Family with a child having autism relocating to NJ (Jersey City: school districts, law)

[mukhers]

Hi All,

This is my first post in this forum. I have searched for similar threads here and I have got some valuable input from other email threads. However I am looking for some more information on the same and that's why this post.

Though I have been to NY earlier on 3 different occasions, I know little about the school systems in the state.

Now shortly I have to relocate myself and my family to NJ for my work. My son has just crossed 5y and he has autism. He was studying in an integrated school in India for last 2 years and had coped up quite well with this school and the other therapies we arranged for him. I am worried about how well my son would be able to cope with this relocation, but I am hoping for good as from web I came to know that NJ has very good special education services. Can you please give me answers to the following questions -

1. Will my son get good school and services around Edison or Jersey City? I will most probably be put up here. Approximately how long will it take before I can get him into a good school and proper services?
2. Can I get an idea about the expenses.
3. From some sites, it seemed to me that my son will be eligible to get proper services and public school and this will be arranged after talking to the responsible school district. Expenses will be given by the district. can someone please validate this understanding?
4. Whom should I contact first after reaching NJ? Will there be a fresh set of evaluation done to my son before he can get into a public school? (I am tired of so many evaluations already)
5. I may be asking very basic questions but that is because all these terminologies like county, school districts etc. are new to me and I am really worried by thinking what would happen if after going to NJ I find myself in a situation when neither any school is ready to take my son nor he is getting any services. Also what if the services are extremely costly and I could not afford that high expenses.

Explanations and pointers would really help me.

Thanks

[nic529]

I don't know anything about the schools in the areas you have mentioned - however - people move to NJ with their children who have Autism because of the schools that specialize with it. Good luck.

[brookdaleresident]

The school district will likely re-evaluate him, but they will also consider prior evaluations. All public schools are required to accommodate children with autism. Some do so better than others. Sorry, I'm not familiar with those towns. All the best.

[HelgaB]

Check out this thread http://www.city-data.com/forum/new-j...ds-please.html
There is a list of some good schools for autistic children. I also know a lady who works specifically with children with autism and ADD. If you are interested, send a direct message to me.

[Union]

Middletown in Monmouth County has a great autistic school within the district. Many schools in NJ send the kids to out of district placements. The reason why Middletown has a high autistic rate is people move into Middletown for the austic school. There is a lot of support groups in the areas and the parents are reat advocates for their kids.
New Jersey Information, Lottery, Jobs, Jersey Shore will have a lot of information that can help you .

[DNJ]

You may also want to check out COSAC. They may have some additional resources. Good luck.

Hi Union!

[Tangled Threads]

I'd take a look at the resources in the towns you're considering moving to.
Here's the links for Jersey City: Home Page
and Edison: Edison education (broken link)

I would also contact SPANNJ. Statewide Parent Advocacy Network, Inc. - serving the families of New Jersey
Someone associated with that organization may be able to give you the best way to proceed in your situation.

Also, check out the NJ Board of Education website so you can understand the laws that govern Special Education in New Jersey. New Jersey Department of Education
Also check out the Wright's Law website for more information Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy

Hope some of this helps.

[mukhers]

Thank you all for replying. Most of the information are really helpful. From the information available over the net and from your reply, it seems that a child has to wait for a period of approximately 90 days till all the school district conducted evaluations are done and his IEP is completed. Can someone please suggest what services/therapies/school a child can attain until all these activites are done? I mean this may not be a problem from a child who has already completed a year in the school district and the IEP related discussions are going on for the second year, but what for a new student?

Thanks again.

[nic529]

The school district you move to will direct you where to go

[Jerseyt719]

You will not have to wait to get any help. There are contingency plans in place where IEP is concerned. Somerset County has excellent schools and they are not afraid to outsource if there is a particular district that when evaluating, they feel they cannot serve your child properly. They will then arrange for transport as well. All on them.
I know that is sometimes very traumatic for an Autistic child, however, they take great care in preparing for and making your child as comfortable as possible with everything.
Good luck. I know you'll be fine.