Re: communication log

September 3, 2003

In a message dated 9/3/03 5:07:19 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

kelli1082@... writes:

>

> Hi!

>

> Could someone please share their communication system between school and

> home. I sent a nice one page sheet of austins evening and morning today to

> school, and all that came back was the work he did, but nothing from the

> aid/teacher as to how his day went. Of course when I ask Austin, well I

> think he saw his OT today. But I really don't know!

> It's hard on the days i don't pick him up from school.

> Thanks for the help.

> Kelli mom to austin 7 (will be 8 in Oct.!)

>

Every year we've had a notebokk that goes back and forth on a daily basis.

At some schools the teachers & therapists jotted things done - at one school

only the aide wrote in it. But insist onsomething. It's a great tool for both

sides for keeping on track.

- Becky

September 3, 2003

For Mav and , both, we use a spiral note book. We have for all 6 yrs

for Mav and it works fine. Sometimes I have to remind them to make sure they

put in some good stuff for me to talk to Mav about, but it's very helpful.

Also, we put it in the IEP.

September 3, 2003

Kelli,

We use a regular spiral notebook for a communication log. I am in the

process of making " bridge communication " cards...index cards implementing

PECS (boardmaker pics) with words about what she did at home on one card and

with her day at school on the other. The cards will be used as prompts for

starting communication between home and school.

Sue mom to Kate 13 and Karrie 7 w/ds and ??

September 3, 2003

Check out the Communication Disorders for School Aged Children with DS by LIbby

Kumin. There is a copy of 's old communication sheet (begins with What I

had for breakfast). They modified it last year and I was able to see more of

what his day consisted of and the behaviors exhibited in each setting.

did put smiley stickers if he did well in an area (like ST) and he drew a frown

face if he had a rough time (almost always in PE).

We haven't done a formal communication sheet this year <yet>. I told his

teacher that for the first few weeks, my goal is for to get in his

routine and get to know him and his other staff. He also told me that he had

not read the IEP and if he did before school starts, it would mean noting. He

wanted to get to know the kids first (that included talking to the parents) and

then read the IEP and implement the goals. From a professional standpoint, I

know it's best to meet the child first and then go and read past reports (as

long as the critical information is conveyed) and that any service plans (IEP)

makes sense once the professional knows the child and things click. Some may

disagree (I am also a believer of advocating for your child and not " fighting "

with the school -and have gotten flamed for my opinion).

Kelli, if I find the communication sheet from last year, I'll scan it and upload

it to the file section.

communication log

Hi!

Could someone please share their communication system between school and

home. I sent a nice one page sheet of austins evening and morning today to

school, and all that came back was the work he did, but nothing from the

aid/teacher as to how his day went. Of course when I ask Austin, well I

think he saw his OT today. But I really don't know!

It's hard on the days i don't pick him up from school.

Thanks for the help.

Kelli mom to austin 7 (will be 8 in Oct.!)

September 4, 2003

We are doing the notebook system also.But I would like to obtain more info on

her daily routine, The just write dry day, good day what therapy we had that

day. Humm wanting more here but glad I can write and ask when I need to. You

know always wanting more!!! LOL---- Jeanette mom to 10

September 4, 2003

In a message dated 9/4/2003 6:41:12 AM US Mountain Standard Time,

Nettie619@... writes:

> The just write dry day, good day what therapy we had that

> day

LOL....Mav's aide wrote 3 1/2 pages the other day!!!!!

September 4, 2003

We have a communication book that the school designed on the computer, they

print it out and " bind " it at the school. It has check boxes so we can just

check if ' night was routine, busy, quite and also how he is feeling. It

has lines on it for writing. On the right side it has ' schedule for

the day and room to write something for each class. It is very easy to use and

the teachers all do it. I would be happy to send anyone a copy.

Mom to 11 and Noah 3 both with Down syndrome

September 4, 2003

In a message dated 9/3/2003 8:36:30 PM Central Daylight Time, RSYOSH@...

writes:

> Every year we've had a notebokk that goes back and forth on a daily basis.

>

> At some schools the teachers & therapists jotted things done - at one school

> only the aide wrote in it. But insist onsomething. It's a great tool for

> both

> sides for keeping on track.

>

Not to mention that it comes in handy at case conferences and IEP meetings.

Last year, when they wanted to go from a 1:1 para to a 2:1, I pulled out his

notebook. It showed that while his diagnosis hadn't changed, of course, his

behaviour had, and that was due to getting the right para in with him. He

hasn't changed that much, it's just a different person working with him that

made

it seem like he had come so far. Now, he has come a long way, but without his

Ms.Kim (para), the day would be truly ugly for all. :-) We have the notebook

in his IEP, and it states that the days events will be noted.

