Aides

My DD has an aide specifically for her. She had one assigned to her once she started school-she will be going into the 3rd grade this year.
Her aide's responsibilities are: (but not limited to)
*help the teacher to check all a.m. and p.m. snacks in her classroom at the start of the day (if it is not labeled-a safe snack alternative is given)
*wears fanny pack ALL day -unless DD is going to a "special" (PE, music, art, etc) then the aide passes it to the specials teacher.
*periodically and not obvious looks at Madeline for any hives or if she is itching at any part of her body (she is very touch sensitive and will get hives frequently).
*escorts Madeline to anywhere in the school building she needs to go.
*shadows her at lunch and at recess. At lunch she stands at the end of the table that DD is sitting. At recess she gives her space and just watches her from a distance but DD knows she is always there for her.
*Will go with DD to assemblies, special events, field trips (if I am not there) etc and watches her.
Bottom line is that her job 100% of the time is our DD. I know that as she gets older I will have the aide take more of a backseat and not be so on top of her. I have noticed that she is becoming more responsible and will notice and feel the hives before they actually show up and will go to the aide.
The good news is that EVERY year she has just become SO close to her aide. She loves having them around and feels very comfortable with them. (I thinks she actually enjoys having someone to talk to and be with if she is feeling stressed). Her aides have been such an important part of her safety at school. The aide has gotten her quickly to the nurses office when she is having a reaction and they will voluntarily sit with her as she is being treated by the nurse. Our allergist feels that she has gotten worse-to the point that she might skip the hives and go straight into anaphalactic shock when she is exposed to tiny amounts and traces of pn/nuts on common surfaces. She is VERY touch sensitive.
I am not sure how many more years we will need to do the aide-but I know that once she hits middle school it is not possible to have one. I will utilize the aide as long as the school is willing to give it to us.
This is a good question, I am anxious to read what others say and learn from them.
(sorry for such a long post)
Shandra (mom to Madeline and Grant)

wow, shandra. my girls are what i would call "extremely sensitive" to peanut exposure but we've had a much easier time at school. i'm not sure how you do it. i'd worry constantly. (which is why it's so good that you have the aide. i think that's an excellent decision given your child's history of reactions). makes me wonder if i'm doing enough??? we've had a few minor incidents at school over the years (mostly just contact and aerosol reactions that went no further than hives and/or itching) but nothing like what you've described. we've never had to have the epinephrin used at school. also, we do not have aides for either of our two PA daughters and, in fact, no 504 plan in place either. so far, so good but your post does make me wonder if i've done enough.

My son has a one on one aide also. He is 8, going in 4th grade. Her job is basically to stay with him at all times, carry his epi-pens and a walkie talkie so she can contact the nurse. Pretty much the same as Shandra posted, except she goes to specials with him.

