Guest guest Posted September 13, 2009 Report Share Posted September 13, 2009 Clusters are a restrictive environment. They are the extreme opposite to inclusion. IDEA states that children should be in a least restrictive environment. The argument is that in the cluster our kids can receive more intense therapy and services. The reality should be that they get all that they need but in an inclusive setting. Shirly Shirly Gilad BCBA,RN, FNP, MS Behavioral Therapy and then some. Work: Fax: shirly@... www.shirlygilad.com From: sList [mailto:sList ] On Behalf Of Nila Benito Sent: Saturday, September 12, 2009 12:00 AM To: deniseslist Subject: RE: Re: Clusters The research says that clusters do not result in optimal outcomes for our kids. To: deniseslist From: gary00001@... Date: Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:28:20 -0400 Subject: RE: Re: Clusters I once heard a Behaviorist sat that he has never seen a cluster he liked. To: sList From: janvanoy@... Date: Fri, 11 Sep 2009 06:33:21 -0700 Subject: Re: Re: Clusters Thank You. If anyone has more suggestions they are welcome Jeannette From: mytoothaches2003 To: sList Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 2:09:42 PM Subject: Re: Clusters -- WE CAN GIVE YOU 2 GREAT OPTIONS THAT WORKED FOR US. CHALLENGER ELEM. HAS A GREAT PRE-K PROGRAM MS. BARBARA IS AN ANGEL WITHOUT THE WINGS. THE OTHER OPTION IS SANDPIPER IN SUNRISE WHERE OUR SON NIKOLAS GOES SINCE KINDERGARTEN AND WE ARE VERY HAPPY THERE. GOOD LUCK! - In sList@ yahoogroups. com, jeannette vanoy <janvanoy@.. .> wrote: > > Hi: > A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc. > Thank You, > Jeannette > Hotmail® is up to 70% faster. Now good news travels really fast. Try it now. The Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. Find out more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 13, 2009 Report Share Posted September 13, 2009 So just like everything else about autism, this dicussion has varying points of view. Should every kid on the spectrum in our schools receive 1 on 1 ABA therapy for their entire school day (most restrictive)?? or should every kid on the spectrum in our schools go into a general education classroom with every other kid in a much larger class all day(least restrictive )?? Is there a definitive answer here? To say that all spectrum kids should be in this setting or that setting is not going to dissolve the issue. Personally, my kid would not do well in either of these settings all school day long and that is why he is in a cluster (and gen ed. for reading) where he is doing well. To: sList From: shirlygilad@...Date: Sun, 13 Sep 2009 07:38:37 -0400Subject: RE: Re: Clusters Clusters are a restrictive environment. They are the extreme opposite to inclusion. IDEA states that children should be in a least restrictive environment. The argument is that in the cluster our kids can receive more intense therapy and services. The reality should be that they get all that they need but in an inclusive setting. Shirly Shirly Gilad BCBA,RN, FNP, MS Behavioral Therapy and then some. Work: Fax: shirlyshirlygilad www.shirlygilad.com From: sList [mailto:sList ] On Behalf Of Nila BenitoSent: Saturday, September 12, 2009 12:00 AMTo: deniseslist Subject: RE: Re: Clusters The research says that clusters do not result in optimal outcomes for our kids. To: deniseslist From: gary00001msnDate: Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:28:20 -0400Subject: RE: Re: Clusters I once heard a Behaviorist sat that he has never seen a cluster he liked. To: sList From: janvanoyDate: Fri, 11 Sep 2009 06:33:21 -0700Subject: Re: Re: Clusters Thank You. If anyone has more suggestions they are welcome Jeannette From: mytoothaches2003 <mytoothaches2003>To: sList Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 2:09:42 PMSubject: Re: Clusters --WE CAN GIVE YOU 2 GREAT OPTIONS THAT WORKED FOR US. CHALLENGER ELEM. HAS A GREAT PRE-K PROGRAM MS. BARBARA IS AN ANGEL WITHOUT THE WINGS. THE OTHER OPTION IS SANDPIPER IN SUNRISE WHERE OUR SON NIKOLAS GOES SINCE KINDERGARTEN AND WE ARE VERY HAPPY THERE. GOOD LUCK!- In sList@ yahoogroups. com, jeannette vanoy <janvanoy@.. .> wrote:>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette> Hotmail® is up to 70% faster. Now good news travels really fast. Try it now. The Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. Find out more. Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. Get it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 13, 2009 Report Share Posted September 13, 2009 Shirley, I'm not really concerned about the restrictive environment in reference to clusters because just by being in Special class, they are in a restrictive environment. Since they are in one, let's make the best of it. The cluster instruction is not the answer. To: sList From: shirlygilad@...Date: Sun, 13 Sep 2009 07:38:37 -0400Subject: RE: Re: Clusters Clusters are a restrictive environment. They are the extreme opposite to inclusion. IDEA states that children should be in a least restrictive environment. The argument is that in the cluster our kids can receive more intense therapy and services. The reality should be that they get all that they need but in an inclusive setting. Shirly Shirly Gilad BCBA,RN, FNP, MS Behavioral Therapy and then some. Work: Fax: shirlyshirlygilad www.shirlygilad.com From: sList [mailto:sList ] On Behalf Of Nila BenitoSent: Saturday, September 12, 2009 12:00 AMTo: deniseslist Subject: RE: Re: Clusters The research says that clusters do not result in optimal outcomes for our kids. To: deniseslist From: gary00001msnDate: Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:28:20 -0400Subject: RE: Re: Clusters I once heard a Behaviorist sat that he has never seen a cluster he liked. To: sList From: janvanoyDate: Fri, 11 Sep 2009 06:33:21 -0700Subject: Re: Re: Clusters Thank You. If anyone has more suggestions they are welcome Jeannette From: mytoothaches2003 <mytoothaches2003>To: sList Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 2:09:42 PMSubject: Re: Clusters --WE CAN GIVE YOU 2 GREAT OPTIONS THAT WORKED FOR US. CHALLENGER ELEM. HAS A GREAT PRE-K PROGRAM MS. BARBARA IS AN ANGEL WITHOUT THE WINGS. THE OTHER OPTION IS SANDPIPER IN SUNRISE WHERE OUR SON NIKOLAS GOES SINCE KINDERGARTEN AND WE ARE VERY HAPPY THERE. GOOD LUCK!- In sList@ yahoogroups. com, jeannette vanoy <janvanoy@.. .> wrote:>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette> Hotmail® is up to 70% faster. Now good news travels really fast. Try it now. The Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. Find out more. Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. Get it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 13, 2009 Report Share Posted September 13, 2009 The cluster may be ideal for high functioning autistic child. But as you move closer to the middle it becomes more useless. To: sList From: tallyb303@...Date: Sat, 12 Sep 2009 18:34:25 -0400Subject: RE: Re: Clusters My son did very well at Lake Forest Elementary, which is just a few blocks south of Hollywood Hills. He was both in the cluster and mainstreamed, depending on what we were trying to achieve that month or year. Working together with the teachers, and school personnel, we found a lot of collaboration and support to help him catch up with his peers. Good luck, Hilda Re: Clusters --WE CAN GIVE YOU 2 GREAT OPTIONS THAT WORKED FOR US. CHALLENGER ELEM. HAS A GREAT PRE-K PROGRAM MS. BARBARA IS AN ANGEL WITHOUT THE WINGS. THE OTHER OPTION IS SANDPIPER IN SUNRISE WHERE OUR SON NIKOLAS GOES SINCE KINDERGARTEN AND WE ARE VERY HAPPY THERE. GOOD LUCK!- In sList@ yahoogroups. com, jeannette vanoy <janvanoy@.. .> wrote:>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette> Hotmail® is up to 70% faster. Now good news travels really fast. Try it now. The Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. Find out more. Ready for Fall shows? Use Bing to find helpful ratings and reviews on digital tv's. Click here. Bing brings you health info from trusted sources. Try it now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 13, 2009 Report Share Posted September 13, 2009 Good points... The IEP is another facet of this process. The better and more descriptive the goals, the more precise the education can be. The goals are data driven and should reflect the child's present level of functioning and more importantly, be written to address all of the issues that keep them from accessing the general curriculum. Some ideas to assist in goal planning for early or naïve learners is to utilize the ABLLS or the VB-MAPP as a guide. A behavior specialist can also assist with goals and really should assist in goal planning and in writing them. The "cluster" from what I can see is just a term that describes that certain school sites spread throughout the county service these children. They are essentially self-contained classrooms. I don't know where the term "cluster" was derived from. Some schools are better at providing the services the children need and are better at offering multiple opportunities for inclusion. Some aren't. Contrary to what was stated by another list member, our kids do learn from other kids, perhaps in most cases, not as intensely or as obviously or at the same pace as their typical peers do but they do learn. I know that when my son is in the cluster classroom, he tends to act more like a cluster kid. When he is in the general educational classroom, he adapts and tends to act more like the typical kids in the room. I believe an inclusive environment is the optimal environment for our children. However, what does that entail? For some children this entails a lot of support, for others, not so much. What do you think the classroom would look like if the children, who required more support, all had the support they needed? I just don't believe our school/educational system as a whole can properly accommodate and educate our kids. They are not equipped. Period. Is this right? Absolutely not. I also don't think the general education kids should be exposed to some of the more challenging behaviors some of our kids express. I don't mean that as a blanket statement but not without some prepping for the typical kids as to why our kids engage in these behaviors and how to deal with them. Some of the behaviors our kids exhibit can be scary for other little kids to see and they deserve to be educated about how and why and what to do or what not to do. They also deserve an education and I don't want my kid to be the one to keep them from getting what they need and deserve too because he may be too aggressive or impulsive or whatever. Plus, if one of our kids is kicking, screaming, is aggressive or engaging in SIB, how much learning do you think is really going on for any of the kids? It is definitely a touchy subject but one that I think needs to be discussed openly and honestly. It does not mean they cannot be educated or that they don't deserve....It's not about that sometimes. I think an open and frank discussion is missing sometimes. And, people have entitlement issues at other times. My kid learns much differently than typical kids. I like that he gets exposed to language arts and reading and math using the typical general ed. curriculum and the mainstream way of teaching. But I equally like that he receives the accomodations and modifications to the teaching he needs such as the computer programs Edmark, TouchMath and SRA, which target his particular learning style. And, he has opportunities to engage with typical kids and watch and learn from them. One parent told me once he felt all of our kids should be spread out amongst the classrooms with support staff so that essentially, there would be one of ours mixed in with the general ed. kids. Only one asd kid per class. In cluster programs that does not occur b/c several of our kids go out with a para to a classroom according to their grade. That would be a lot more paras and schools don't appear to have the funding for that. Assigning one-to-ones and paras opens up an entirely other issue for our kids to be discussed at another point in time. It appears to be an individual preference based on the parents and based on the needs of the child. Some kids do well in a "cluster" or self-contained classroom for a period of the day and then can go to another mainstream classroom and then come back to their safe zone. I see nothing wrong with that. We cannot pigeon hole our kids as they are all different with different needs and challenges and strengths. It's a journey, that's for sure... From: Lizzie Berg Sent: Saturday, September 12, 2009 7:51 PM To: sList Subject: RE: Re: Clusters Hi, all the schools with autism clusters in Hollywood are good. The older the cluster is at the school, the better (this is the reason why I think there have been so many problems associated with the clusters in Weston, they are too new). However, just like in gen ed classes, it all depends on the child's teacher. Telling us that you, the parent, do not like your kid's cluster, does not tell us anything. What specifically is it that you don't like? Moving your child to another school may not at all be what is best for you kid. Who, so far, have you addressed your concerns to? See, this is where people on this list can be helpful: sharing experiences that can help you deal more effectively with your problems, or overcome them. I have seen again and again that parents avoid discussing their problems with the classroom teacher, the autism coach and the schools administration. In order for us to help each other, we need to coach one another through the courageous process called parent-teacher conference, parent-coach conference and parent- adm. process. I can guarantee you it will work. Until then, we will continue to be looking for another cluster or another private school where the grass seems to be greener. Liz>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette> Hotmail® is up to 70% faster. Now good news travels really fast. Try it now. The Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. Find out more. Ready for Fall