Husband transferring to Concord Township (Cleveland, Euclid: health insurance, homes, buying)

[Born 1970]

Hi,
My husband is taking a job that is located in Concord Township, OH. We'll be moving in January. We have a 4 year old, 2.5 year old, and 1 on its way. I've read many posts about Mentor & Painesville Township. My most important concern is schools. My oldest has special needs and I know he may not be able to go to private schools. Do you have any recommendations or information about Mentor or Painesville Township elementary schools? I believe in quality education. How are the people like? Are homes affordable?

Since I'll be having my 3rd child up there, how are the hospitals & doctors around this area? If you feel another city is better, please let me know!

[HAS]

Hello, I'm glad to hear you're coming to Lake County!

Well, first of all, do you mind me asking what kinds of needs your oldest has? The reason I ask is because there are certain schools for children like this around here. I have a cousin with autism who attends a special needs school in Kirtland. He was also enrolled at a school called Broadmoor when he was younger. Depending on the needs of the child, he/she can either choose a school like this (both of which are very good) or enroll in special needs programs at the local elementary schools. I know that Painesville Township schools have great special needs programs, and I assume Mentor does as well.


As far as homes, I would check out both areas. You'll most likely find better deals in the Painesville Township area, but you may want to check things in Mentor out as well. Both are very nice areas with lots of families.

Hospitals: Here in Painesville we have Lake East Hospital. There is a Lake West Hospital somewhere around here too, but I can't exactly remember where... . I was born at Lake East, but by the time my mother had my three younger sisters (which wasn't too long ago...they are considerably younger), our health insurance had switched and she had them at University Hospitals in Cleveland. Both hospital systems are good. Of course University is more well-known and a much larger corporation, but both are very good. I know a couple of the nurses who work in labor/delivery at Lake East, actually, so I can assure you that you would be in good hands!

Anyways, I hope that helps a little. If you have anymore questions, feel free to ask away!

[Born 1970]

He had a prenatal stroke which affected his right side of his body. Later on, we noticed it affected his speech also. Right now the doctors have categorized him under cerebral palsy since he did have damage to his brain. At first, you wouldn't be able to tell that there's anything wrong since he walks great (help of physical therapy,) but it shows when the fine motor skills are at work.

Thanks for the information. I want him to take advantage of all the resources we can find up there. Our next step is getting OH's medicaid. It took 5 months to get it for him in SC.

[pvillebudz]

Most of the school districs in the area are top-notch, with many special programs. Mentor and Painesville Township school districts are great large districs, along with the Willoughby-Eastlake school district. Great smaller districs include Kirtland and Perry, all are relatively close to Concord Township.

In regards to places to live, Concord Township itself is very nice if you prefer to not be in the city but close to it. The township is split amongst the Mentor & Painesville Twp. school districts, so good schools all around. Mentor is the largest city in Lake County, thus the largest variety of housing, shopping, & entertainment. Housing is affordable just about everywhere, and its definitely a buyer's market in the area so you'll be in a good position.

[ryan028]

Hello, I am so glad you are coming to Lake County! As a citizen of Concord Township I can give you more info. On the subject of schools I would say your best bet is the Painesville Township School System (now the Riverside School System) Mentor is good, but it is one of the largest schools in the state. Next on the subject of hospitals. Like said before there is LakeEast and LakeWest. But in April 2007 Lake Hospital System will brake ground on a new state-of-the-art smart hospital in Concord's downtown (in the I-90/R-44 interchange area) Also University Hospitals has bought land in Concord for there new medical campus. Concord is growing very quickly. A lot of new businesses are coming in and people are buying homes in Concord. Concord is the fastest growing city in Lake County. Concord as of now has a pop of over 20,000 people.

[leroymom]

Hi I am assuming you have already made your move and are settling in now. Hope things are well.

[luckymomma]

Regardless of where you end up in Lake County, I highly recommend that you contact Broadmoor school to learn about their programs. Broadmoor is Lake County's awesome MR/DD school that offers services from early intervention on up. My oldest has special needs and attended programs there from just months after birth through preschool and I can't say enough positive things about the programs, teachers, and specialists there. Transportation is available from anywhere in Lake County, the school itself is located in Mentor but is not part of the Mentor district.

Most districts in the area also have special needs programs as well, I know Painesville Twp. has a special needs preschool and classes and services at every level.

If you haven't found a great doctor yet, call Dr. Rao today, he works out of Meridia Hillcrest in Mayfield (20-25 minute drive) and is WELL worth the few extra minutes, there can't possibly be a nicer ob/gyn on earth.

Good luck!

[headstand]

I hope that you are moved and all is going O.K. I have 3 children thriving in Painville township district (one not yet in school), but know that all districts have their ups and their downs. Don't hesitate to keep asking questions in order to get your needs met. Painesville twsp has a good preschool for special needs and I know personally some of their special needs teachers and they are caring and wonderful people.
Check out the YMCA's. They have great programs for kids and will work with you if costs are a issue. It's a great way to meet people. MOPS (mothers of Preschoolers) is a great network. There is one that meets at Mentor United Methodist Church. I'm sure you've found a Dr., I had my last of 4 at Geauga Hos. (University) and was treated great. My Dr. was Dr. Ahuja and he is/was wonderfully kind and his staff is top notch.
Hang in there

[chopedia]

Consider Hershey Montessori school in Concord for kids without special needs, Broadmoor School in Mentor for kids with, and Dr. Senders Pediatrics for general pediatrics. Dr. Senders is in South Euclid but WELL worth the drive. Dr. Senders and Associates Go somehere else first-then go there. University Hospitals (Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital) is unmatched for pediatrics and kids with special needs. Unmatched.

Painesville Township schools have a good "report card" but are over populated. Consider Perry Township.
Best of Luck!

[sarahmbaggott]

We just moved to Concord Township and I am looking for a church based or private preschool for my 3 year old to attend this fall. I have heard of Hershey and we are looking into it but I am looking for other suggestions. Any suggestions?

Thanks!