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SeptasLate t1_jec9mbw wrote

As the other comment said it depends on the amount of federal funding, which isn't likely for most catholic schools. Unfortunately private schools have a don't have a great reputation when it comes to special education/accommodations.

For students with disabilities you would want to look at Section 504 and IDEA (individuals with disabilities education act). Epilepsy could be covered by either but if I remember correctly field trips would be covered by 504. The school might not be legally required to follow these acts but some strive to.

Does your child have an educational plan or a disability plan that would be an equivalent of an IEP or 504?

Besides contacting diocese these websites might have resources. I'd also check out websites for parents of children with disabilities.

www.ccse-maryland.org ncea.org

If you're having a discussion with the school I would recommend looking up some info on the psychological and social impacts of exclusion

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CRNPandACHPN OP t1_jecbqyb wrote

Good information. The thing is my children are both straight A students without any academic accommodations. Both are active in sports in and outside of the school. There have been zero accommodations. I just do not want a barrier to participation in normal school activities. Just let them on the bus. (Public school bus at that.)

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SeptasLate t1_jechhtl wrote

As you should, all kids deserve those same opportunities with as few barriers as possible.

Is the 1:1 chaperone a school policy or is it something that you agreed to during some type of meeting while discussing their disabilities?

Depending on your experience with the school so far, I would personally have a meeting to see if any accommodations or compromise could be made, if not I would seek advice from a lawyer that specialized in education or special education. This is largely based on growing up with a sibling with a disability and how my parents went about issues like this.

Unfortunately I don't know too much about private schools, but this would be open and shut at a public school.

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CRNPandACHPN OP t1_jecq5z3 wrote

It seems to be a school wide policy. There was never a formal meeting. We are now on the third principle in the 8 years our kids have been there. While it has been a problem all along it is now being aggressively enforced. They demanded a chaperone today for an even held within the same school system. This was literally to attend a play at the high school she will attend in less than a year. I chaperone my own kids at some field trips as well as the child of a friend who is diabetic. I'm a type 1 myself and never had this bullshit growing up. I drafted a letter to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Its in the mail box presently. I may send a copy to the bishop. I am debating the press as well.

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SeptasLate t1_jeg5f9v wrote

Yeah, requiring that for the high school is even more ridiculous. It has to be based on some liability concern. Good luck with getting it changed.

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Aggravating_Foot_528 t1_jeg394u wrote

Private schools don't do 504s or IEPs. Those are public schools only. Private schools can do something similar, but they don't have to because they are private.

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SeptasLate t1_jeg56dm wrote

That's true, I know a few that will do the equivalent but they're not as binding as an iep or 504. I also think it's helpful for parents to be aware of the public school standard just to be more informed for any conversations even if the school can simply say no

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