Quote:Originally posted by maddiesmom:
[b]
I am not sure how many more years we will need to do the aide-but I know that once she hits middle school it is not possible to have one. [/b]
Who said? My oldest is entering Middle School this fall. Fifth Grade. The building he will be entering is exclusively fifth and sixth grade. It is a public Middle School.
Last year, his aide was both a medical necessity *and* as a educational aide. This year, I am informed there is no real reason he needs an "educational aide". His aide will be designated under a medical necessity.
Although they said a "paraprofessional" is not a requirement for this, (??not sure?? myself what level education such an aide *needs* to have in a school system), the school district only hires paraprofessionals that are capable of functioning as an "educational aide", so moot point......
I'm *think* our state requires "paraprofessional" designation, so it might not be out of the goodness of their hearts that is "only" what they hire, but am not sure. Anyone? Illinois?
Either way, he has an aide this comming year, and *only* by reason of his LTFA and Asthma. Not for "educational" reasons. [i]None, whatsoever.[/i] And he makes the honor roll each quarter. [i]Go Figure[/i]. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img] I never even had him "recovered". [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/cool.gif[/img] We just support him while he grows into who God intends him to be. I watched some week long series on "Autism" today. Morbid curiosity, I guess. Couldn't figure out how some of the "OT" was any different that what we do camping with our children, exploring the outdoors, building crafts, or helping put lego's together, or going through the steps necessary in planning a vacation with them. Fishing. A pottery wheel. Family swims. Helping dad build a stone wall. Letting them curl my hair. Bike rides, (although he *does* have a [i]COOL!![/i] bike). [i] Or[/i] just letting them have their "down" time. Running a little "interference". Sometimes a great deal of it. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/cool.gif[/img] And a good dose of patience and compassion. But hey, *anyone* who has children probably knows this, right? I mean, it's not magic, and I don't feel it is specific to *just my cubs*. I mean, they're not *that* unique at that junction. It's what we do as parents. Don't we?
But I digress. Just that those here who are familiar with the fact my oldest had a one to one aide last year before, during, and after transition to the regular mainstream educational environment, may be aware, he was designated to have one for both an "educational" and "health" reason. He does the same work and attends the same classes as everyone else in the "regular education" environment. There has even been talk of introducing him to some "gifted" programs. Can't even get straight the different "clubs" they want him in after witnessing his outstanding performance in "Drama Club". He's going to be "snare" drum in Band this comming fall. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img] (Big digression, but I am soooooooooo proud and [i]honored[/i] to be his mother.) I'd be honored no matter what. He's just that kind of child. I think they all are.
(this tangent started with me mentioning *he* has an aide, but I just can't end the tangent without mentioning my "middle child". Who was considered "severe" due to his pronounced speech delay and in part to some other pervasive developmental delays. Tics. Peculiarities. That kind of stuff. (First talked the month of his fourth birthday.) For some reason, it just didn't seem to be the great emergency to me that it was to everyone else........I mean, we communicated and got along just [i]fine[/i]. But hey, maybe I'm a bad mommy, you know, missed the boat....
Anywhoo, just have to mention that he too, is [i]flying[/i]. He *did* attend an "Early Childhood" program offered through our local public school district, and a year of "At risk" preschool, (yup, you counted right, *three* years of free preschool at the public school across from my kitchen window...) but was never enrolled in any other "recovery" therapy. (that's not advice, just happenstance)
He attended, I think, 3 private speech therapy sessions, but that was it, (again, no advice) aside from the initial evaluation and the district offerings. Don't even think there was "Early Childhood" when my oldest was born. Or of that age roundabouts. Could be wrong, just don't remember there being any.....
Anywhoo. My "middle child". [i]He has captured the hearts of the entire staff.[/i] I mean, everyone he meets. [i]and he makes *sure* to meet a lot of people.[/i] He's bright, inquisitive, and.....you really have to be on your toes if you're going to keep up with him. So like his father.......
and you can't shut him up. (So *not* like his father, but rather......like myself. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/tongue.gif[/img])
The school won't even *think* of giving him a school age evaluation right now, since he is um.....[i]overachieving[/i]. What can I say? He's joy and a treasure. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img]
But ya. [i]They both stand out[/i]. They were meant to. They always will. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/cool.gif[/img] I mean, [i]it's good[/i].
But back to the subject at hand.
Last year, in fourth grade, there wasn't even *one* negative, comment, reaction, or hinderance, (that I know of) regarding his aide. By students, or staff.
And.......although, the aide was supposed to be a "1:1" aide, frequently, the aide helped out [i]in class[/i] on an "educational" basis. For him and others. Not quite sure how I felt about that, since she was supposed to be a "one to one" aide, (both educationally, and for health reasons) but apparently, it wasn't enough for me to make a *stink* over. .
But back to the subject at hand. It has been decided that this year, his aide will be designated for him [i]only[/i] on the basis of [i]health need[/i]. In fifth grade. But not on the basis of an "educational" need.
The words "owning his allergy" were mentioned, but after consideration of the uncertain flow of the new environment, dramatic change of habit related to it, the "team" decided having an aide would still be a "need" he had, albeit an [i]optional one[/i] if *we* so desired.
We'll see how it works out.
General disclaimer: I am not offering advice in any manner or form. ABSOLUTELY NOT. Just stating the circumstances regarding [b]my own[/b] highly personal, unique, and individual situation. Happenstance. About aides, school, recovery, whatever. Who knows, I might have really deprived my children. Made the wrong choices. It might come back to bite me. Can't tell until it happens. But it is what it is. You know what they say, "You can't change the past." I mean, it went right over my head. You know?
Had to run with it.
But I've always, always, been &^%$ proud of my children.
[This message has been edited by MommaBear (edited August 04, 2006).]

