Hey everyone, looking for some advice. My grandson, who just got diagnosed with autism, was sent home from his public pre-K today and told not to come back until after a meeting with the principal. They said he was throwing pea gravel on the playground and was ‘excitable.’ I’m just wondering, is it even allowed for the school to send him home for that? He’s only in pre-K, and it’s a state-funded program. Any thoughts on his rights?
Yikes, that sounds rough! He definitely has rights, even as a pre-K student. Schools are supposed to follow laws that ensure fair treatment for students with disabilities.
Reilly said:
Yikes, that sounds rough! He definitely has rights, even as a pre-K student. Schools are supposed to follow laws that ensure fair treatment for students with disabilities.
That’s what I thought too! I’m planning to go to the meeting with his parents. Just don’t want the school to get away with sidelining him.
Reilly said:
Yikes, that sounds rough! He definitely has rights, even as a pre-K student. Schools are supposed to follow laws that ensure fair treatment for students with disabilities.
Good move. Sometimes schools think they can bend the rules if parents aren’t aware of their rights.
If his parents have already requested an IEP, the school should be working on accommodations, not sending him home. I’d definitely bring that up.
Ellis said:
If his parents have already requested an IEP, the school should be working on accommodations, not sending him home. I’d definitely bring that up.
Exactly! We’ve already got his autism evaluation done, and we’re getting an independent one too. Just want them to actually start supporting him.
Ellis said:
If his parents have already requested an IEP, the school should be working on accommodations, not sending him home. I’d definitely bring that up.
If they’re dragging their feet, you might want to look into filing a complaint with the state education agency.
You’re totally right to advocate for him. Schools have to follow IDEA, so he has the right to an education in the least restrictive environment.
Noor said:
You’re totally right to advocate for him. Schools have to follow IDEA, so he has the right to an education in the least restrictive environment.
That’s what I thought, but it’s good to hear it confirmed. Just want him to have a fair shot at learning with the right supports.
Noor said:
You’re totally right to advocate for him. Schools have to follow IDEA, so he has the right to an education in the least restrictive environment.
An experienced advocate makes a big difference. Good thing he has you on his side!
Curious, did the school mention any plan for interim support, like a para-educator? Seems like that could be helpful here.
Luca said:
Curious, did the school mention any plan for interim support, like a para-educator? Seems like that could be helpful here.
No mention yet, but we’re definitely going to push for something like that. I think the classroom setup isn’t a great fit for him without extra help.
Hopefully the meeting goes well! But if they keep giving you the runaround, don’t hesitate to go up the ladder. District-level support can sometimes help.
Torrance said:
Hopefully the meeting goes well! But if they keep giving you the runaround, don’t hesitate to go up the ladder. District-level support can sometimes help.
Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind. Just hoping we don’t have to go that far.