Expert: Tim Runner - 8/6/2010

Question
Our 9 year old son will be entering 3rd grade at an Illinois school in approximately 10 days.  We were notified 2 days ago that his Aide of the past 4 years is to be used for other duties.  I have verbally expressed my concern to the Principal, indicating the Aide has autism training, and specific knowledge of my son and his capabilities.  To my knowledge, the newly identified aide has no previous autism training; are there training or credentialing requirements for Teacher's Aide's for children with autism?  We are hoping to find documentation indicating such, therefore allowing his long-term Aide to remain intact.  Thank you in advance.

Answer
Jena,
Unfortunately, there is no licensing or certification required for aides. Each school district has its own requirements, but most seem to involve little more than breathing, lack of criminal record, and willingness to work for low wages. This does not prevent you from expressing your concerns to the school district. I suggest that you write a letter to the head of special education for your district and spell out why you are concerned. In this letter state that you are requesting an IEP to address your concerns. Send a copy of this letter to the principal and to the superintendent of your district. You should also state how pleased you are with the progress your son has made in the past 4 years thanks to the efforts of his aide, teachers, and other support people at the school.

If they refuse to make the old aide available, you should have them tell you what training and experience the new aide has for working with your son and his Autism. This should be done in the IEP and documented in the IEP Notes. You should also make an audio recording of this meeting. Note: you have to notify them in writing at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting that you intend to record it.

I represent many students all over the country that have aides and I have been able to get the districts to train the new aides and even keep good aides with my students. But it is often a fight.

I wish you and your child the best,
Tim Runner, Advocate
Advocates for Kids
Email: timrunner@cox.net
Phone: (949) 582-3601
You can learn more at my web site:
www.special-education-answers.com