Homeschool help!

[aunt lissa]

Ok I'm thinking of home schooling my son for a few reasons and my sister (worm761) says I can get alot of info from you guys. So now I come to you all w/ my problem. I have a daughter already in Public school. The reason I am thinking of home schooling my son is 1. he's got hearing loss in both ears..not complete just certain decibals such as l,m,n,s etc. 2. Due to the hearing loss he's got a speech impairment. I just think he would do better w/ one on one attention. This is such a hard decision to make. I never even considered this w/ my daughter. The other problem is his Father...does he have a choice in the matter? He's over 800 miles away, and all though is very much an active part in his life, he's not here to make every day decisions! Someone please help me!!

 

[RitaZ.]

Melissa, I see that you live in FL. How old is your DS? Is he already in the public school system?

 

[Breezy_Carol]

I am a supporter of public schools but don't want to get into the issue of that vs home school because I don't know much about home schooling.

My main thought is that he should be able to receive free speech therapy in the school, even younger than enrollment age. Have you looked into that?

While he may learn more one on one at home, he will have to learn to live in the real world eventually. I am a physical therapist so I am not unsympathetic to his challenges.

 

[Dan Murphy]

 

[janette]

You'll need to research what your school district / state offers for disability services. Often the public school is where several services are offered that could help your son and they are part of school. Some districts / states allow you to use these services even if your child is homeschooled or in private school but not all do. That might make a big difference. The availablity of speech & other therapists give public schools an advantage.

 

[holycow]

I don't homeschool but being here in Fl. it seems to be the norm...the schools here are really questionable....I too would check in your district and find out what options are available to your DS....homeschooling is a big commitment....I've have several families around here that are doing it and it is hard work...

Good luck to you...

Holycow

 

[jimmytammy]

I am a homeschooler of two children. Both were in PS and we decided to homeschool because of our DS. He had some learning difficulties and the school couldn't adjust the lessons to the learning style that he needed. At the end of 1st grade, he still couldn't read a single word, after one year of homeschooling he was reading level one books and now we are moving on into level 2 and 3. There are the advantages and disadvantages and you have to make decisions that are best for your child and family.

The school was required to provide our son with his speech, occupational therapy and resource services. We had him privately tested as well and the speech therapist after evaluation and discussing with us what we did during our school day and although she would have served him, she said she would be doing the same thing that we were doing one on one at home.

I'll keep you in my prayers as I know that it is not an easy decision and feel free to PM me if you need.
Tammy

 

[dianeschlicht]

There is a lot of information on the internet about homeschooling and associations for such, both state and national. We kept our DD in public school because, here and at that time, they were REQUIRED to provide special services. Sadly, that is not always the case anymore. Is there some way you can do both home schooling AND get the speach and OT help through the schools?

 

[mrsmom]

My dd 9 has hearing loss in her left ear, I too was worried about her not hearing the teachers.and she has speech problems due to her being born with a cleft palete, the school has put up speakers in her rooms and the teachers wear a microphone to speak into so she can hear good, not only does this help her but other children too.She also see the speech therapist at school they are great. As long as you get whats call a I.E.P. the will get anything your child need to learn.and she doesn't get teased at all.It's really hard letting them go but they have to learn to be with others and it really helped my dd.
Good luck in your decision.
Kim

 

[Toby'sFriend]

Another Mom of a Hearing Impaired Child here. We've done both Private and Public schools. Depending on the district where you live, the school can either be a lifesaver or a real hinderance.

Even if you homeschool, your son should still be eligible for Speech Therapy and other Specialized Services through the Public School system. Getting them to provide it however -- well it depends on your district. I once lived in an Elementary District who would only offer my son Therapy in a group with 7 other students and I got so tired of fighting that I found a Private Speech Clinic that my Health Insurance paid for. Our current school district does a wonderful job. I'm afraid however that because of our ever increasing class sizes here, next year I'm going to have to return him to Private School. He just struggles too much in a class of 30 students to learn effectively.

One piece of advice I can give you -- no matter where he goes to school -- Read Read Read with him and Write Write Write. Hearing impaired children tend to lag dramatically in language and vocabulary development which effects Reading Comprehension and their ability to answer questions on Tests and Homework. I am constantly scanning the internet for practice Reading Comprehension exercises and practicing those skills helps him dramatically in school.

 

[sha_lyn]

Some districts / states allow you to use these services even if your child is homeschooled or in private school but not all do.

By federal Law they must provide those services, reguardless of where the child attends school (PS, private or homeschool).

While he may learn more one on one at home, he will have to learn to live in the real world eventually

Oh please... Do you really think the artifical segregation by age, ability and neighborhood that is present in the PS system is the "real world"?


aunt lissa... to answer your questions.

How much say you son's father has really depends on your custody agreement. IF you have full custody and there isn't anything written that states he has a say in education or medical decisions I would say he doesn't have a legal choice at this time.

You didn't mention how old your son is and what if any thearpy he is receiving now. What seems to interest him now? Does he learn from imitation, repetitioin, hands on, visually etc.

With what little info I have I suggest a milder more "hands on" curriculum such as any of the Waldorf inspired curriculums ... golden Beetle, Live Education or Oak Meadow. Their approach is a bit slower than most main stream curriculums. This would give you more time work on the speach problem and adapting to the hearing loss without the stress of trying to "keep up"

 

[Toby'sFriend]

Oh please... Do you really think the artifical segregation by age, ability and neighborhood that is present in the PS system is the "real world"?

Sha_lyn, not everybody who posts on a homeschooling thread is doing so simply to criticize you and your son who couldn't learn in the Public School system.