Also, after not getting speech for 2 months last year, when they said he was,

his speech teacher and OT now have to sign it ever time he has it. That

ensures that they at least saw him. (Now, his para would tell me if they didn't

work with him, lol, but not everyone is that lucky.)

Good luck,

Beth

Mom to Austin, 6.5/ds and Dakota-I wish I had one for him, too. Hi honey,

how was your day? Fine. What did you do today? I can't remember!!!!!

Already, at 6.5!

September 4, 2003

Thanks for the reply!

Hate to be a pain, but can you share how they modified it, did they break it

down by subjects, therapys, etc? Let me know if you are able to scan it,

that would be great! Luckily he is still in elementary, and the teacher

knows him, she had him in kindergarten and also in some subjects last year.

She is good about " including " him to the best of her abilities, but i feel

she needs support from the spec. ed teacher. I hope to be able to help out

more than i did last year, but having to work and other obligations makes it

difficult!

Thank you! Kelli

-- Re: communication log

Check out the Communication Disorders for School Aged Children with DS by

LIbby Kumin. There is a copy of 's old communication sheet (begins

with What I had for breakfast). They modified it last year and I was able

to see more of what his day consisted of and the behaviors exhibited in each

setting. did put smiley stickers if he did well in an area (like

ST) and he drew a frown face if he had a rough time (almost always in PE).

We haven't done a formal communication sheet this year <yet>. I told his

teacher that for the first few weeks, my goal is for to get in his

routine and get to know him and his other staff. He also told me that he

had not read the IEP and if he did before school starts, it would mean

noting. He wanted to get to know the kids first (that included talking to

the parents) and then read the IEP and implement the goals. From a

professional standpoint, I know it's best to meet the child first and then

go and read past reports (as long as the critical information is conveyed)

and that any service plans (IEP) makes sense once the professional knows the

child and things click. Some may disagree (I am also a believer of

advocating for your child and not " fighting " with the school -and have

gotten flamed for my opinion).

Kelli, if I find the communication sheet from last year, I'll scan it and

upload it to the file section.

communication log

Hi!

Could someone please share their communication system between school and

home. I sent a nice one page sheet of austins evening and morning today to

school, and all that came back was the work he did, but nothing from the

aid/teacher as to how his day went. Of course when I ask Austin, well I

think he saw his OT today. But I really don't know!

It's hard on the days i don't pick him up from school.

Thanks for the help.

Kelli mom to austin 7 (will be 8 in Oct.!)

September 4, 2003

Our district uses the " Composition " notebooks, like you might use for an

English class. They are stapled together, rather than spiral, and I

like this because pages cannot be removed without noticing. I think a

notebook that is bound makes sure if that notebook is needed at an IEP

meeting (he said/she said kind of thing), no one will remove a page that

is not to their liking.

The first couple days of kindergarten were OK for the notebook, but now

we are down to " Had a great day " from the aide.......... I need to talk

to them about it, but I'm going to spend a few days in " Ignorance is

Bliss " land, and believe that everything is just great :-) Things I

would like to know..... like, is she doing any work? Has she started

speech, OT, etc. yet? How are they getting her to the " work table " , and

what is she doing there? Who is cutting her stuff out (because I know

she isn't!), and how do they plan on working on scissor skills? How are

the transitions going? I also need to call the resource teacher, but

I'm going to wait until next week...... I like the " great day " notebook

for now!

, mom to (7), (5 DS), and (4 TODAY!!!!)

September 4, 2003

In a message dated 9/4/2003 9:30:54 AM Central Standard Time, djackht@...

writes:

> Not to mention that it comes in handy at case conferences and IEP meetings

YES YES YES written communication is a must for documentation. You all never

know when you might have trouble with your staff, school, district etc......

and you will need written documentation for any battle. I look at the

communication book as a necessity, you never know when you may need it to work

for you

or your child.

Kathy mom to Sara 11 (\o/)

/_\

September 4, 2003

Hey, Karol,

The special ed department here opened a can of worms, without meaning to.

They purchased laptop computers for special ed kids, then used them for staff

instead. Now, after getting caught, they HAVE to use the laptops for students.

If a student has trouble writing with handwriting, they get assigned a laptop

for the year, and use it instead. Not sure exactly how it's working, but

it's been going on for about 5 years now. It's considered adaptive equipment,

so

you might want to look into that.

