As a parent to special needs kids one has to be a medical assistant, nurse, insurance administrator, tutor, bookkeeper and appointment keeper. You have to keep on eye on several things relating to said special needs kids; even the things you thought you never would. Letter writing and follow-up and follow, follow, follow-up are essential skills required.

Regarding the following letter: I’ve heard that we parents should no longer worry about a move to a trailer. For the record I’d like to point out that I’m not against classrooms in trailers as a general rule. Some of the best people I know were taught in trailers (I thought it was cool).

Dear Principal,

It has come to my attention that there are plans to move the Interrelated Department to a trailer in the reorganization of classrooms at SCHOOL NAME. I’m disappointed that this was considered at all and is in the process of happening because it seems the students with special needs are not being considered.

It’s no secret that Gage has his share of problems associated with his health and behavior. Gage is in active kidney failure and it will only be worse next year. Because of Gage’s kidney disease, he must take frequent restroom breaks due to the lack of concentration in his urine. As he gets closer to transplant his needs for easy access to a restroom will be more important. Next year he is slated to have a 2 hour morning in the Interrelated room. It is not reasonable to ask Gage and the younger children in the school to travel outside of a trailer and into a building to use the restroom.

And what about Gage’s behavior? Currently it’s a risk sending Gage from the end of the hall three doors down to the Interrelated room alone. What will happen when it is required of him to travel two halls, exit outside, across a breezeway and into a trailer – by himself? It seems to me to be asking for problems to tempt children who are already behaviorally challenged. For them to adhere to making that journey daily and sometimes twice daily – as in Gage’s case – with no problems is unrealistic. I know Gage is not the only child in the school with behavior issues. We need to help all of the children be successful; not add another layer difficulty for them. Don’t they have enough stacked against them? I’m worried for Gage’s safety. And what will the liability be should something terrible happen?

Not only will this change be a hardship for Gage and other students but I imagine the staff. I suspect there will be a need for teachers and paraprofessionals to become chaperones. And doesn’t that then just take away from the student body in the long run? That can’t be good.

Perhaps you know that we have a daughter with the same medical condition and educational needs as Gage who is entering Pre-K in the fall at SCHOOL NAME. It will not be long before she joins her brother at SCHOOL NAME and she will need the same resources from the Interrelated department.

As you depart this year (PERSONAL INFORMATION REMOVED), I implore you to consider the impact of the decisions you are making now, when you will not be here to deal with the effects. I’d be willing to meet with you and others to discuss my concerns in person.

Thank you for your time,

Julia, Gage’s Mom