shows? Use Bing to find helpful ratings and reviews on digital tv's. Click here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 13, 2009 Report Share Posted September 13, 2009 As we are usually reminded in these discussions, there is no one formula for every child. There are certainly benefits and disadvantages to both settings depending on the child’s needs. I am one to believe that it is the teacher and administration that makes the real difference. Cohane, LCSW creating connections and strengthening families by providing developmental-behavioral interventions and psychotherapy services Cohane@... From: sList [mailto:sList ] On Behalf Of Carroll Sent: Sunday, September 13, 2009 9:16 AM To: deniseslist Subject: RE: Re: Clusters So just like everything else about autism, this dicussion has varying points of view. Should every kid on the spectrum in our schools receive 1 on 1 ABA therapy for their entire school day (most restrictive)?? or should every kid on the spectrum in our schools go into a general education classroom with every other kid in a much larger class all day(least restrictive )?? Is there a definitive answer here? To say that all spectrum kids should be in this setting or that setting is not going to dissolve the issue. Personally, my kid would not do well in either of these settings all school day long and that is why he is in a cluster (and gen ed. for reading) where he is doing well. To: sList From: shirlygilad Date: Sun, 13 Sep 2009 07:38:37 -0400 Subject: RE: Re: Clusters Clusters are a restrictive environment. They are the extreme opposite to inclusion. IDEA states that children should be in a least restrictive environment. The argument is that in the cluster our kids can receive more intense therapy and services. The reality should be that they get all that they need but in an inclusive setting. Shirly Shirly Gilad BCBA,RN, FNP, MS Behavioral Therapy and then some. Work: Fax: shirlyshirlygilad www.shirlygilad.com From: sList [mailto:sList ] On Behalf Of Nila Benito Sent: Saturday, September 12, 2009 12:00 AM To: deniseslist Subject: RE: Re: Clusters The research says that clusters do not result in optimal outcomes for our kids. To: deniseslist From: gary00001msn Date: Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:28:20 -0400 Subject: RE: Re: Clusters I once heard a Behaviorist sat that he has never seen a cluster he liked. To: sList From: janvanoy Date: Fri, 11 Sep 2009 06:33:21 -0700 Subject: Re: Re: Clusters Thank You. If anyone has more suggestions they are welcome Jeannette From: mytoothaches2003 <mytoothaches2003> To: sList Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 2:09:42 PM Subject: Re: Clusters -- WE CAN GIVE YOU 2 GREAT OPTIONS THAT WORKED FOR US. CHALLENGER ELEM. HAS A GREAT PRE-K PROGRAM MS. BARBARA IS AN ANGEL WITHOUT THE WINGS. THE OTHER OPTION IS SANDPIPER IN SUNRISE WHERE OUR SON NIKOLAS GOES SINCE KINDERGARTEN AND WE ARE VERY HAPPY THERE. GOOD LUCK! - In sList@ yahoogroups. com, jeannette vanoy <janvanoy@.. .> wrote: > > Hi: > A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc. > Thank You, > Jeannette > Hotmail® is up to 70% faster. Now good news travels really fast. Try it now. The Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. Find out more. Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. Get it now. No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.93/2365 - Release Date: 09/13/09 05:50:00 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 13, 2009 Report Share Posted September 13, 2009 Well stated! Cohane, LCSW creating connections and strengthening families by providing developmental-behavioral interventions and psychotherapy services Cohane@... From: sList [mailto:sList ] On Behalf Of austintandt@... Sent: Sunday, September 13, 2009 1:04 PM To: sList Subject: Re: Re: Clusters Good points... The IEP is another facet of this process. The better and more descriptive the goals, the more precise the education can be. The goals are data driven and should reflect the child's present level of functioning and more importantly, be written to address all of the issues that keep them from accessing the general curriculum. Some ideas to assist in goal planning for early or naïve learners is to utilize the ABLLS or the VB-MAPP as a guide. A behavior specialist can also assist with goals and really should assist in goal planning and in writing them. The " cluster " from what I can see is just a term that describes that certain school sites spread throughout the county service these children. They are essentially self-contained classrooms. I don't know where the term " cluster " was derived from. Some schools are better at providing the services the children need and are better at offering multiple opportunities for inclusion. Some aren't. Contrary to what was stated by another list member, our kids do learn from other kids, perhaps in most cases, not as intensely or as obviously or at the same pace as their typical peers do but they do learn. I know that when my son is in the cluster classroom, he tends to act more like a cluster kid. When he is in the general educational classroom, he adapts and tends to act more like the typical kids in the room. I believe an inclusive environment is the optimal environment for our children. However, what does that entail? For some children this entails a lot of support, for others, not so much. What do you think the classroom would look like if the children, who required more support, all had the support they needed? I just don't believe our school/educational system as a whole can properly accommodate and educate our kids. They are not equipped. Period. Is this right? Absolutely not. I also don't think the general education kids should be exposed to some of the more challenging behaviors some of our kids express. I don't mean that as a blanket statement but not without some prepping for the typical kids as to why our kids engage in these behaviors and how to deal with them. Some of the behaviors our kids exhibit can be scary for other little kids to see and they deserve to be educated about how and why and what to do or what not to do. They also deserve an education and I don't want my kid to be the one to keep them from getting what they need and deserve too because he may be too aggressive or impulsive or whatever. Plus, if one of our kids is kicking, screaming, is aggressive or engaging in SIB, how much learning do you think is really going on for any of the kids? It is definitely a touchy subject but one that I think needs to be discussed openly and honestly. It does not mean they cannot be educated or that they don't deserve....It's not about that sometimes. I think an open and frank discussion is missing sometimes. And, people have entitlement issues at other times. My kid learns much differently than typical kids. I like that he gets exposed to language arts and reading and math using the typical general ed. curriculum and the mainstream way of teaching. But I equally like that he receives the accomodations and modifications to the teaching