Beth

September 4, 2003

What I do is pre-number the pages this way I know if someone has removed a page.

It's sad that we have to be so paranoid, isn't it?

Di

Re: communication log

Our district uses the " Composition " notebooks, like you might use for an

English class. They are stapled together, rather than spiral, and I

like this because pages cannot be removed without noticing.

September 4, 2003

got a lap top (well two) from the bd of ed. she was evaluated and

they determined she needed one for several reasons:

1. her fine motor skills were not fine enough to keep up in writing

2. since she was in inclusion she needed to keep up with the class

3. her handwriting is pretty bad ( but legible)

Last year she got an alpha smart very light weight lap top that is excellent.

~ Mom to 13 DS and Diabetes Type 1 and 9 NY

September 4, 2003

We have a special designated book just for communication. It is laminated and

has " Communication Log " on it in big bold letters. I write a date and tell how

his night was and if anything is new or any concerns. They write back about how

his day went and what he accomplished. It is short but it works. I would call

the teacher to set up a system.

Elaine

communication log

Hi!

Could someone please share their communication system between school and

home. I sent a nice one page sheet of austins evening and morning today to

school, and all that came back was the work he did, but nothing from the

aid/teacher as to how his day went. Of course when I ask Austin, well I

think he saw his OT today. But I really don't know!

It's hard on the days i don't pick him up from school.

Thanks for the help.

Kelli mom to austin 7 (will be 8 in Oct.!)

September 4, 2003

My son is 15 and started high school this year.

I am trying something new.

I am having do the communication log. I want to know what is

going on and I want to work on his writting skills. I don't

want to focus on his handwritting but his ability to put his thought

into writting. The SLP and the technologist are currently testing

's comuter skills and his writing abilities to see which program

will work well for him. So in the mean time is writting in a

notebook.

About 3-4 times a day they have write what hour class he is in

and what he did. HE can't wait for the end ofthe day to do it he

wouldn't rember what was going on well enough.

Karol mom to 15 years old

September 5, 2003

In a message dated 9/4/03 8:47:03 PM Central Daylight Time,

writes:

> , I know it's best to meet the child first and then

> go and read past reports (as long as the critical information is conveyed)

> and that any service plans (IEP) makes sense once the professional knows the

> child and things click. Some may disagree (I am also a believer of

> advocating for your child and not " fighting " with the school -and have

> gotten flamed for my opinion).

>

> Kelli, if I find the communication sheet from last year, I'll scan it and

> upload it to the file section.

>

,

In general I agree. But, (you knew that was coming) I feel uneasy when they

don't read the behavior plan up front. The first few days of school are

difficult for and I want everyone to know how to help him through that.

That

said- we do long transitions into new settings for with support from the

last program so not too many opportunities for people to not get to know him.

I am also an advocate for working with the school not fighting. I think

following the chain of command if there is an issue (teacher, then principal,

then

sp. ed. coordinator,...) is vital to being taken seriously and not being seen

as a hot head. 's program isn't perfect but is pretty darn appropriate

for him. We don't always agree with them but we work it out. I am fortunate to

be in a school district that is pretty responsive, I know not everyone is and

sometimes are forced to go the legal route. We had to do that with a child that

I worked with (in residential care) but still managed to keep it from

becoming a personal thing between the staff working with him and the parents. I

know

I have been fortunate that way.

Karyn

September 5, 2003

In a message dated 9/5/2003 6:47:30 AM US Mountain Standard Time,

Kvanryzin@... writes:

> I feel uneasy when they

> don't read the behavior plan up front.

I totally agree on this one.

This year, Mav started school 2 1/2 weeks later than the other students

because they didn't have his behav plan in place and staff trained. We stood

firm

on having things prepared. They/he are having enough problems as it is and

if they didn't know what to expect or how to handle situations, it would have

been setting them all up for failure and more frustration.

We have trainings written into his IEP and I also give them sources to go to

for their trainings if they are unable to comply within the district. (Of

course, I am always available to give the trainings, wonder why they don't call

me?)

September 5, 2003

In a message dated 9/5/2003 6:47:30 AM US Mountain Standard Time,

Kvanryzin@... writes:

> I feel uneasy when they

> don't read the behavior plan up front.

I totally agree on this one.

This year, Mav started school 2 1/2 weeks later than the other students

because they didn't have his behav plan in place and staff trained. We stood

firm

on having things prepared. They/he are having enough problems as it is and

if they didn't know what to expect or how to handle situations, it would have

been setting them all up for failure and more frustration.