My DD has an aide specifically for her. She had one assigned to her once she started school-she will be going into the 3rd grade this year.
Her aide's responsibilities are: (but not limited to)
*help the teacher to check all a.m. and p.m. snacks in her classroom at the start of the day (if it is not labeled-a safe snack alternative is given)
*wears fanny pack ALL day -unless DD is going to a "special" (PE, music, art, etc) then the aide passes it to the specials teacher.
*periodically and not obvious looks at Madeline for any hives or if she is itching at any part of her body (she is very touch sensitive and will get hives frequently).
*escorts Madeline to anywhere in the school building she needs to go.
*shadows her at lunch and at recess. At lunch she stands at the end of the table that DD is sitting. At recess she gives her space and just watches her from a distance but DD knows she is always there for her.
*Will go with DD to assemblies, special events, field trips (if I am not there) etc and watches her.
Bottom line is that her job 100% of the time is our DD. I know that as she gets older I will have the aide take more of a backseat and not be so on top of her. I have noticed that she is becoming more responsible and will notice and feel the hives before they actually show up and will go to the aide.
The good news is that EVERY year she has just become SO close to her aide. She loves having them around and feels very comfortable with them. (I thinks she actually enjoys having someone to talk to and be with if she is feeling stressed). Her aides have been such an important part of her safety at school. The aide has gotten her quickly to the nurses office when she is having a reaction and they will voluntarily sit with her as she is being treated by the nurse. Our allergist feels that she has gotten worse-to the point that she might skip the hives and go straight into anaphalactic shock when she is exposed to tiny amounts and traces of pn/nuts on common surfaces. She is VERY touch sensitive.
I am not sure how many more years we will need to do the aide-but I know that once she hits middle school it is not possible to have one. I will utilize the aide as long as the school is willing to give it to us.
This is a good question, I am anxious to read what others say and learn from them.
(sorry for such a long post)
Shandra (mom to Madeline and Grant)

wow, shandra. my girls are what i would call "extremely sensitive" to peanut exposure but we've had a much easier time at school. i'm not sure how you do it. i'd worry constantly. (which is why it's so good that you have the aide. i think that's an excellent decision given your child's history of reactions). makes me wonder if i'm doing enough??? we've had a few minor incidents at school over the years (mostly just contact and aerosol reactions that went no further than hives and/or itching) but nothing like what you've described. we've never had to have the epinephrin used at school. also, we do not have aides for either of our two PA daughters and, in fact, no 504 plan in place either. so far, so good but your post does make me wonder if i've done enough.

My son has a one on one aide also. He is 8, going in 4th grade. Her job is basically to stay with him at all times, carry his epi-pens and a walkie talkie so she can contact the nurse. Pretty much the same as Shandra posted, except she goes to specials with him.

