My son Noah is in a new school this year due to the program moving. Last year, it was in a brand new school with a nice clean, big room, with a nice big bathroom. This year, an old school, no bathroom, and the room is shared with a pre K class divided by a few book cases and the school wont take all the extra junk out, they say they dont have storage so it will have to stay. Plus, no door, which is my main worry because Noah is a runner and he will run right out when he feels like it. I didnt like what I saw last Friday at parents day to come visit.

I did call Monday before school and spoke with the person in charge of the ppcd (pre school program for children with disabilities) program in the district, I tell her how I didnt like what I saw on Friday, and that I felt my child and kids like him and the ppcd program must be on the bottom of their list and feel that they are not valued, why would they move them from a perfect school to this ugly place and tell her what I didnt like about it. She says she is sorry for the storage problem and she is working on it. Never did say what will be done about the no door problem. I did tell her I plan on going with an open mind and take a second look. She says, the shared room is hard to get used to but that it was good for the kids and teachers. I think it would bother Noah and he will want to go on the other side to see whats going on, and I dont want him to be labled a bad kid. He does do most of his day with the pre K class on the other side of his ppcd class.

I am going to try it out and see how it is for Noah. But, I fear him running out of the place with no door. If this is not a safe place for him, I know it is his right to go to another school that is safe for him, if one is not near by, then I may just keep him home this year.

By they way, he never made it to class on Monday due to a diaper blow out in the hall and I have kept him home since, he is on antibiotics till Sat. for an ear infection, so looks like he wont even go to school till Monday for fear of him having blow outs.

Has anyone had their kids in an open concept school and did they do well? What about no doors? Sorry for the ramble.

Well... I am sorry the class sounds so yucky to you. I'd keep one eye on them and I'd also suggest you put all concerns and requests in writing. They can't tell you "they can't due to money" or anything like that... it's based on your son's needs... so if this class is unsafe or he may run off... maybe more aides in the class, a 1:1 aide... better classroom structure, ect..is more then appropriate for you to request... but I'd say do it in writing so if they say NO.. they have to do it in writing and tell you why they can't.

good luck!!!

A.

Thanks for your advice. Noah was not able to even go to school this week. He still has diarrhea and one more day for his antibitics. I look forward to seeing what was done to the class room when Noah finally does get to school. Thanks again.