We have trainings written into his IEP and I also give them sources to go to

for their trainings if they are unable to comply within the district. (Of

course, I am always available to give the trainings, wonder why they don't call

me?)

September 5, 2003

We use a note book and the teacher is real good about telling me if Brit has

seen her Therapists. She also uses it for class room events. Very helpful

here.

Hugs

BEth

September 6, 2003

Hi!

This brings up another question to mind, This was the first week of school.

So everyone (staff) is trying to figure out their schedules. This week

Austin did not receive ST. Those weeks, say when a therapist can not make

it/ is sick etc. Do you have them make up that day that was missed for

therapy? So for instance Austin has ST twice a week, do you ask for three?

But then I hear well that doesn't fit into their schedule because they have

other kids to see, which I understand. Just wondering how you guys handle

situations like this.

Thanks again :-)

From: djackht@...

Date: Thursday, September 04, 2003 08:27:08

Subject: Re: communication log

Every year we've had a notebokk that goes back and forth on a daily basis.

At some schools the teachers & therapists jotted things done - at one school

only the aide wrote in it. But insist onsomething. It's a great tool for

both

sides for keeping on track.

Not to mention that it comes in handy at case conferences and IEP meetings.

Last year, when they wanted to go from a 1:1 para to a 2:1, I pulled out his

notebook. It showed that while his diagnosis hadn't changed, of course, his

behaviour had, and that was due to getting the right para in with him. He

hasn't changed that much, it's just a different person working with him that

made it seem like he had come so far. Now, he has come a long way, but

without his Ms.Kim (para), the day would be truly ugly for all. :-) We have

the notebook in his IEP, and it states that the days events will be noted.

Also, after not getting speech for 2 months last year, when they said he was

his speech teacher and OT now have to sign it ever time he has it. That

ensures that they at least saw him. (Now, his para would tell me if they

didn't work with him, lol, but not everyone is that lucky.)

Good luck,

Beth

Mom to Austin, 6.5/ds and Dakota-I wish I had one for him, too. Hi honey,

how was your day? Fine. What did you do today? I can't remember!!!!!

Already, at 6.5!

September 6, 2003

Technically they 'owe' you for the therapy time. Your IEP lists weekly

minutes and duration of services. In our small district our speech

pathologist spends the first couple of weeks with incoming testing and

preschool testing. Hardly any time with therapy. Same with year end, she

spends all that time in IEP meetings.

Jeff

Re: communication log

Every year we've had a notebokk that goes back and forth on a daily basis.

At some schools the teachers & therapists jotted things done - at one

school

only the aide wrote in it. But insist onsomething. It's a great tool for

both

sides for keeping on track.

Not to mention that it comes in handy at case conferences and IEP

meetings.

Last year, when they wanted to go from a 1:1 para to a 2:1, I pulled out

his

notebook. It showed that while his diagnosis hadn't changed, of course,

his

behaviour had, and that was due to getting the right para in with him. He

hasn't changed that much, it's just a different person working with him

that

made it seem like he had come so far. Now, he has come a long way, but

without his Ms.Kim (para), the day would be truly ugly for all. :-) We

have

the notebook in his IEP, and it states that the days events will be noted.

Also, after not getting speech for 2 months last year, when they said he

was

his speech teacher and OT now have to sign it ever time he has it. That

ensures that they at least saw him. (Now, his para would tell me if they

didn't work with him, lol, but not everyone is that lucky.)

Good luck,

Beth

Mom to Austin, 6.5/ds and Dakota-I wish I had one for him, too. Hi honey,

how was your day? Fine. What did you do today? I can't remember!!!!!

Already, at 6.5!

September 6, 2003

So far for like 12 years or so, no one has ever made up sessions for amanda.

If the person is sick or at a meeting, they cant reschedule and very often in

the big apple they are not picked up in the first, second weeks of schools

for services. They need to make schedules and it takes a while.

We always had great speech teachers who worked very hard when they had amanda

with them. I dont get that picky- I usually have bigger fish to fry- like

how am I going to get amanda's med supplies to school on monday when i have to

be at work the same time she needs to be at school?????????

~ Mom to 13 DS and Diabetes Type 1 and 9 NY

September 6, 2003

If any IEP service is missed due to factors other than that the child was

absent, the District is required to provide compensatory " make up " of the

service time to the child--whenever they can fit it in or as ESY/D. The

service provider being absent, at an IEP meeting, or in the office reviewing

scheduling is not a valid, legal excuse for not providing the service listed

on the IEP. This is a complaint issue--non-implementation of the IEP as

written.

Judi HL