Relocating to California from Michigan (home, move, deal)

[ilushka]

Originally Posted by jaijai

Is the public school system (here or anywhere) your only option?

This is the first question my friend asked, as well. She will get back to me with more details, but this is what I got so far:

"Yup! There are a lot of good programs in this area, I could recommend a few...the question is can they afford private schools or considering only public? Public schools have special ed programs that are trying to accommodate ASD kids, but I can't really promise the quality... their goal is mainstreaming them, and sometimes their real talents get lost in the process."

-- ilya

[.highnlite]

Originally Posted by ddennis669

I grew up in Alpena and I kinda think the Bay area would be a change from the UP eh?

There are plenty of rural districts in California and some very good small town schools you could consider, however it might be difficult to find one that will fit your needs. I teach at a small (900 student) public high school in Taft, CA and we have had autistic students come through our programs. One student was from a smaller rural K-8 district that was the grandson of a school board member and he was a VERY strong advocate for that child's education. I will ask some questions tomorrow and see if I can find a contact in our Guidance or Special Ed Department that may know how well it went in our district and if they now of any strong programs in our part of the state. I admire your determination to do the best for your child.

Off topic, I wonder if you have a moto with sidecar?

[BayAreaHillbilly]

Originally Posted by Leaving the cold

Our country has been hit hard everywhere..Obviously!!Regardless of the economy, some of the best research, therapy programs, and the curriculum that the school's follow for these children have come from CA. This decision is not a rash thought in my brain. It is a matter of weighing the pro's and con's, making a plan of action, and getting the ball rolling. A person can't just move across country and expect everything will fall into place. That is why I am asking for information, to make sure I find the right spot for my family. I could use more info on the areas of certain cities to stay away from if crime is an issue, that sort of thing. Three cities I have been looking at with very good programs are San Jose, Santa Ana, and Richmond. Any of the surrounding communities of these cities would be fine as well.

Realize this is a backward looking analysis. Yes, there WAS good funding for such programs and CA WAS a state with lots of entitlements and programs for those with disabilities. Past tense ... very past tense.

Richmond schools are horrible, San Jose a very mixed bag and Santa Ana mixed and rapidly declining. You have no idea how good you actually have it where you currently are, relatively speaking. MI, in general, has much better schools and these days, better services, than CA. But go ahead and ignore this - at your peril!

[ddennis669]

Originally Posted by .highnlite

Off topic, I wonder if you have a moto with sidecar?

Why yes, and I was going to ask you the same thing.

[ddennis669]

Originally Posted by ddennis669

I will ask some questions tomorrow and see if I can find a contact in our Guidance or Special Ed Department that may know how well it went in our district and if they now of any strong programs in our part of the state.

You may know all of this but here is what I have learned so far. California now has a Supplemental Credential for Special Ed that is offered through most UC and CSU as well as many of the private colleges. In our district ALL Spec-Ed teachers are required to complete it within two years. A number have already done so. The rest are in process. This may be the case at other districts. By 2013 any new teacher earning a Special Ed credential in California will have completed the additional coursework. That should improve the teaching to some degree at every school.

Our Director of Guidance (who oversees our Special Ed placements) was out today but our Psychologist (with decades of Special Ed experience in more than one district) said it would be important to talk with someone at the district level as the specific needs of an autistic child vary so widely that an individual teacher's experience and expertise would be a big factor. Additionally, he added that he has seen situations where what a parent wants and what a professional believes is best, are not the same. That can make it real tough.

He felt the Sacramento districts got out ahead of this a number of years ago, but advised talking to the folks at the district or even the school level to learn what they can really do. Generally he felt that any community with a nearby University is likely to be a good place to find up-to-date, highly qualified teachers.

Sounds like some phone calls to universities with credential programs may be a good starting point, with follow ups to any district offices they may recommend.

[EclecticEars]

Originally Posted by TrueTimbers

Oh so true......

Or...it is the parents, more often than not. Not saying there aren't crappy teachers, but thank God I had/have great parents who have pushed me to go as far as I can.

I would think the wealthier suburban school districts in places like South Marin, Outer East Bay (Bay Area), Peninsula/South Bay (Bay Area), Eastern Ventura County, and South Orange County would have better programs for autistic students. Maybe cities like Berkeley, Davis, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo, also.

[liciawest08]

Where do you live at in Michigan that its snows 9 months out of the year?? I also have an autistic child, he's class is just for special needs children. Only 13 in the class with the teacher a teacher's assistant and aids. He sees a speech therapist, OT, PT, and social worker. The help is endless (within the school). If your looking for a nero doc or a specialist outside the school it takes some research but once you've started there is no end . Utica School District is where my child is. Im soon moving to GA (jobs arent that great here) and Im hoping for the same treatment we've recieved here.

[BayAreaHillbilly]

Originally Posted by EclecticEars

Or...it is the parents, more often than not. Not saying there aren't crappy teachers, but thank God I had/have great parents who have pushed me to go as far as I can.

I would think the wealthier suburban school districts in places like South Marin, Outer East Bay (Bay Area), Peninsula/South Bay (Bay Area), Eastern Ventura County, and South Orange County would have better programs for autistic students. Maybe cities like Berkeley, Davis, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo, also.

Unless the OP already has lots of $$$ and / or lives in some place like Bloomfield Hills, I would imagine sticker shock if not outright fiscal infeasibility would wipe out this type of plan.

[jc76]

San Luis Obispo, if you can find a job, that is. I lived there from Sept 2011-Jan 2012. Great place, but very very hard to find work. Low crime, lots of dogs n parks for them, basically no gangs, its kinda a college town and has a feel almost out of a fairy tale, strange. Seen lots of literature there regarding Autism. May be worth a look. Good luck.

[rml2000]

Do you need help moving and driving vehicles? I moved from Michigan to California with my wife and need to bring my motorcycle. I can drive a tow truck, car with tow, moving truck. Will help with labor and gas. I'm at rml2000@yahoo.com