Navigating School Absences: What to Do When Your Grandchild Misses 113 Days Due to an Allegedly Mean Interpreter

A school year is typically about 180 days, which means your granddaughter's situation is indeed quite severe. Understanding the context and taking appropriate steps is crucial for ensuring her continued education and well-being.

Understanding the Issue

Firstly, as the guardian, it's important to gather detailed information from your granddaughter. Ask her to provide specific examples of what makes the interpreter 'mean.' This will give you a clearer understanding of the situation and help you address it more effectively. Take detailed notes to keep track of the specifics and provide a clear picture of the problem during any discussions.

Identifying the Type of Interpreter

Clusters the types of interpreters and the services they provide, it's important to clarify whether the interpreter is for American Sign Language (ASL) or another language. Knowing this will help you determine the appropriate steps to take. You may also want to inquire about the agency or office responsible for providing this service and consider whether a meeting with them is necessary.

Key Points: Identify the type of interpreter (ASL, another language, etc.). Determine if the service is provided by a specific agency or office. Consider scheduling a meeting with the interpreter and their supervisor.

Engaging the Interpreter and Their Supervisor

Organizing a meeting with the interpreter and their supervisor is a critical step. It's essential to approach this conversation with a constructive and solution-focused mindset. The goal should be to establish a comfortable learning environment for your granddaughter. Both you and the agency should work together to find a resolution.

Findings from the meeting should include: Clarifying any misunderstandings or miscommunications. Determining if additional training or support is needed for the interpreter. Exploring alternative communication methods or arrangements.

Alternatives and Next Steps

If the situation does not improve, or if the interpreter's behavior continues to be an issue, you may consider finding a new interpreter. This could involve exploring other agencies, training programs, or local professionals who specialize in providing interpreter services for children.

Consider holding a 'Pow Wow' - a meeting where all parties involved can sit down and discuss the issues. This includes the school administration, the current interpreter and their supervisor, and any additional parties who might be affected by the situation. The emotional impact of missing 113 days of school is significant, and such a meeting can help address the underlying issues.

Steps to take during a Pow Wow: Discuss the reasons for the absences. Seek input and suggestions from all parties. Determine a plan of action moving forward.

Lastly, if it seems that the current interpreter is indeed causing distress and not resolving the issues, it may be necessary to consider dumping the translator. This would involve formal notice to the school and possibly seeking alternative services. The ages of your granddaughter and the interpreter will play a role in determining the feasibility and urgency of such a decision.

Conclusion

Handling this situation requires patience, understanding, and proactive communication. By taking the steps outlined above, you can help ensure that your granddaughter remains on track academically and emotionally. If needed, seek further assistance from legal advisors or educational advocates to support the process.