Looking for public school advice

[momdoll]

My son is in 1st grade and we are pretty positive he has ADHD. He has strong tendencies, my husband has diagnosed ADD, and we start the testing process tomorrow. My husbands parents struggled with the school system for years before he was finally diagnosed around 12 years old. When he started having behavioral and academic issues last year we worked with his teacher and were able to start a 504 plan this year. My son is very bright so I worry that like my husband he is going to be passed along in the public school system without sufficient aid to help him reach his potential. He is in a class of 28 students, 17 of them boys, most of them high energy. There is only an aide for 45 minutes 4 days a week and even though his teacher is awesome I worry that my son (and a lot of students) are not receiving enough attention. I talked to the principal today and he said they don;t have the finding for more aids. I don't think he will qualify for an IEP because he is doing better this year (passing performance). I also don't think they are utilizing what has been outlined in the 504. Does anyone have any suggestions? We are in California, so any advice would be appreciated!

[pwb78]

We contacted a special education advocate. It's expensive, but she's been well worth the added expense. I know she'll be able to advocate for my son assertively because she knows the laws and regulations like the back of her hand. As for saying they don't have the funding, if there's a requirement for it in the 504(c) or an IEP, I think it's a moot point. They have to find a way to make it happen if it is stated as a student NEED.