Follow up on Service Dogs in School

We are finding that over the last few months, our needs for Matthew are changing. I suppose that is true for all children as they get older and more responsible. At the beginning of this journey, one driving factor for a service dog was to have Diego accompany Matthew to school. This would allow Matthew to stay safe during recess (no escaping), better focus in the classroom, easier to physically handle for the teachers if he has a tantrum and weighs 50 pounds+, bridge the barriers for making friends, etc.
Matthew has changed so much in the last few months and we are taking a closer look at whether Diego needs to go to school with him. If he does, here are a few of the protocols created directly by our school district that would need to be followed by us and by the school to get the process under way:

Our responsibilities

• Provide medical documentation to the Principal of Matthew's disability
• Provide documentation about Diego's service test and abilities to be safe at the school
• Provide yearly updated health records, license and registration for Diego
• Meet with District building staff  to arrange Diego's care

Our Principal's Responsibilities

• She must obtain all of the proper documentation listed above
• She must send out 4 types of letters to the school community informing them that Diego will be on campus, on the bus, and in the classroom. This letter will allow for response from parent addressing concerns about safety and/or allergies.
• A conference is held with us, Matthew and the staff. This will address Diego's care, toileting, breaks, etc., training of the staff member, training of the school community (ie. kids and teachers)
• Finally, arranging transportation (bus service)
• After all of the documentation is received from us, we can begin the next process.
• School community letters are sent out to EVERYONE involved with the school
• Receive input from the school community
• Consult with a District coordinator to see if Matthew's IEP needs to be adjusted. (Diego can be written into Matthew's IEP)
• Talk with the Director of Transportation
• After all of this, a GIANT meeting involving the district's Superintendent will be held to discuss everything from the handling of Diego and his "needs", areas to properly toilet him, WHO will do the handling (not required to be provided by the school), seating arrangements in class and the lunch room, allergy issues from any community feedback, how Diego would ride on the bus, arranging for Diego to get acquainted with the school, discuss rules of conduct, develop a time-table for this process to begin, revise emergency procedures for the school to include Diego, post signs on the entry doors alerting everyone to the presence of a service dog on campus.

Transportation Responsibilities

• Driver needs documentation about Diego
• Provide basic training to the other passengers (most are special needs at this time)
• Make sure Diego remains seated during the drive
• Provide additional staff from Diego during transportation (school is not responsible to provide staff) 
• Alert other service dog handlers of Diego's presence
• Insure proper signage around the bus

Now breathe. (Inhale through nose, exhale through mouth).

So, if you made it through all of that, you have realized that this is possible, but very time consuming and a huge ordeal for the Principal and transportation department. Not just us. You may also have noticed a few bold words throughout the list...Summary...more money on our part to hire someone to accompany Diego and Matthew to school and be responsible for Diego's care (Matthew can't do these things yet).
A lot to take in and think about.
To be continued regarding our ultimate choice to have Diego go to school with Matthew.