SOS: Your Personal Guide to the World of Public and Special Education (Paperback or Softback)

Whether it is your first or fourth staffing for the purpose of enlisting your child into special education, it can be a dreaded event. You, the parent, are introduced to anywhere from five to seven school "specialists," handed a lengthy, typed form that represents you and your child's rights. The staffing begins. You are not given the time to read them nor are your rights explained to your understanding. They are set aside to review at your convenience, i.e., once you leave the building and you are possibly in shock. It is not the intent to intimidate, silence and/or frighten you. It is just the nature of the Beast.

Pamela was student teaching second grade when her son was born; 1981. She and her husband opted for her to be a "stay at home" Mother as she had learned these are the formative years. As a parent she was hurled into the world of Special Education. This began when her son was staffed into "speech classes." Her child was in kindergarten with no front teeth. In second grade he wrote a story, winning an award from the school. By fourth grade her child was exhibiting behaviors which terrified his family. He made suicidal gestures. It was at this point Pamela was referred by a member of the school board to a child advocate in special education. This changed their lives and the lives for children of this nation. Reform laws were signed into I.D.E.A. by President Clinton in 1996 as a direct result of this case. This child had been locked in a 5x3 dark padded closet for hours on end while he was in school, unbeknownst to his family, of course. Pamela continued her education and training. She retired as a paralegal, legal advocate, tribal advocate, behavior and crisis specialist with a, B.A., followed by M.S.W. Her favorite position was with Crisis. Depending on the dispatch, she and her partner were often sent out to the schools for children exhibiting issues with depression, suicide, and other behaviors. She would first, meet with the child, secondly, the school followed by the family at home. The call was not over until everyone was safe. Literally. Upon medical retirement she wrote this book to continue providing help to the children and their families.