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I have heard a "rumor" from several sources now and I am seeking additional information. Whether or not accurate, it focuses me on the phrase we hear all the time ... "get it in writing"
Unconfirmed Rumor regarding several school districts:
Kindergarten Paraprofessionals will be eliminated for the 2009-2010 school year.
Having this second adult in the classroom is something that is standard in most Kindergarten classrooms that I am aware of. One of the comments comes from a paraprofessional who has been informed she will have to move to SPED next year or find another job as there will be no (K) Paras any longer at her school. This decision may not be made or official, could be voted down, and could be entirely rumor. However, in this current budget crunch, schools are looking to cut expenses and this could be a reality for Fall 2009. Just this morning there was a segment on the news of a school district that had to eliminate over 100 classroom positions in addition to administrative positions. They are hoping to accomplish the task with resignations and retirements but pink slips may be coming. All of our school districts will be facing tough decisions as they try to serve students with less money available. Many schools are raising class size to the maximum allowable and even asking for waivers in order to reduce the need to pay additional certified teachers.
As we enter the busy IEP season and make decisions that affect our children ... consider possible budget concerns that may affect staffing. Make sure that what you are being told is the norm is documented in the IEP.
In the case of a child entering Kindergarten and considering a regular classroom placement with appropriate supports, you and the staff (as I always have) are likely to assume that the classroom will already be staffed with a Certified teacher and a paraprofessional to assist. I would recommend that you ask that this be noted in the rationale for placement decisions or in the minutes.
If you receive the response that "it is not necessary to put it in the IEP since that is what we always do" ... which is a common statement heard in IEP meetings for many items .... simply request that since it is always done you would like it documented in the IEP.
With the same reasoning, if you are considering placement in a pull-out class or self-contained class, make sure that the information you are told regarding staffing is documented in the IEP. For example, they may tell you that the class will have a certified teacher with two paras. In my experience, only the certified teacher is documented in the service plan. Make sure you get the rest of the staffing documented also. Unless listed in the IEP, the staffing can change quickly and has happened recently in at least one recent plan I reviewed.
Again, this may not be an issue. However, I would rather be prepared for the possibility than risk a child's needs not being met because a school has to change the staffing norms "they have always done." It is always best to have everything documented in the IEP in my opinion.
If anyone is aware of any "official" decisions, please let me know or post for all to be aware of :)
Advocate and Educational Consultant
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CONFIDENTIAL AND PRIVILEGED
Information contained in this communication is confidential and privileged. It is not meant to represent legal or medical advice, but rather advice given based on my knowledge as the parent of four children with disabilities, a trained Parent Advocate by the GA Advocacy Office, a member of the Council of Parent Advocates & Attorneys, training received from Pete Wright on Special Education Law and Advocacy and my experience as a certified teacher in the State of Georgia for 7 years. Please do not forward without my permission.
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