special needs education, Down syndrome (Bangor, Presque Isle: crime, good schools, university)

[Helen Luecke]

I am considering relocating from Philadelphia, PA to northern Maine. My biggest concern would be that I have a 6 year old with Down Syndrome who would require special needs. I also have a 10 year old and 3 year old. Anyone have info. on schools, most specifically special needs education in Maine? Thanks.

[BacktoNE]

By northern Maine, do you mean Bangor? Or way up around Presque Isle, etc?

Bangor is certainly large enough to have a special ed program in place. Hopefully some of our friends here, who live way WAY up north will be able to give you an idea of what some of those schools offer.

[msina]

Maine Administrators of Services for Children with Disabilities

[Helen Luecke]

Thanks. I'm looking way up, Presque Isle. Anyone with information would sure be appreciated.

[msina]

this is the best info I could find for you
Skyway Special Education. 207-764-3036 • 79 Blake St, Presque Isle,ME 04769

[Bydand]

Another resource to look at is AMHC (Aroostook Mental Health Center) They have a vast amount of information and are very willing to help. Aroostook Mental Health Center - Contact AMHC The main contact number is in Caribou, but they have a LOT going on in Presque Isle.

Just a quick question, What is drawing you way up here to this part of the State? Don't mean to be too forward, but unless it is family, it is rare to have people pick this far up. (I did, but I've never did anything the normal way .)

[Northern Maine Land Man]

My wife is Special Education Director for our region. Maine has an excellent special ed program. Special ed kids are mainstreamed to the extent possible, have aides where necessary and go to the special ed room when that is most productive. We had an autistic kid go through our system. He was highly intelligent, but often unable to follow a schedule. The other kids got him to his classes where he did well and he went on to college with success.

[Helen Luecke]

Thanks everyone for the info. I've never quite done things the normal way either. What has drawn me to that area is I have been looking for the past couple of years for an area better than Philadelphia to raise kids. Day to day life here is too concerning to truly live a happy life. Crime is running wild, murder rate at an all time high, can't let the kids out of site without concern for their safety...the list goes on. Anyway, I received an e-mail for a job in Presque Isle and it seems to be just what I have been looking for as a place for my family, my biggest issue is finding what I need for my son. While on the subject, am I on target? Is this a good place to settle in and raise a family?

[Northern Maine Land Man]

Presque Isle has a branch of the University system. I have no knowledge of the special ed system in their school, but towns with a university usually have very good schools. Parents require it.

[For Sale or Rent]

Originally Posted by Helen Luecke

While on the subject, am I on target? Is this a good place to settle in and raise a family?

I have met a lot of friendly people from "The County" and they love it up there!