Children with hearing loss are at great risk for developing Auditory Processing Disorders that put them at a disadvantage for being able to sit in a group -- be it a classroom, church group or simply their baseball team before a game, and listen to and comprehend the directions being given to them. It is a skill that they must constantly practice. They also usually need to be taught Coping Skills - ie I didn't hear or understand what the teacher said but I see that my neighbor is opening his Science book to page 79 so I should also.

Whether you like it or not -- in the "real world" a parent will not always be there to teach us one on one. Eventually these children will have to go to High School, or if not then -- College. They will NEED to be able to function in a traditional classroom at that point. If not then, they will someday have a Career where they will most likely have to sit in meetings and follow the directions of their boss. Homeschooling, whatever advantages it does provide, does not always adequately challenge these children enough in these areas. So in this case Breezy Carol is quite correct when she says that they need to "learn" how to function in the real world.

 

[piratesmate]

I have a couple quick thoughts to share, but please note that these are strictly from my experience & in my opinion. As such, they are not meant to criticize anyone else's opinions or start a debate .... or flame attack. (Can you tell I've read homeschool threads here before? )

By federal Law they must provide those services, reguardless of where the child attends school (PS, private or homeschool).

It may be that it is required, but not all districts will willingly provide the services. It often depends on how much stomach you have for getting into a "fight" with the district.

As long as you get whats call a I.E.P. the will get anything your child need to learn.

Just because an IEP exists doesn't mean that it is written in the best interests of the student - especially if that would mean a cost to the district. IEPs can be notoriously vague & of very little value.

Regarding the legal issues with his father - you may want to consider applying to Homeschool Legal Defense Association. I don't have the link, sorry. [note: that they will not take someone who has already entered into legal problems.]

I homeschooled DS for K, 6-9 & 12. (Long story) I knew people who did little to nothing, provided no socialization...well let's just say I know someone who was an example of all the complaints about homeschooling. BUT I could also name many more parents who provided an outstanding opportunity for their chid/ren at home - kids who are now outstanding adults! It's not easier than sending your child to public school, but definitely worth it IMHO.

 

[aunt lissa]

I'd like to thank all of you for your oppinions and advice. You have given me alot to think about, and alot of it I haven't even considered. DS is now 4 and we haven't started any therapy as of yet. I just recently discovered the hearing loss. Dr's always said he didn't talk well before because he has his older sister to interpret everything for him. So I always took it at that. He doesn't start school until next year but I'm trying to take a look at all my options now. Again thank-you all for your advice!

 

[sha_lyn]

Sha_lyn, not everybody who posts on a homeschooling thread is doing so simply to criticize you and your son who couldn't learn in the Public School system.

Hummm.... I didn't say a word about my son and our homeschooling situation, nor did anyone else until YOU. Why would I think anyone is critizing us? I was just pointing out that PS is not the "real world".

OH BTW if your going to say something about us be sure to get your facts straight, which you did not. Either you do not know the many reasons why we home school or you are trying to mislead the readers of this thread.

.

Whether you like it or not -- in the "real world" a parent will not always be there to teach us one on one.

And like it or not it might be in her son's best interest to be taugh one on one at this time.

 

[RitaZ.]

As I noted before, you live in FL. In our county there is an early intervention program called Child Find. I'm sure there has to be something similar where you live.

Anyway, this program is for children with suspected developmental delays. Sometimes parents are referred to Child Find by their child's pediatrician or a preschool teacher and sometimes parents suspect that 'something" isn't right. Initially you set up an appointment for a screening which includes a hearing test. If any deficiencies are noted during the screening, then the child is referred for further testing through the public school system. It doesn't cost parents anything. Keep in mind that hiring a private speech and language pathologist is costly.

If it's determined that your child has a language and/or speech delay, then he can begin therapy as young as 3 yrs. of age. These classes are very small (5 to 6 kids) and look exactly like a regular preschool classroom, the kids are grouped according to their ability level. The kids do group activites, as well as one on one time with the teacher to work on their specific delay. That's how it is here, I'm not sure it's the same everywhere. IMO, it's a really great program.

Even if you choose to homeschool or if you send your child to private school, your child is still eligible for this service.

If you want to look into this, just contact any elementary school in your area and ask if there is such a program. They will point you in the right direction.

Good luck with your decision. Just check out all the different options available to you and your child.

 

[janette]

lissa, you may want to give the school district a call. Here children with developmental delays start preschool at 3 and with that start speech therapy and other services. Ask about their pre-school program and you may find they already have services to offer. It would also give you a chance to start working with the school and get a better idea of what they will do and how your DS responds to the environment.

edited to add - Rita didn't see your post. Sounds very similiar to what we have here. I have a 2yo great-nephew that is having a little trouble with talking. I've told my neice that if he is still delayed next year do look into the pre-school provided. It is a great benefit for children with even slight delays.

 

[RitaZ.]

Janette, I think that we posted at the same time.

 

[Karel]

I cannot stress the importance of getting your child some help NOW. Find out where you can get him tested - not his hearing but his development levels and get him into a program. The early you start a speech program, the better off he will be.

I don't think it's even a homeschool vs. public issue right now. If you want to homeschool him next year, work it out with the speech program. Next year should take a back seat to what you need to get for him now.

Here where I live, the County Special Services provides help to those under 3 and then the school district kicks in.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

It is completely wonderful that you have discovered the problem now at age 4. I've been there/done that with the Pediatrician and the "Don't Worry Every Child Develops Differently and Einstein Didn't Talk Until He Was 8" thing. I really congratulate you on listening to that inner voice and getting the problem diagnosed.

Our Elementary school here has a full time speech therapist and a full time LD Instructor strictly for the Preschool Crowd. Your school should also be able to provide a Diagnostician who will help in determing whether or not any other developmental problems exist.