Special education in Bozeman? (Belgrade: employment, school district, living in)

[BenHart]

Hey there.. I'm a father of three children all under the age of 13, my 11 year old daughter has Aspergers Syndrome and my son will soon be given an IEP himself. Wee currently side in Michigan, but after the first of the year hope to relocate to the Bozeman area.

I've been searching and searching and while I've found numerous resources for autism and autistic related afflictions, however I would love to talk to some other parents about the Bozeman districts SPED department and their experiences in dealing with the school district with their children.

I've tried googling for Bozeman area forums that might be more conducive to Autistic related things but have fallen short on results.

Can anyone here provide any insight into the public schools there in Bozeman or even Belgrade with regards to their special education departments, teachers, etc?

Thanks so much!

[BenHart]

Anyone??

[BenHart]

So the tough questions get no response. Guess I should ask silly things like "Is there high speed internet in Bozeman?"

[jasper12]

I had a daughter on an IEP in Bozeman, found the teachers very knowledgable and respectful.

[historyfan]

http://www.bozeman.k12.mt.us/distric...ce%20Guide.pdf

I just googled Gallatin County Montana special education.

[BenHart]

Thanks Jasper. And historyfan, Yeah I found a few SPED related websites for the county and school district. But nothing compares to parental review.

[jasper12]

I only know the high school, there is just one high school in Bozeman, it is pretty good, kids are mainstreamed, LRE, the more severe kids have a class, and a lot of peer tutors. There is plenty of support.

The problem in Montana, is transition, from high school, not a lot of options.

There is Eagle Mount, Eagle Mount
My daughter volunteers there.

State of Montana Vocational Rehabilitation does a great job, with generous vocational plans, but, Montana does have limited resources for kids who have more severe disabilities. However, most people in Montana are pretty open minded and tolerant, when it comes to employment for people with disabilities, and accept them, and integrate them well into the community. Which is what living in Montana is all about, every one is so nice here.

[BenHart]

Thanks Jasper.. We were extremely lucky I think when moving to Michigan. The teachers and SPED support staff have been downright amazing. I still don't know if the wife will agree a move is worth the risk, but I'm doing all that I can to mitigate that risk and amass all the info I can.

Peer support is a big thing over here and it's been a big help to my daughter so far. I asked the SPED director, Chad..something (can't recall last name ATM) a few things with peer support being in the list and while he offered a phone call he didn't comment on it. I realize IEPs make learning situations different for all kids but he could have eluded a little IMO.

My prospective employers wife volunteers at Eagle Mount, she highly recommended it.

[jasper12]

SPED directors often have no clue what is going on in the classrooms.

Teachers can bring their dogs to work, kids get an hour lunch. It is really laid back. Very nice.

[BenHart]

Dogs and an hour lunch.. in BSD? Wow.

Do you happen to recall the names of any of the peer things for SPED/IEP kids?