acoustics

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the info and suggestions so far on my dilemma regarding the

background noise in my son's preschool. Keep it coming. I'm trying to collect

as much information on the subject in order to be prepared should I need to

defend or support our requests. I went back to 's IEP and I did find a

mention of my concern about the listening environment. It is under a section

called " discussion of Issues. " We're in Virginia. I guess this falls under

" parental concerns " and the LEA representative who was running the meeting wrote

out all the things I was concerned about or asking for in this section, with the

exception of the therapies and special accomodations which have specific places

indicated in the IEP. There are two points that were documented in the concern

or " discussion of issues " section - " Parent requests some type of acoustic

evaluation of 's classroom for next year " (we had the IEP done in May)

Also stated in this section is " Look at the classroom and how the room is set

up. HI teacher will go over accomodations with teacher and address any

concerns. " Now there's no date listed as to when these things should have been

done or how and who. But at least it was mentioned so I've got that on my side.

Shortly after I had that May 12 IEP meeting I started trying to get in touch

with the principal at my son's new school. I wanted to introduce myself and

possibly visit the school and give her the " heads up " on my concerns. I made

several phone calls beginning on May 23 but it turned into phone tag. On May 27

when I couldn't reach her again I typed a letter and dropped it off at the

school office explaining why I was trying to get in touch and what I wanted to

discuss. Interestingly I stated " I would love to get off to a great start next

year and would hate to break up the routine by switching classes at the

beginning of the year. I fear this is what may happen as I try to determine how

long I keep my son in a classroom with poor acoustics.

I finally heard from the principal about a week later. She did spend some time

with me on the phone but a meeting was put off until summer because end of the

year activities were too hectic.

I sent a letter on August 1 reminding the principal of our phone tag in May and

then our brief discussion by phone. I did speak positively of our phone

conversation and thanked her for that. I stated, " Before things get too hectic

with preparations for the new school year I hope you will consider meeting with

me or at least discussing some issues on the phone as far as placement concerns.

My biggest concern for is that he have an appropriate listening environment

that will enable him to have access to all the auditory information presented by

his teacher and peers. It will always be a challenge for to hear in

various environments but if there is a way to make it easier for him, especially

in an educational setting, I believe it is his right to have those things taken

in consideration. " I went on to explain " Although 's services are scheduled

to begin on the first day of school I think it is important to do some planning

and educating before he actually gets in the classroom. Certain things should be

considered when assigning a teacher and the actual physical space of the

classroom. "

I did get a meeting last week (2 business days before school starts) to talk

about and go over his equipment maintenance. The HI itinerant teacher was

there too but she did not present. I had the floor for the hour I spoke in a

casual discussion in the library. The nurse, teacher and her assistant,

principal and speech therapist were there. I put together a beautiful packet of

information for the teacher and staff to review. (i wonder if they've even

cracked it open) Ironically there is an article on classroom acoustics in the

folder I provided.

As we closed the meeting the teacher and principal asked if I wanted to take a

look at the classroom now because they knew I had some concerns about that. I

really felt that some other professional had to make the calls on the acoustics.

I was really depending on the HI itinerant at least to advocate on this issue.

She said at the meeting there that she was going to wait until all the kids were

in the class. I told the teacher, " I really need someone who has an expertise

in this area to evaluate the classroom. I'll see what it's like at the open

house (2 days away) and maybe I'll see some things that will strike me then. "

But again I reiterated that I didn't feel comfortable making technical

suggestions when I don't have that kind of background. Little did I know that

when I finally walked into the classroom I wouldn't need any acoustical

measuring equipment to know that the background noise was unacceptable. I'm

just so sick that this is happening at the last minute. I'm prepared to fight

for what he needs and I believe there may be several solutions. It just kills

me that things weren't in place for the beginning of the year. My son thrives

on routine and I didn't want to have to put him in a class and then change

things around. It is what it is, and we'll do what's necessary.

Do I keep him in the classroom while we're waiting for a solution? Do I suggest

a temporary placement while the problem is being rememdied? I'll keep you all

updated. Thanks for hanging on and reading. I really appreciate your support.

K