Parents in St. Thomas Demand More Support for Kids with Autism

Parents of some kindergarten students on the autism spectrum are worried that insufficient educational assistants (EAs) in schools will negatively affect their children, who have high needs and require additional help in the classroom.

“It’s heartbreaking. You’re concerned about your children’s future and that they won’t get the support they need to get an education to thrive in the future,” said Katelyn Andersen, whose four-year-old son with autism attends Locke’s Public School in St. Thomas, Ont., part of the Thames Valley District School Board.

Andersen is among those urging the province to increase funding for special education so that school boards can hire more EAs to meet growing demands.

Her son has level-two support needs, meaning he faces significant challenges with daily activities, including verbal communication and focus. He requires assistance with toileting, dressing, and has a tendency to wander off into traffic or bump into other kids, she explained.

Since November, he had been receiving one-on-one help from an EA, which Andersen noted led to significant improvements in his behavior and social skills. However, last week school officials unexpectedly informed her that the EA would be reassigned after Jan. 23 without any plans for a replacement.

A similar situation affects Nicole Grove, whose son Harrison goes to Pierre Elliott Trudeau French Immersion Public School in St. Thomas and also has level-two needs.

“Basically, we’re just a line in a budget to the Thames Valley School Board.”- Katelyn Andersen

Harrison previously had one full-time EA dedicated to him along with two other children but as of Feb. 2, that arrangement is being cut back; only one EA will now cover half days for the entire school.

“He uses specialized transportation so [the EA] would help him get in and out of the van and keep an eye on him so he doesn’t try to escape from the yard. Losing those supports is going to be tough; I don’t know how he’s going to handle school day-to-day,” said Grove.

School board says staffing adjusted according to needs

Both mothers reported that school officials stated these changes were due to budget constraints. They worry this will lead their children either to regress academically or risk serious injury-either for themselves or others around them.

“Basically, we’re just a line in a budget to the Thames Valley School Board,” said Andersen.

“I honestly don’t foresee how my son can continue on in regular kindergarten. His needs are great enough that he absolutely requires additional support to thrive; without it it’s just a daily struggle until he either injures himself or someone else-and we get called to pick him up.”

The school board provided CBC with a statement saying its “special education department regularly adjusts EA staffing numbers at schools based on dynamic needs throughout Thames Valley,” adding that Lockes was given temporary EA support last November which has since been redirected elsewhere due to changing requirements there.

“There has not been a reduction in EA support across Thames Valley. Our EA staffing levels continue reflecting changing needs across our system,” read their statement.

St. Thomas, Ont., mom Katelyn Andersen says the province needs to increase supports for educational assistants working with children who have special needs. (Isha Bhargava/CBC)

“At the school level, EA support is moved from class to class based on which students present greater need. Principals have autonomy over how EAs are allocated within their schools.”

However, Grove feels that these adjustments fail considering how such changes impact both educators as well as special needs students alongside their peers.

“I just think if EAs are moved around based on needs then how does one class with three special needs kids not need extra support?” she asked.

“Once you pull that support away from them entirely-the whole class suffers because teachers will have no choice but focus more energy onto helping those kids who had previous assistance; all other students lose out too! This isn’t merely affecting three kids.”

The Thames Valley District School Board currently operates under provincial oversight following an investigation regarding financial mismanagement issues-it projected a $10.5 million deficit for its upcoming fiscal year along with another $22 million accumulated deficit deemed unappropriated.

‘Less money while facing greater demands’

This president Mike Thomas indicated-while asserting there’s still consistency regarding total number EAs employed-that student’s requirements have surged significantly yet funding hasn’t matched pace accordingly within Ontario’s educational framework.

“Certainly gaps exist when discussing special education funding here,” claimed Tom.” Less cash means higher demand resulting therefore appears fewer resources available inside classrooms yet reality reflects ever-increasing challenges requiring attention.”

Acknowledging unique circumstances surrounding Thames Valley-now under provincial supervision-is essential he emphasized highlighting ongoing struggles faced related limited budgets impacting overall operations experienced each day ahead moving forward.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his government is funding education at an unprecedented amount and will hire 6,000 teachers and EAs.(David Donnelly/CBC)

This past week during press conference held Queens Park-Premier Doug Ford asserted government commits unprecedented investment toward supporting educational efforts hiring expected six thousand new teaching professionals altogether within system infrastructure operating today!

Please note pair moms residing St. Tomas recommend consulting parents directly before implementing any substantial changes affecting quality services rendered toward young learners needing extra care consistently upon inquiry presented.

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