he needs such as the computer programs Edmark, TouchMath and SRA, which target his particular learning style. And, he has opportunities to engage with typical kids and watch and learn from them. One parent told me once he felt all of our kids should be spread out amongst the classrooms with support staff so that essentially, there would be one of ours mixed in with the general ed. kids. Only one asd kid per class. In cluster programs that does not occur b/c several of our kids go out with a para to a classroom according to their grade. That would be a lot more paras and schools don't appear to have the funding for that. Assigning one-to-ones and paras opens up an entirely other issue for our kids to be discussed at another point in time. It appears to be an individual preference based on the parents and based on the needs of the child. Some kids do well in a " cluster " or self-contained classroom for a period of the day and then can go to another mainstream classroom and then come back to their safe zone. I see nothing wrong with that. We cannot pigeon hole our kids as they are all different with different needs and challenges and strengths. It's a journey, that's for sure... From: Lizzie Berg Sent: Saturday, September 12, 2009 7:51 PM To: sList Subject: RE: Re: Clusters Hi, all the schools with autism clusters in Hollywood are good. The older the cluster is at the school, the better (this is the reason why I think there have been so many problems associated with the clusters in Weston, they are too new). However, just like in gen ed classes, it all depends on the child's teacher. Telling us that you, the parent, do not like your kid's cluster, does not tell us anything. What specifically is it that you don't like? Moving your child to another school may not at all be what is best for you kid. Who, so far, have you addressed your concerns to? See, this is where people on this list can be helpful: sharing experiences that can help you deal more effectively with your problems, or overcome them. I have seen again and again that parents avoid discussing their problems with the classroom teacher, the autism coach and the schools administration. In order for us to help each other, we need to coach one another through the courageous process called parent-teacher conference, parent-coach conference and parent- adm. process. I can guarantee you it will work. Until then, we will continue to be looking for another cluster or another private school where the grass seems to be greener. Liz > > Hi: > A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc. > Thank You, > Jeannette > Hotmail® is up to 70% faster. Now good news travels really fast. Try it now. The Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. Find out more. Ready for Fall shows? Use Bing to find helpful ratings and reviews on digital tv's. Click here. No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.93/2365 - Release Date: 09/13/09 05:50:00 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 13, 2009 Report Share Posted September 13, 2009 I really appreciate all your inputs. Thank You, jeannette To: deniseslist Sent: Sunday, September 13, 2009 10:50:09 AMSubject: RE: Re: Clusters The cluster may be ideal for high functioning autistic child. But as you move closer to the middle it becomes more useless. To: sList@ yahoogroups. comFrom: tallyb303comcast (DOT) netDate: Sat, 12 Sep 2009 18:34:25 -0400Subject: RE: Re: Clusters My son did very well at Lake Forest Elementary, which is just a few blocks south of Hollywood Hills. He was both in the cluster and mainstreamed, depending on what we were trying to achieve that month or year. Working together with the teachers, and school personnel, we found a lot of collaboration and support to help him catch up with his peers. Good luck, Hilda Re: Clusters --WE CAN GIVE YOU 2 GREAT OPTIONS THAT WORKED FOR US. CHALLENGER ELEM. HAS A GREAT PRE-K PROGRAM MS. BARBARA IS AN ANGEL WITHOUT THE WINGS. THE OTHER OPTION IS SANDPIPER IN SUNRISE WHERE OUR SON NIKOLAS GOES SINCE KINDERGARTEN AND WE ARE VERY HAPPY THERE. GOOD LUCK!- In sList@ yahoogroups. com, jeannette vanoy <janvanoy@.. .> wrote:>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette> Hotmail® is up to 70% faster. Now good news travels really fast. Try it now. The Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. Find out more. Ready for Fall shows? Use Bing to find helpful ratings and reviews on digital tv's. Click here. Bing brings you health info from trusted sources. Try it now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 13, 2009 Report Share Posted September 13, 2009 The most important thing is obviously to give each unique child the opportunity to maximize his potential. For each of our kids the aim should be the least restrictive environment that he can benefit from. In an ideal world the school system will provide 1 to 1 ABA for where it is needed and full inclusion where it is beneficial. I do realize the world is far from ideal…..We as parents and even more often school personal do not give enough credit for the abilities that kids with autism posses and with the low expectations come unsatisfactory outcomes. This makes me very sad. Shirly Shirly Gilad BCBA,RN, FNP, MS Behavioral Therapy and then some. Work: Fax: shirly@... www.shirlygilad.com From: sList [mailto:sList ] On Behalf Of Carroll Sent: Sunday, September 13, 2009 9:16 AM To: deniseslist Subject: RE: Re: Clusters So just like everything else about autism, this dicussion has varying points of view. Should every kid on the spectrum in our schools receive 1 on 1 ABA therapy for their entire school day (most restrictive)?? or should every kid on the spectrum in our schools go into a general education classroom with every other kid in a much larger class all day(least restrictive )?? Is there a definitive answer here? To say that all spectrum kids should be in this setting or that setting is not going to dissolve the issue. Personally, my kid would not do well in either of these settings all school day long and that is why he is in a cluster (and gen ed. for reading) where he is doing well. To: sList From: shirlygilad@... Date: Sun, 13 Sep 2009 07:38:37 -0400 Subject: RE: Re: Clusters Clusters are a restrictive environment. They are the extreme opposite to inclusion. IDEA states that children should be in a least restrictive environment. The argument is that in the cluster our kids can receive more intense therapy and services. The reality should be that they get all that they need but in an inclusive setting. Shirly Shirly Gilad BCBA,RN, FNP, MS Behavioral Therapy and then some. Work: 561 504 6669 Fax: 561 338 5613 shirly@... www.shirlygilad.com From: sList [mailto:sList ] On Behalf Of Nila Benito Sent: Saturday, September 12, 2009 12:00 AM To: deniseslist Subject: RE: Re: Clusters The research says that clusters do not result in optimal outcomes for our kids. To: deniseslist From: gary00001@... Date: Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:28:20 -0400 Subject: RE: Re: Clusters I once heard a Behaviorist sat that he has never seen a cluster he liked. To: sList From: janvanoy@... Date: Fri, 11 Sep 2009 06:33:21 -0700 Subject: Re: Re: Clusters Thank You. If anyone has more suggestions they are welcome Jeannette To: sList Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 2:09:42 PM Subject: Re: Clusters -- WE CAN GIVE YOU 2 GREAT OPTIONS THAT WORKED FOR US. CHALLENGER ELEM. HAS A GREAT PRE-K PROGRAM MS. BARBARA IS AN ANGEL WITHOUT THE WINGS. THE OTHER OPTION IS SANDPIPER IN SUNRISE WHERE OUR SON NIKOLAS GOES SINCE KINDERGARTEN AND WE ARE VERY HAPPY THERE. GOOD LUCK! - In sList@ yahoogroups. com, jeannette vanoy <janvanoy@.. .