Some advice needed, real long! (Philadelphia, Chester: daycare, mobile home, school district)

[SingleAutismmom2]

I've been looking through some of the posts, but figured I'd post to get some more specific information. I'm currently in NY, long Island. I have 2 amazing special needs children. Because they have special needs I can't work right now . So I'm stuck living in my father's basement which is having adverse affects of my little man's health, as well as my sanity.

Sometimes, after the kids are sleeping and I actually have all the daily cleaning done, my boredom leads me to home searching. I used to go on sites that let you design your own floorplan, but man was that depressing! So I started looking here in reality!

For some reason, PA has always seemed interesting. I had been stuck looking near Bradford county, but want to broaden my searching.

I know it seems like moving away from my family while in such a hard situation wouldn't be a good idea, but in reality, sometimes it's twice as stressful always trying to follow others' rules while trying to be a parent. My family is not at all supportive and still feeds my kids foods they're allergic to , and "make fun" of me when my asthmatic needs an ER visit. PA is close enough to "home" that I could have family if needed, but far enough that I could take care of my kids' needs before worrying about getting "in trouble" for their toys being left in the yard.

I'm trying to find mobile homes, but I don't want any type of "trailer." They're cost effective, usually have nice layouts, and would be perfect for a mom and 2 kids. I have no idea how to even begin looking. I obviously don't want a run down crappy area, but I can't afford much more! Because my kids have special needs, schools are a big concern, as well as near-by hospitals and Drs. (I'm getting picky, sorry). I would like a bit country, where my neighboor can't hear the nightly bathtime screaching, or the happy 4am squealing. At the same time, god forbid there is an emergency, I'd like to have neighboors (My mother lived in a great area, but had no neighboors for 1 mile in either direction- that's a little too alone for my taste). Obviously kid friendly is a must. In my school district, certain needs are bussed to other in-district schools. I would like to find something near that alternative type school, but we have to be far enough for bussing (if I could create this neighboorhood, I would in a heartbeat!).

If my kids' needs help- Daughter has Autism and food allergies. Son has PDD-NOS, ADHD, life threatening food allergies, GERD, Asthma, and he's a BOY! LOL.

Does anyone have any ideas of where I can start looking?

My other PA interest was what social services has to offer. In NY, I'm "exempt" from working but keep my minimal cash assistance and food stamps. Exempt means no one will help me look for work (I've tried, but I only have 2.5 hours per day without children). I'm computer literate, can spell just fine, and I'm very anal about grammar. I could easiely work from home, or take work home. My social services will not help me find any work because of my exemption. If I were to not renew my exemption, I would be required to find a 40+ hour job. This of course would damage my kids. Besides damage, what daycare in the world would watch a hyper, aggressive, autistic, asthmatic 4 year old boy with a life threatening food allergy?!?! I sure can't find one. From my understanding of the website information, PA social services would help me figure out how to get on my feet, and not just require me to recertify every 4 months and never have other contact. Aside from that, YOU CAN RECERTIFY ONLINE! How cool!

Any ideas? Thanks for reading!

[SXMGirl]

I don't have very much knowledge of mobile home parks. However, Winterset and Shaffer's in the Boothwyn/Aston area are supposed to be nice. I had thought of Village Green in Media, but I understand that it is only for seniors.

Google mobile home parks in Chester County PA (not Chester, PA), and you should find a variety. Chester County is more rural than Delaware County.

I think that you will find the educational services that you need in both counties. PA generally has very good schools.

[newmarlig]

Originally Posted by SXMGirl

I don't have very much knowledge of mobile home parks. However, Winterset and Shaffer's in the Boothwyn/Aston area are supposed to be nice. I had thought of Village Green in Media, but I understand that it is only for seniors.

Google mobile home parks in Chester County PA (not Chester, PA), and you should find a variety. Chester County is more rural than Delaware County.

I think that you will find the educational services that you need in both counties. PA generally has very good schools.

Those areas will bring you relatively close to Philadelphia hospitals as well. Children's is among the tops in the country. You will also be close to Wilmington and the DuPont Hospital for Children, another top rated institution. Good luck to you.