BR Being Passed Around

[alabasterangel]

Every.single.person I talk to about Little A agrees something needs to be done to get him into the school system early and encourages me to pursue that. But every.single.person also says that it's not in their job/area/whatever and then passes me to someone else who they think might be able to help and then they all make the same recommendation of things to do (that we already do) and organizations to contact (that I've already contacted). It's a giant freaking mess to accomplish anything within a school district for a gifted child.

I hate feeling the need to be an advocate and trying to plan ahead on days like this.

[alabasterangel]

And yes.. I understand it is a 'good problem to have'. That does not make it any less frustrating.

[lizo11]

That definitely sounds like a huge PITA! I know you have probably already tried this, but do the middle and high schools have a GT program? Maybe you could talk to them, and see if they have any recs for where to begin now with him.

Other than that, I don't have much, and I hope you figure something out soon.

[alabasterangel]

I've been in contact with the school TAG Director (she's the only one for the entire school district) but she doesn't have any authority to admit a child younger than their normal guidelines and typically doesn't start working with children until they are closer to middle school aged. So of course she referred me to multiple other people I've already talked to or who can't help with a child this young, or have nothing to do with the school district.. and it's just a giant circle of completely useless people.

[sapphire bou]

I'm sorry your kid is so smart!

I know this isn't what you want to hear, but if you can't get him in early, it could be a matter of him starting school when the state says he should and then hoping that his teachers see his intelligence and bump him up once he's already in school.

I hope the best for Little A and I really admire how much you work with your kids to help them develop.

[MissusTexas]

That has got to be frustrating... have you contacted people at a higher level, like state or a big city? They might be better able to direct you to the people who can help.

[alabasterangel]

I've been in contact with several people in several different AEA offices up to two hours away. The latest one referred me to a Preschool Consultant that *may* be able to help point me in the right direction (they always say that) but it isn't super helpful in the goal of getting something set up for the school year.. since she is out of the office until August.

[darkling_glory]

I wonder if contacting someone at a private or prep school would help? And you've probably already thought of it, but maybe there is a chat room for parents of super smart kids that might have some advice?

Good luck, ala. I hope you can figure this out!

[alabasterangel]

No help from the private area either. They have the same age guidelines, etc etc. I've tried talking to other parents who are equally frustrated. We've generally been told to start homeschooling and try to mainstream later for socialization purposes. Not ideal. It's basically what we're doing already.

I hate to be 'that mom' but I think I'm to the point of contacting the principal of the school directly and flat out saying "This is what needs to happen. How do we make it happen?" and go from there.

[darkling_glory]

Yes! Do that! Or the superintendent's office maybe?

[niche]

I'm trying to figure out what exactly you want to happen?

[alabasterangel]

The pediatrician and childhood psych lady both recommended enrolling him in preschool or kindergarten this fall. So far everyone we have talked to has agreed that would be best for him and that he is capable, but they din't personally have the ability to make it happen.. And they don't know who does.

[darkling_glory]

To bad you can't just fudge his birth certificate.

[nearmiss]

That's got to be extremely frustrating getting the run-around about this. I would contact the Principal and let her know your struggles. Also, write to a local politician and let them know how little resources there are for gifted children. Fight for your cause, there should be systems in place for advanced children. Good luck!

[mayflowers22]

Sounds really frustrating! I hope you get something figured out soon.

[alabasterangel]

Jun 22, 2012 14:11:08 GMT -5 darkling_glory said:

To bad you can't just fudge his birth certificate.

If I tried to pass him off as a five year old with a speech impediment we could get some shit accomplished.

[Deleted]

I think it sucks that it's so difficult to find a program for him. I'm annoyed for you.