> wrote: > > Hi: > A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc. > Thank You, > Jeannette > Hotmail® is up to 70% faster. Now good news travels really fast. Try it now. The Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. Find out more. Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. Get it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 13, 2009 Report Share Posted September 13, 2009 The typical classroom is the ideal for the high functioning autistic child with the appropriate support. Shirly Shirly Gilad BCBA,RN, FNP, MS Behavioral Therapy and then some. Work: Fax: shirly@... www.shirlygilad.com From: sList [mailto:sList ] On Behalf Of Heifferon Sent: Sunday, September 13, 2009 10:50 AM To: deniseslist Subject: RE: Re: Clusters The cluster may be ideal for high functioning autistic child. But as you move closer to the middle it becomes more useless. To: sList From: tallyb303@... Date: Sat, 12 Sep 2009 18:34:25 -0400 Subject: RE: Re: Clusters My son did very well at Lake Forest Elementary, which is just a few blocks south of Hollywood Hills. He was both in the cluster and mainstreamed, depending on what we were trying to achieve that month or year. Working together with the teachers, and school personnel, we found a lot of collaboration and support to help him catch up with his peers. Good luck, Hilda Re: Clusters -- WE CAN GIVE YOU 2 GREAT OPTIONS THAT WORKED FOR US. CHALLENGER ELEM. HAS A GREAT PRE-K PROGRAM MS. BARBARA IS AN ANGEL WITHOUT THE WINGS. THE OTHER OPTION IS SANDPIPER IN SUNRISE WHERE OUR SON NIKOLAS GOES SINCE KINDERGARTEN AND WE ARE VERY HAPPY THERE. GOOD LUCK! - In sList@ yahoogroups. com, jeannette vanoy <janvanoy@.. .> wrote: > > Hi: > A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc. > Thank You, > Jeannette > Hotmail® is up to 70% faster. Now good news travels really fast. Try it now. The Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. Find out more. Ready for Fall shows? Use Bing to find helpful ratings and reviews on digital tv's. Click here. Bing brings you health info from trusted sources. Try it now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 Everyone's opinion of the cluster or self-contained classroom will differ because their experience with it is different mainly because their children are in spectrum and like the finger print, there are no two children the same. My argument with the Broward School District is they attempt to place as many as these children into a specific program with as little program variation as possible. In doing so they require conformity for children who are very much different. The Program fails to recognize the differences. There may be some very good teachers that are able to work around the Program but the Program itself doesn't encourage it. The Program encourages conformity. And why is it? It is this way because the school district prefers to have it this way. Look at your IEP and count the number of specific goals that are actually measurable. I sometimes think they would prefer to have an IEP with only one sentence: "We will help your child." Try and measure that! No doubt there are children who benefit from the cluster and many who don't. My objection is they put children in a cluster whether or not it's going to help. They make the process to easy for themselves and our children suffer. To: sList From: shirlygilad@...Date: Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:54:39 -0400Subject: RE: Re: Clusters The most important thing is obviously to give each unique child the opportunity to maximize his potential. For each of our kids the aim should be the least restrictive environment that he can benefit from. In an ideal world the school system will provide 1 to 1 ABA for where it is needed and full inclusion where it is beneficial. I do realize the world is far from ideal…..We as parents and even more often school personal do not give enough credit for the abilities that kids with autism posses and with the low expectations come unsatisfactory outcomes. This makes me very sad. Shirly Shirly Gilad BCBA,RN, FNP, MS Behavioral Therapy and then some. Work: Fax: shirlyshirlygilad www.shirlygilad.com From: sList [mailto:sList ] On Behalf Of CarrollSent: Sunday, September 13, 2009 9:16 AMTo: deniseslist Subject: RE: Re: Clusters So just like everything else about autism, this dicussion has varying points of view. Should every kid on the spectrum in our schools receive 1 on 1 ABA therapy for their entire school day (most restrictive)?? or should every kid on the spectrum in our schools go into a general education classroom with every other kid in a much larger class all day(least restrictive )?? Is there a definitive answer here? To say that all spectrum kids should be in this setting or that setting is not going to dissolve the issue. Personally, my kid would not do well in either of these settings all school day long and that is why he is in a cluster (and gen ed. for reading) where he is doing well. To: sList From: shirlygiladDate: Sun, 13 Sep 2009 07:38:37 -0400Subject: RE: Re: Clusters Clusters are a restrictive environment. They are the extreme opposite to inclusion. IDEA states that children should be in a least restrictive environment. The argument is that in the cluster our kids can receive more intense therapy and services. The reality should be that they get all that they need but in an inclusive setting. Shirly Shirly Gilad BCBA,RN, FNP, MS Behavioral Therapy and then some. Work: Fax: shirlyshirlygilad www.shirlygilad.com From: sList [mailto:sList ] On Behalf Of Nila BenitoSent: Saturday, September 12, 2009 12:00 AMTo: deniseslist Subject: RE: Re: Clusters The research says that clusters do not result in optimal outcomes for our kids. To: deniseslist From: gary00001msnDate: Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:28:20 -0400Subject: RE: Re: Clusters I once heard a Behaviorist sat that he has never seen a cluster he liked. To: sList From: janvanoyDate: Fri, 11 Sep 2009 06:33:21 -0700Subject: Re: Re: Clusters Thank You. If anyone has more suggestions they are welcome Jeannette From: mytoothaches2003 <mytoothaches2003>To: sList Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 2:09:42 PMSubject: Re: Clusters --WE CAN GIVE YOU 2 GREAT OPTIONS THAT WORKED FOR US. CHALLENGER ELEM. HAS A GREAT PRE-K PROGRAM MS. BARBARA IS AN ANGEL WITHOUT THE WINGS. THE OTHER OPTION IS SANDPIPER IN SUNRISE WHERE OUR SON NIKOLAS GOES SINCE KINDERGARTEN AND WE ARE VERY HAPPY THERE. GOOD LUCK!