question about special education in Delaware (Wilmington, Dover: school districts, university, living in) - (DE) - City-Data Forum

DDG103 · 03-03-2009, 07:30 AM

Hello, I am a single mom currently living in NJ,the expense here is killing me and I am considering a move to Delaware,it is still close to my family here in Jersey and closer to my sister in VA.My question is about the schools, I have heard the school system isnt as good and my main concern is my youngest is involved in an early intervention program up here,,at age 3 she went into the school system into an inclusive preschool program where she gets physical, occupational and speech therapies at school...does Delaware have a program like this? Is it available all over or just in more affluent areas? What school districts should I be looking to move to?I also want safe suburban areas.Thank you for your help!

doctorjef · 03-03-2009, 02:31 PM

School districts in DE, as everywhere else, are legally bound by IDEA to offer such services. The quality of special ed services offered by individual school districts is more the question. You really need to investigate individual districts depending on where you are thinking of living. Some regular posters here may be able to give you input, especially as regards Dover and some of the districts in Kent County. I've also seen some previous posts here reflecting on special ed programs in Sussex County. I don't think I've ever seen anyone post in regard to special ed services in the various New Castle County districts. I'm afraid I'm not in a position to have first hand knowledge of DE schools generally.

missyandbrent · 03-03-2009, 06:56 PM

Our daughters needs may be more complicated as she has various developmental problems,a feeding tube,epiliepsy and has autism too but we moved to Delaware from PA specifically for the schools. We are in Sussex county though. Our daughter attends the Sussex Consortium and we could not be happier with the school. Hopefully some else can chime in but I have to say compared to where we came from in PA the difference is night in day.

DDG103 · 03-03-2009, 11:35 PM

Thank You for the info

DDG103 · 03-03-2009, 11:37 PM

MissyandBrent,
My daughter has a genetic disorder called NF1 that can contribute to learning delays,she also had a malignant brain tumor 2 yrs ago underwent resection surgery and extensive chemo etc and has had developemental delays since so your info is very helpful Thank you!

maryCh · 03-04-2009, 04:56 AM

DDG103,

Welcome to the DE forum! Our son has autism, and we moved to DE from NC for the schools. I had seen that the schools in general did not rate well, but we sought information through other channels than the standard "report card" websites. As we learned, those sites don't always reflect what is happening in special education.

As doctorjef mentioned, early intervention services ARE required per IDEA; and as he mentioned, the quality of services can vary from district to district. Our son is 14, and in middle school, so I did not look into the preschool services when researching. Unfortunately, I can't help you much there. I will say, we are VERY happy we made the move; he was being babysat where we came from, not educated. Here, he is actually getting an education... perhaps on a remedial level, but I am fine with that.

I am not familiar with your daughter's condition, but I will say the services you mentioned are NOT just available in the more affluent areas. Granted, you may find a wider selection of schools, and I believe a lot of districts are finding shortages of therapists, but that seems to be changing as well. You should find what she's receiving statewide.

The other major consideration, obviously, is if you work, and if so, availability of employment. Check out the school districts through DE DOE, and search the job sources, and that will get you headed in the right direction. We chose to NOT be upstate; we had come from a fairly rural area in NC and I wanted similar when searching DE. Now, we are just south of Dover and find this area very convenient to live in.

Let me know if I can help you any further, and good luck in your search!

Mary

DDG103 · 03-04-2009, 08:05 AM

thank you for your help too.....I really like southern Delaware but want to stay close enough to PA to get to Childrens hospital without too much of a long drive for appts.,,,employment isnt an issue at this time so its really just about finding a good school district in a safe town in the north I guess.

doctorjef · 03-04-2009, 08:30 AM

I suggest investigating the Red Clay and Brandywine school districts, both suburban Wilmington. You might try to make contact with someone at University of Delaware in special ed instruction in the college of education (or whatever UD titles it) -- they would likely be fairly well informed about special ed services in DE schools, esp. in New Castle County.

luckymommy23 · 03-18-2009, 02:14 PM

Please do not move here. I have two special needs children and I am in the Brandywine school district and my childrens dr have told me to move over the line to the unionville/chaddsford district. Wallingford/Swathmore district is rated in the top 5 in the country. Please I have so many issues here and I am so unhappy. Please think twice before moving to delaware for special education.

debbiekr · 03-20-2009, 06:38 PM

My son has a severe developmental delay, ADHD and general anxiety and is currently in special ed in Kent County, CR school district. He also has what some doctors believe are autistic tendancies. We moved here from MD, which we had many problems with the school system. We lived there for 3 years and my son attended 4 different schools during that time. When we moved to Delaware he was so behind they could not believe it. They tested him, placed him in the appropriate class and he has improved beyond belief. He has been to see every type of doctor imagineable, from behaviorial specialist to developmental. No one was able to give us the advice or help we needed until we moved here. He also receives OT and ST at school. We also have visited CHOP many times from this area. All though the traffic can be bad at certain times, the commute is easy. Our move to Delaware has made a significant difference in my sons happiness, personality, well being, confidence and socializing skills. He is a completely different kid. I only wish we had moved sooner.