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Thank you in advance for reading. As the title states, my house hunting is really focused on providing an equitable education for my 5yo moderately autistic son. I have read through the numerous threads on special education on long island, but the suggestions can be conflicting because everyone's situation is different. So please let me tell you about my family and hopefully you can give me more detailed advice.
1. My son is currently enrolled in Blue Feather Elementary School, an ABA-based school, in a 8:1:2 classroom. He has significant delays and is not ready to be in a community school. I had to retain an attorney in order to fight NYC DOE for funding for Blue Feather (a private school) and in-home SEIT services.
2. I am honest about my son's ability, but I am also hopeful. So I am looking for a school district that would be accommodating in continuing the level of services that we are receiving now (ie.: paying for private school and outside related services). I am also looking for a district that is willing to incorporate my son back into the community school when he is ready. And not treat us like 2nd-class citizens.
3. I also have a 2yo neurotypical son, and while I have looked into Great Neck for its great schools, I am worried about competitive districts such as this, would not be suitable for my autistic child.
4. We would like to buy in Nassau, as close to Queens as possible. Being close to the LIRR is a plus too, since my husband work in uptown.
5. Our budget is around 850k for a single family house, 3 bedrooms.
If anyone has suggestion as to what district, which area, or which specific school, please post! TY!
Stay where you are. No district will welcome paying for a private school. Let your child continue in the school you fought so hard to get. Reevaluate the situation in the future when your child will require a less restrictive environment.
I'm just interested in hearing the outcome of fighting for public funds going to private schools in a state like NY.
As far as your son, it sounds like he is going to need special schooling, instead of coming to an open forum I would suggest calling school districts in your perspective areas and discussing special education needs and what they offer.
I believe some of the above comments are hurtful and totally unproductive for what this mom is trying to do which is obtain the best education possible for her children. They are guaranteed this by law, so your opinions have nothing to do with her questions. I was a volunteer for 35 years with disabled children and there but for the grace of God, it could have been you and I hope you would do the same for your child. Off the soapbox now.
On to the questions. My suggestion would be to go backward to back into where your home would be. Check out the schools on LI that specialize in autism. I know a few of them but would rather not comment as I have no idea of where your children would best be served. Google LI autism schools and you will have a few places to start.
Once you vett all the schools out then and find where you think you will best be served, then start looking for a home or at that point, you will at least have the area narrowed down a bit. I can tell you that you will have to have much patience and may even need to repeat the entire process you have already been through for the second child and no doubt the elder one will need to be reevaluated on LI. Here is a good resource for you.
As you are realizing education reviews are as varied as the Autism Spectrum. You posted a sizeable amount that you are willing to pay for a home which gives you a lot of flexibility. If you could identify which communities appeal to you first then speak with the associated school districts directly you can see how they would accommodate your children's education needs. I am aware what the law requires for Special Education and finding a district that will continue "the level of services" that you sued to obtain may be unattainable. That said if you spent less on a home you could choose to pay for a private setting if you feel its better.
Good Luck in finding whats right for you.
Last edited by VA Yankee; 08-31-2014 at 11:24 AM..
I believe some of the above comments are hurtful and totally unproductive for what this mom is trying to do which is obtain the best education possible for her children. They are guaranteed this by law, so your opinions have nothing to do with her questions. I was a volunteer for 35 years with disabled children and there but for the grace of God, it could have been you and I hope you would do the same for your child. Off the soapbox now.
On to the questions. My suggestion would be to go backward to back into where your home would be. Check out the schools on LI that specialize in autism. I know a few of them but would rather not comment as I have no idea of where your children would best be served. Google LI autism schools and you will have a few places to start.
Once you vett all the schools out then and find where you think you will best be served, then start looking for a home or at that point, you will at least have the area narrowed down a bit. I can tell you that you will have to have much patience and may even need to repeat the entire process you have already been through for the second child and no doubt the elder one will need to be reevaluated on LI. Here is a good resource for you.
Nothing hateful about it. The OP was able to obtain an appropriate private school for their child, a feat that is hard to accomplish. Just because NYC DOE approved it doesn't mean a different school district will continue to pay for it.
If the school the child is in is working, why change it? Consistency is key for a child with autism.
If the child's needs change, then reevaluate the situation.
Where is the hate?
Nothing hateful about it. The OP was able to obtain an appropriate private school for their child, a feat that is hard to accomplish. Just because NYC DOE approved it doesn't mean a different school district will continue to pay for it.
If the school the child is in is working, why change it? Consistency is key for a child with autism.
If the child's needs change, then reevaluate the situation.
Where is the hate?
The OP indicated a desire to move, it is not for me to tell her to stay where she, for that is her personal decision and therefore IMO none of my business. I also know that her fight to get a child educated is not uncommon either. Several family and close friends have been down this road.
Do I think the No Child Left Behind law was well thought out? Two answers, the spirit of the law was, however the implementation was not. I believe that every parent needs to do what ever they can on behalf of their kids, special ed, special needs, average, honors, it makes no difference.
Lastly, I said HURTFUL not HATEFUL. Not sure where you were reading, but there is a big difference between the two.
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