- In sList@ yahoogroups. com, jeannette vanoy <janvanoy@.. .> wrote:>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette> Hotmail® is up to 70% faster. Now good news travels really fast. Try it now. The Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. Find out more. Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. Get it now. Bing brings you health info from trusted sources. Try it now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 Hi: would you tell me the address or phone for the Lake Forest. I am confused when I google because I see different schools under this name but not this location. Thank U Jeannette To: sList Sent: Monday, September 14, 2009 12:17:40 PMSubject: RE: Re: Clusters I echo Hilda's sentiments. My son went to Lake Forest since he was completely non-verbal at 3 years old and was there for 9 years until he graduated 5th grade. The clusters were excellent, the teachers and aides compassionate, and we moved back and forth between mainstreaming and the cluster depending on what his needs were for that particular year. In my opinion, sometimes the least restrictive environment is not always necessarily the best thing. In certain cases, being in a cluster protects the child from the harshness and cruelty of the outside world which they cannot handle. I know of some middle school age children who prefer being in the cluster so they don't get picked on, etc. It depends on you and your child's set of circumstances. Lake Forest's clusters were remarkable. Joyce >> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette> Hotmail® is up to 70% faster. Now good news travels really fast. Try it now. The Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. Find out more. Ready for Fall shows? Use Bing to find helpful ratings and reviews on digital tv's. Click here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 Yes, essentially, that is what my son receives... good plan for most of our kids. From: Diane Rosenstein Sent: Monday, September 14, 2009 2:40 PM To: sList Subject: Re: Clusters To answer this: Should every kid on the spectrum in our schools receive 1 on 1 ABA therapy for their entire school day (most restrictive)?? or should every kid on the spectrum in our schools go into a general education classroom with every other kid in a much larger class all day(least restrictive )?? My opinion has for a long time been, they need both. Half day 1:1 in which to learn requisite skills, and then half day integrated within which to apply skills. Anyone else feel this way? To make them learn in a setting which is not condusive to their learning is insidious, as is not giving them an opportunity to learn from and apply learned skills with typical peers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 by "mainstreamed" do you mean thrown out at recess with another class of general ed. students? this does not set the child up for successful social interaction. In fact, most teachers use this time to talk to each other and/or put out fires. There is not usually social skills instruction at this time---even though research indicates this is when it is most valuable and needed. and lunch, is with their class (secluded) while the general ed. kids are with their respective classes but they call this "mainstreaming" From: Wihlborg Sent: Monday, September 14, 2009 9:07 AM To: sList Subject: Re: Re: Clusters I have been reading the posts. My son is in a cluster and is mainstreamed for lunch and recess. He is doing good. To: deniseslist Sent: Sunday, September 13, 2009 10:25:32 AMSubject: RE: Re: Clusters Shirley, I'm not really concerned about the restrictive environment in reference to clusters because just by being in Special class, they are in a restrictive environment. Since they are in one, let's make the best of it. The cluster instruction is not the answer. To: sList@ yahoogroups. comFrom: shirlygilad@ yahoo.comDate: Sun, 13 Sep 2009 07:38:37 -0400Subject: RE: Re: Clusters Clusters are a restrictive environment. They are the extreme opposite to inclusion. IDEA states that children should be in a least restrictive environment. The argument is that in the cluster our kids can receive more intense therapy and services. The reality should be that they get all that they need but in an inclusive setting. Shirly Shirly Gilad BCBA,RN, FNP, MS Behavioral Therapy and then some. Work: Fax: shirlyshirlygilad (DOT) com www.shirlygilad. com From: sList@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:sList @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Nila BenitoSent: Saturday, September 12, 2009 12:00 AMTo: deniseslist@ yahoogroups. comSubject: RE: Re: Clusters The research says that clusters do not result in optimal outcomes for our kids. To: deniseslist@ yahoogroups. comFrom: gary00001msn (DOT) comDate: Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:28:20 -0400Subject: RE: Re: Clusters I once heard a Behaviorist sat that he has never seen a cluster he liked. To: sList@ yahoogroups. comFrom: janvanoyyahoo (DOT) comDate: Fri, 11 Sep 2009 06:33:21 -0700Subject: Re: Re: Clusters Thank You. If anyone has more suggestions they are welcome Jeannette From: mytoothaches2003 <mytoothaches2003@ yahoo.com>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 2:09:42 PMSubject: Re: Clusters --WE CAN GIVE YOU 2 GREAT OPTIONS THAT WORKED FOR US. CHALLENGER ELEM. HAS A GREAT PRE-K PROGRAM MS. BARBARA IS AN ANGEL WITHOUT THE WINGS. THE OTHER OPTION IS SANDPIPER IN SUNRISE WHERE OUR SON NIKOLAS GOES SINCE KINDERGARTEN AND WE ARE VERY HAPPY THERE. GOOD LUCK!- In sList@ yahoogroups. com, jeannette vanoy <janvanoy@.. .> wrote:>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette> Hotmail® is up to 70% faster. Now good news travels really fast. Try it now. The Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. Find out more. Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. Get it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 Lake Forest Elementary ESE Specialist: Kim Lloyd http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/lakeforestelem/ Good luck! Joyce >> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette> Hotmail® is up to 70% faster. Now good news travels really fast. Try it now. The Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. Find out more. Ready for Fall shows? Use Bing to find helpful ratings and reviews on digital tv's. Click here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 A child does not have to be "high functioning", whatever definition that is, to be in a typical classroom. According to the IDEA he/she has to be able to "receive and educational benefit" given the "proper supports and accommodations" There is a misconception out there that children who are disabled must be able to function at or near a typical child's level to be afforded the "right" to be with their typical peers. This is not correct. Unfortunately the schools do not typically do a good job at providing the "specialized education " a child needs in the