe your own child in a more natural way without interfering with learning.

Also ask the teacher specific questions to find out how well your child is functioning in class ie/ how much support does he need to sit and attend, remain on task/complete tasks (with a degree of quality met), does he participate in circle time without the need for prompting?, how much support does he need to follow/carry out simple one or two step directions?, is he independant in self care/organization ( unpacking, packing up, putting on coat, washing hands, bathroom?, is he socializing appropriately with peers? Does he have true friends? What does he choose to do on the play ground? Is he safe negotiating the school environment? What are his fine motor skills like? Does he hold a crayon the right way? Can he write uppercase letters of the alaphabet? Can he use glue and scissors.. Jig saw Puzzles? What are his academic skills like.. Does he know the alaphabet? Colors? Can he count to 20? Recognize his own name in print? Write his name? Does he know your name? Does he know his address?

This info, coupled with the info you observe when you drop him off/pick him up, pop into to the classroom should give you a REaLLY good idea of how he is functioning in his current class setting compared to the peers in that setting. Then observe the other class settings (note the make up of the class, level of support they are able to provide). Then make a decision on which setting would be a better fit for your child to learn and develop. You should have to spend all day observing in each setting to get this info.

ETA: you can also meet with his team (teacher, psych, related service providers) informally at any time to discuss your conserns. They should be testing soon for annual reviews so you can have access to his most recent test scores plus the info the whole team can provide you to help guide your decision. Look at all areas of development, rate of progress and functioning across all setting (classroom vs speech room etc).

Message edited 1/30/2015 6:34:21 AM.

Re: Observing classes

Not sure where your child goes. But at DDI in Ronkonkokoma, Parents are welcome to come and observe the class, or if I wanted to come on and read a story or do a craft project I am allowed. I do believe that they make it a certain dayof the week to observe. My daughter is there from 11:30-to 3:30. So I dont think I would stay the entire time, only because my daughter would want to keep coming over and giving me hugs..haha, and i don't want to take away from her learning. But I believe you absolutley have a right to observe your child in the classroom. I just would not stay the entire session.