Quote:Originally posted by maddiesmom:
[b]
I am not sure how many more years we will need to do the aide-but I know that once she hits middle school it is not possible to have one. [/b]
Who said? My oldest is entering Middle School this fall. Fifth Grade. The building he will be entering is exclusively fifth and sixth grade. It is a public Middle School.
Last year, his aide was both a medical necessity *and* as a educational aide. This year, I am informed there is no real reason he needs an "educational aide". His aide will be designated under a medical necessity.
Although they said a "paraprofessional" is not a requirement for this, (??not sure?? myself what level education such an aide *needs* to have in a school system), the school district only hires paraprofessionals that are capable of functioning as an "educational aide", so moot point......
I'm *think* our state requires "paraprofessional" designation, so it might not be out of the goodness of their hearts that is "only" what they hire, but am not sure. Anyone? Illinois?
Either way, he has an aide this comming year, and *only* by reason of his LTFA and Asthma. Not for "educational" reasons. [i]None, whatsoever.[/i] And he makes the honor roll each quarter. [i]Go Figure[/i]. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img] I never even had him "recovered". [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/cool.gif[/img] We just support him while he grows into who God intends him to be. I watched some week long series on "Autism" today. Morbid curiosity, I guess. Couldn't figure out how some of the "OT" was any different that what we do camping with our children, exploring the outdoors, building crafts, or helping put lego's together, or going through the steps necessary in planning a vacation with them. Fishing. A pottery wheel. Family swims. Helping dad build a stone wall. Letting them curl my hair. Bike rides, (although he *does* have a [i]COOL!![/i] bike). [i] Or[/i] just letting them have their "down" time. Running a little "interference". Sometimes a great deal of it. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/cool.gif[/img] And a good dose of patience and compassion. But hey, *anyone* who has children probably knows this, right? I mean, it's not magic, and I don't feel it is specific to *just my cubs*. I mean, they're not *that* unique at that junction. It's what we do as parents. Don't we?
But I digress. Just that those here who are familiar with the fact my oldest had a one to one aide last year before, during, and after transition to the regular mainstream educational environment, may be aware, he was designated to have one for both an "educational" and "health" reason. He does the same work and attends the same classes as everyone else in the "regular education" environment. There has even been talk of introducing him to some "gifted" programs. Can't even get straight the different "clubs" they want him in after witnessing his outstanding performance in "Drama Club". He's going to be "snare" drum in Band this comming fall. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img] (Big digression, but I am soooooooooo proud and [i]honored[/i] to be his mother.) I'd be honored no matter what. He's just that kind of child. I think they all are.
(this tangent started with me mentioning *he* has an aide, but I just can't end the tangent without mentioning my "middle child". Who was considered "severe" due to his pronounced speech delay and in part to some other pervasive developmental delays. Tics. Peculiarities. That kind of stuff. (First talked the month of his fourth birthday.) For some reason, it just didn't seem to be the great emergency to me that it was to everyone else........I mean, we communicated and got along just [i]fine[/i]. But hey, maybe I'm a bad mommy, you know, missed the boat....
Anywhoo, just have to mention that he too, is [i]flying[/i]. He *did* attend an "Early Childhood" program offered through our local public school district, and a year of "At risk" preschool, (yup, you counted right, *three* years of free preschool at the public school across from my kitchen window...) but was never enrolled in any other "recovery" therapy. (that's not advice, just happenstance)
He attended, I think, 3 private speech therapy sessions, but that was it, (again, no advice) aside from the initial evaluation and the district offerings. Don't even think there was "Early Childhood" when my oldest was born. Or of that age roundabouts. Could be wrong, just don't remember there being any.....
Anywhoo. My "middle child". [i]He has captured the hearts of the entire staff.[/i] I mean, everyone he meets. [i]and he makes *sure* to meet a lot of people.[/i] He's bright, inquisitive, and.....you really have to be on your toes if you're going to keep up with him. So like his father.......
and you can't shut him up. (So *not* like his father, but rather......like myself. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/tongue.gif[/img])
The school won't even *think* of giving him a school age evaluation right now, since he is um.....[i]overachieving[/i]. What can I say? He's joy and a treasure. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img]
But ya. [i]They both stand out[/i]. They were meant to. They always will. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/cool.gif[/img] I mean, [i]it's good[/i].
But back to the subject at hand.
Last year, in fourth grade, there wasn't even *one* negative, comment, reaction, or hinderance, (that I know of) regarding his aide. By students, or staff.
And.......although, the aide was supposed to be a "1:1" aide, frequently, the aide helped out [i]in class[/i] on an "educational" basis. For him and others. Not quite sure how I felt about that, since she was supposed to be a "one to one" aide, (both educationally, and for health reasons) but apparently, it wasn't enough for me to make a *stink* over. .
But back to the subject at hand. It has been decided that this year, his aide will be designated for him [i]only[/i] on the basis of [i]health need[/i]. In fifth grade. But not on the basis of an "educational" need.
The words "owning his allergy" were mentioned, but after consideration of the uncertain flow of the new environment, dramatic change of habit related to it, the "team" decided having an aide would still be a "need" he had, albeit an [i]optional one[/i] if *we* so desired.
We'll see how it works out.
General disclaimer: I am not offering advice in any manner or form. ABSOLUTELY NOT. Just stating the circumstances regarding [b]my own[/b] highly personal, unique, and individual situation. Happenstance. About aides, school, recovery, whatever. Who knows, I might have really deprived my children. Made the wrong choices. It might come back to bite me. Can't tell until it happens. But it is what it is. You know what they say, "You can't change the past." I mean, it went right over my head. You know?
Had to run with it.
But I've always, always, been &^%$ proud of my children.
[This message has been edited by MommaBear (edited August 04, 2006).]