typical classroom. Fran > > Hi: > A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc. > Thank You, > Jeannette > Hotmail® is up to 70% faster. Now good news travels really fast. Try it now. The Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. Find out more. Ready for Fall shows? Use Bing to find helpful ratings and reviews on digital tv's. Click here. Bing brings you health info from trusted sources. Try it now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 Generalizations are very difficult to use for children with autism. Your statement is not true for my child. Any setting is only as good as the people who are leading it, and the services rendered to the child. is high functioning and has a June birthday. I had him repeat 5th grade to give him some time to gain emotional maturity. In making this decision, we also opted for two to three hours of cluster time so he could be 1:1 with teachers and speech coach. THis was beneficial to his growth. Hilda Re: Clusters --WE CAN GIVE YOU 2 GREAT OPTIONS THAT WORKED FOR US. CHALLENGER ELEM. HAS A GREAT PRE-K PROGRAM MS. BARBARA IS AN ANGEL WITHOUT THE WINGS. THE OTHER OPTION IS SANDPIPER IN SUNRISE WHERE OUR SON NIKOLAS GOES SINCE KINDERGARTEN AND WE ARE VERY HAPPY THERE. GOOD LUCK!- In sList@ yahoogroups. com, jeannette vanoy <janvanoy@.. .> wrote:>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette> Hotmail® is up to 70% faster. Now good news travels really fast. Try it now. The Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. Find out more. Ready for Fall shows? Use Bing to find helpful ratings and reviews on digital tv's. Click here. Bing brings you health info from trusted sources. Try it now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 I would like to see ABA (if needed), academics and social therapies (if needed) in the proportion that the child needs. Therefore a high functionng autistic child's needs would be a lot different than a severely autistic child. I would start with the academic area first. Oh my!! This would require thinking first and then planning and not the other way around! To: sList From: Wamtzem@...Date: Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:40:56 -0400Subject: Re: Clusters To answer this: Should every kid on the spectrum in our schools receive 1 on 1 ABA therapy for their entire school day (most restrictive)?? or should every kid on the spectrum in our schools go into a general education classroom with every other kid in a much larger class all day(least restrictive )?? My opinion has for a long time been, they need both. Half day 1:1 in which to learn requisite skills, and then half day integrated within which to apply skills. Anyone else feel this way? To make them learn in a setting which is not condusive to their learning is insidious, as is not giving them an opportunity to learn from and apply learned skills with typical peers. Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. Get it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 15, 2009 Report Share Posted September 15, 2009 it appears as though those who are writing such posts do not seem to think about those that do work in clusters or have in the past. Do you realize what kind of slap in the face hearing that our HARD work is seen as purely babysitting? if babysitting is all that goes on in your child's classroom, then maybe you can do something; else like home school. If those who spent tens of thousands of dollars on schooling and better educating themselves in order to educate children with Autism are nothing more than babysitters, I that tells me that we have all wasted our time, your child's time, and our hard earned money. Nothing in life is perfect, but trust in the fact that babysitting happens at day care and "grandma's" house, not at school. Be sure when you post things, think about those it concerns and how others may feel when they read them. If you are not fully informed about any situation or curriculum or specifics in the federal and state laws; I would suggest you learn as much as you can before stating false or hurtful accusations.>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette> Hotmail® is up to 70% faster. Now good news travels really fast. Try it now. The Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. Find out more. Ready for Fall shows? Use Bing to find helpful ratings and reviews on digital tv's. Click here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 15, 2009 Report Share Posted September 15, 2009 I would be the last one to say that teachers in a special ed class are mere babysitters. But I'm the first to say that how things are taught could be better. To: sList From: montadoj@...Date: Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:31:59 -0700Subject: RE: Re: Clusters it appears as though those who are writing such posts do not seem to think about those that do work in clusters or have in the past. Do you realize what kind of slap in the face hearing that our HARD work is seen as purely babysitting? if babysitting is all that goes on in your child's classroom, then maybe you can do something; else like home school. If those who spent tens of thousands of dollars on schooling and better educating themselves in order to educate children with Autism are nothing more than babysitters, I that tells me that we have all wasted our time, your child's time, and our hard earned money. Nothing in life is perfect, but trust in the fact that babysitting happens at day care and "grandma's" house, not at school. Be sure when you post things, think about those it concerns and how others may feel when they read them. If you are not fully informed about any situation or curriculum or specifics in the federal and state laws; I would suggest you learn as much as you can before stating false or hurtful accusations.>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette> Hotmail® is up to 70% faster. Now good news travels really fast. Try it now. The Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. Find out more. Ready for Fall shows? Use Bing to find helpful ratings and reviews on digital tv's. Click here. Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. Get it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 15, 2009 Report Share Posted September 15, 2009 thank you Ms Montado- our hard work in the schools is often way undervalued!>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette> Hotmail® is up to 70% faster. Now good news travels really fast. Try it now. The Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. Find out more. Ready for Fall shows? Use Bing to find helpful ratings and reviews on digital tv's. Click here. Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. Get it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 I am very inform and remember... they get paid and need to do their jobThat is not FREE. Are you a cluster teacher? Jeannette To: deniseslist Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 3:48:41 PMSubject: RE: Re: Clusters I would be the last one to say that teachers in a special ed class are mere babysitters. But I'm the first to say that how things are taught could be better. To: sList@ yahoogroups. comFrom: montadojyahoo (DOT) comDate: Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:31:59 -0700Subject: RE: Re: Clusters it appears as though those who are writing such posts do not seem to think about those that do work in clusters or have in the past. Do you realize what kind of slap in the face hearing that our HARD work is seen as purely babysitting? if babysitting is all that goes on in your child's classroom, then maybe you can do something; else like home school. If those who spent tens of thousands of dollars on schooling and better educating themselves in order to educate children with Autism are nothing more than babysitters, I that tells me that we have all wasted our time, your child's time, and our hard earned money. Nothing in life is perfect, but trust in the fact that babysitting happens at day care and "grandma's" house, not at school. Be sure when you post things, think about those it concerns and how others may feel when they read them. If you are not fully informed about any situation or curriculum or specifics in the federal and state laws; I would suggest you learn as much as you can before stating false or hurtful accusations.>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette> Hotmail® is up to 70% faster. Now good news travels really fast. Try it now. The Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. Find out more. Ready for Fall shows? Use Bing to find helpful ratings and reviews on digital tv's. Click here. Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. Get it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 Please make sure that you know "freedom of expression is a right" and specially when I know and others also know from specific experiences. Please do not take it as accusations. That is a fact but does not apply to all clusters or all teachers from clusters.I have also positive experiences, out of 5 clusters only 2 did their job. If you are a cluster teacher and you practice your job with ethics, do not worry about please. I appreciate your understanding Thank You, Jeannette To: sList Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 11:31:59 AMSubject: RE: Re: Clusters it appears as though those who are writing such posts do not seem to think about those that do work in clusters or have in the past. Do you realize what kind of slap in the face hearing that our HARD work is seen as purely babysitting? if babysitting is all that goes on in your child's classroom, then maybe you can do something; else like home school. If those who spent tens of thousands of dollars on schooling and better educating themselves in order to educate children with Autism are nothing more than babysitters, I that tells me that we have all wasted our time, your child's time, and our hard earned money. Nothing in life is perfect, but trust in the fact that babysitting happens at day care and "grandma's" house, not at school. Be sure when you post things, think about those it concerns and how others may feel when they read them. If you are not fully informed about any situation or curriculum or specifics in the federal and state laws; I would suggest you learn as much as you can before stating false or hurtful accusations.>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette> Hotmail® is up to 70% faster. Now good news travels really fast. Try it now. The Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. Find out more. Ready for Fall shows? Use Bing to find helpful ratings and reviews on digital tv's. Click here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 I would really like your input regarding clusters in my article... I hope you'll respond to the request I made earlier.: ) it appears as though those who are writing such posts do not seem to think about those that do work in clusters or have in the past. Do you realize what kind of slap in the face hearing that our HARD work is seen as purely babysitting? if babysitting is all that goes on in your child's classroom, then maybe you can do something; else like home school. If those who spent tens of thousands of dollars on schooling and better educating themselves in order to educate children with Autism are nothing more than babysitters, I that tells me that we have all wasted our time, your child's time, and our hard earned money. Nothing in life is perfect, but trust in the fact that babysitting happens at day care and " grandma's " house, not at school. Be sure when you post things, think about those it concerns and how others may feel when they read them. If you are not fully informed about any situation or curriculum or specifics in the federal and state laws; I would suggest you learn as much as you can before stating false or hurtful accusations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 Teachers might be working hard but it does not mean that the children are receiving what they are entitled to under IDEA. I don't blame the teachers totally. I think it is their supervisors and the school district who do not provide the resources and proper training for these teachers. This makes their job much more difficult and may lend itself to chaos in the classroom.I can sympathize with some of the previous posts-Students in a cluster are supposed to receive the same educational benefit as their typical peers plus specialized and individualized instruction.Can anyone tell me that they do? I have never been to a cluster class that provided this. While levels and rate of progress may be different, cluster students are entitled to the same "amount" of instruction and other activities as their peers. I would actually say they should receive more since most require intensive instruction in order to make significant progress to appropriate grade level.Parents need to realize that education is business. There is always going to be some conflict of interest, especially when it comes to cost. I suggest that parents learn from sources outside the school system and their affiliates what their child is entitled to. Yes, it would be a beautiful thing if we could all sit together and discuss what is best for the child- it would be wonderful if everyone on the team really worked together to do what is best for the child-Unfortunately from my experience and countless other parents once a parent *disagrees* the school becomes adversarial. This typically happens when the parents learns of what their child "should" be receiving. Again- I do not blame the teacher as long as he/she is honest at IEP meetings as to what the child needs.Fran>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette> Hotmail® is up to 70% faster. Now good news travels really fast. Try it now. The Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. Find out more. Ready for Fall shows? Use Bing to find helpful ratings and reviews on digital tv's. Click here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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