Testing in the classroom - need legal help in CT!

[Gomod71]

Does anyone know where I can go on line for a list of requirements in CT?

DS started first day back to school from vacation, first day on the pump. I'm pushing for testing in the classroom and nurse is balking it. She wants to check on legal requirements to cover her license.

Especially being new to the pump, he's testing very frequently. I also need him to test right before lunch (obviously), and he comes from recess right to the cafeteria. Now the nurse wants him to miss recess to come upstairs and test. Help?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[Deannas mom]

do you have a 504 plan in place? our 504 states that testing can and will be done anywhere and at anytime. It's her legal right. however we live in Fl so I may not be giving you much help:o

[mamalynn]

Here is a link with recent information. I was researching recently to find out information for MA, since my DD started testing in the classroom here. HTH! http://www.cga.ct.gov/2008/rpt/2008-R-0111.htm

[Gomod71]

Thanks Mamalynn. Sounds like CT law does not necessarily allow testing in the classroom. ARGH!

[mamalynn]

Thanks Mamalynn. Sounds like CT law does not necessarily allow testing in the classroom. ARGH!


Neither does MA, currently. We were able to with new physician's orders and very cooperative nurses.

[CAGrandma]

The fact that he HAS to check just before lunch and the only way he can check under their restrictions means he HAS to miss recess is great. Because that is just the ammunition you need to show why their restrictions are unfair and unworkable. It is just not reasonable or fair for him to miss recess every day. Recess is a good part of a child's school day - they get exercise and the opportunity to socialize. Why would they make him miss that when he can take 2 minutes and test himself?

The fact that CT does not have specific legislation in place does not mean that they can discriminate against a child with diabetes and eliminate his recess for no good reason. Guess that is why the legislation is needed and we need to advocate for it.

[momtojess]

The fact that he HAS to check just before lunch and the only way he can check under their restrictions means he HAS to miss recess is great. Because that is just the ammunition you need to show why their restrictions are unfair and unworkable. It is just not reasonable or fair for him to miss recess every day. Recess is a good part of a child's school day - they get exercise and the opportunity to socialize. Why would they make him miss that when he can take 2 minutes and test himself?

The fact that CT does not have specific legislation in place does not mean that they can discriminate against a child with diabetes and eliminate his recess for no good reason. Guess that is why the legislation is needed and we need to advocate for it.

I would definately fight for in classroom testing. The law doesnt say he cant do it either. OCR strongly recommends in classroom testing. making him miss recess is discrimination. He shouldnt have to miss recess or class time. I wouldnt give up, and fight for it.

[Charmed7]

I always stress "What's best for my child" when I go to a 504 meeting, or make arrangements with the school. So if you feel its best for your child to test in the classroom, then talk to your endo about how to make that happen. Get the teacher on your side too, and really the nurse won't have anything to complain about.

We have in place the teacher checks the number and calls it into the nurse. The nurse keeps a log of sugars every day.

Just try to work with them (you get more bees with honey) and set up a plan that works best for everyone. You just want the best for your kid.

Charmed

[CC'sMom]

Jen, I'm working on the same thing right now. Except I'm in Pennsylvania. We had it written into the 504 draft (by the school) and the school nurse says NO. So the school district is getting their attorney to look in to it. I'm not a happy camper. But there is no way I'm backing down on this. I wish you all the best on this. I know from personal experience how hard and frustrating this can be. But we have to do what's best for our kids. They deal with a lot to begin with....

[Sue too]

I have fought this battle in CT - and won. I will say though that it took from September till April to finally see that it happened. What a long drawn out bunch of nonsense, most of it anyway. All the school policies had to be researched, re-written, approved by the board of ed, etc etc etc. I made weekly calls to the woman responsible for spearheading this usually to find that she's made no progress this week. Turns out that they have "officially" some silly provisions that a special place would be set aside at the back of the room and paper towel to like the counter would be provided. From the beginning my son has done this at his desk and no one bats an eye.
They also only allow those 6th grade and up to self test in the classroom. I didn't fight that battle further as I didn't feel that my younger daughter (under 6th grade at the time) was ready for that responsibility anyway. We are a very fortunate town and have full time nurses in all our schools.
Bureaucracy at its finest.
Funny thing was that I think they would have "approved" a special circumstance for my son in his 504 plan because of the seriousness I was placing on this issue, but I was clear that I would not do this again when my daughter was ready to self test and this needed to be universal!
Please feel free to PM me and I can give you some examples of my "initial artillery" which may help you if you plan to do battle. (my strong letter, ADA documentation, doctors notes, Joslin camp administration, etc) My memory of the whole escapade has faded somewhat, but I know I have my files somewhere.
I am in a suburb of Danbury.

Sue

[Gomod71]

The new school nurse is absolutely wonderful. She is trying to work with me the best she can. She wants to protect her license though, which I understand.

When I spoke to her this morning about testing before lunch in the cafeteria or in the bathroom on the way in to the cafeteria, she indicated that the used test strip would be a problem. I brought up that a stinkin' bandaid has more blood on it.

I have yet to do a 504 plan because I didn't feel it was necessary at this point, but my battle is just beginning. Like I said, the school nurse is willing to do whatever she can, but some of this is out of her hands.

I'm very lucky that Alexander's classroom is located right across the hall from the nurse - at least this year. Next year will be another story.

Our school system is so antiquated, very rural, it's ridiculous. The other 2 children with diabetes have parents that are much more laid back than I apparently. I guess I'm going to lead the way for change.