School has been a trying experience this year. As my husband so aptly put it "we are just trying to survive." In this blog, I hope to give you some ideas on how to make school/home an easier experience.
I know this goes against the grain, but the teachers and administration (including the school nurse) need to know what is going on with our kids. We printed the NIMH article and copied it for everyone, and I have forwarded anything else that is school related to them as well. Teachers and schools must keep your child's health concerns private.
After the first couple of weeks in school so that you can see where the problem areas are, ask for basic accommodations from the teachers. Teachers can provide extended time on tests and homework, reduce the amount of work expected and give no penalty for late or missing homework. These are all part of RTI (routes to intervention) that NCLB (No Child Left Behind) calls for.
If these are unsuccessful, you can ask for a referral to special services as an OHI (other health impaired) disability. 504 services and Special Education both cover this. Asking for this will be a lengthy process. You will need to provide documentation from your doctor that your child has this need. In Texas we have to use the ADHD qualification in order to recieve services as PANDAS is not a qualifying disability. For information related directly to your school district, go to your district web page and look for special services.
Homebound services are also a possibility. But use this only as a last resort. There must be a parent or guardian home when the itinerant teacher arrives to provided the services, so you can't work and have your child on HB. There are also limited classes that can be taken through HB--generally no electives are offered, and the teacher will only come to your house 2 times per week.
School doesn't have to be terrible. Fortunately for us, we are working with an excellent school and staff who have helped us and our ds.