Starting work Tuesday
@GardenGerty (157485)
United States
August 29, 2016 9:22pm CST
I described my activity today as somewhat of an interview. In all actuality it was more of an observation of a student and his teacher. The person who had been hired into this position was not familiar with these behaviors and found it too overwhelming when matched up with her homelife, so she left with no notice.
I do not have an actual contract and have not been approved by the school board, but I have a wage and weekly hours. I told them I would start tomorrow. I have changed all but one thing on my immediate calendar, so it is not a problem.
I filled out a lot of paperwork today. I will get a TB skin test tomorrow, probably, as well as do my banking paperwork. I will begin to get acquainted with the whole classroom and that is a good thing.
What I like is that I see this teacher implementing many of the same sensory approaches in her room that I learned to use in other settings. It is nice to see that her philosophy is one I am comfortable with. I am excited to get to work.
13 people like this
13 responses
@GardenGerty (157485)
• United States
30 Aug 16
Either you have to have the skin test or xrays when you start jobs in the schools, nursing homes, and hospitals for sure. I think perhaps also to work in food service.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (157485)
• United States
5 Sep 16
@JudyEv Oh they will also check my "criminal back ground" to make sure I did not abuse, neglect or exploit any vulnerable person.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325345)
• Rockingham, Australia
31 Aug 16
I've never heard of this either. Here you have to have a 'working with children' certificate even if you don't come in contact with any students. I need one to volunteer in the archive department at a school near here. I haven't heard of needing any particular medical clearances.
2 people like this
@Jessicalynnt (50525)
• Centralia, Missouri
30 Aug 16
the family got you prepped with triggers and calming techniques that work?
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157485)
• United States
30 Aug 16
No, we are fortunate the family communicates at all, I believe. He is one of four children I will work with, but he requires the most intense monitoring due to other health issues and the fact that he has tended to run the whole show. He is mostly non verbal, but learning.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157485)
• United States
5 Sep 16
@Jessicalynnt Actually those have to be written into the IEP by occupational therapy. We do have times and situations that a weighted vest or a weighted collar(like a decorative shawl collar, not dog collar) are used. Interventions have to be functional as well.
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50525)
• Centralia, Missouri
31 Aug 16
@GardenGerty the autistic ones tend to run the show, at least in that everything has to work around their hangups. I know the fits are messy, but I also think that small changes could be affected over time with work. Weighted blankets and such also help
@celticeagle (158680)
• Boise, Idaho
30 Aug 16
It sounds like a nice situation. Good when the ones you will be working with are on the same page.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157485)
• United States
30 Aug 16
Yes, actually the teacher is glad to have someone with some experience.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (158680)
• Boise, Idaho
30 Aug 16
@GardenGerty ......That will be nice. Sounds like a nice situation to be in. And, you get paid for it.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157485)
• United States
30 Aug 16
It will be a lot of work and activity but it is good for me.
1 person likes this
@simone10 (54189)
• Louisville, Kentucky
31 Aug 16
@GardenGerty I hope you enjoy it and can't wait to hear more about how you like it as time goes on.
@GardenGerty (157485)
• United States
30 Aug 16
We actually rotate among the students on a weekly basis so that all paras will know how to work with all the students and so that there is less burn out.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325345)
• Rockingham, Australia
31 Aug 16
@GardenGerty Another good idea. And if someone has to be absent, it would be easier to cover for them.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157485)
• United States
5 Sep 16
Thank you. It will help me not let my mind turn to mush.
1 person likes this
@RubyHawk (99425)
• Atlanta, Georgia
6 Sep 16
@GardenGerty We do need something to keep our brains functioning. 
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157485)
• United States
30 Aug 16
Yes. I am only slightly older than she is, and I have told her that I will at least try to stick around until she retires.
@marguicha (215177)
• Chile
18 Sep 16
I guess this is the post I missed about your going back to work. I hope you like it
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157485)
• United States
19 Sep 16
I do like it. It is challenging, much like your grandson Diego, but I feel useful and needed and appreciated.
@sueznewz2 (10409)
• Alicante, Spain
31 Aug 16
I hope you enjoy it ... and its nice that she is using some of the same approaches that you are familiar with...
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157485)
• United States
5 Sep 16
It made me comfortable immediately.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157485)
• United States
12 Sep 16
It is always interesting to see what we can learn that is new and different, even as we grow older.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157485)
• United States
30 Aug 16
Yes, I finally found myself ready to go back to work.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157485)
• United States
30 Aug 16
I think I am happy for me too. I am pretty tired right now, though.
