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Just a 'current events" update to those weighing in on special education services in the Syracuse area prior to relocation.
City Schools
Syracuse City School District's lone Autism Services Coordinator, Annegret Schubert, has retired, effective June 2018. She was an invaluable resource parents and teachers, and one of the few willing to push to ensure students in need of technology to facilitate communication were properly assessed and accommodated. She was with SCSD for many, many years. At this time, there has been no indication given as to when or with whom the district intends to fill the vacancy, or how the change will impact existing policies, programs and resources offered going forward.
Another head's up - SCSD is still utilizing a 'School Choice' system of assignment. Essentially, it means that even if you purchase a home or rent within your desired school's boundaries, there is no guarantee that your child will be assigned to their neighborhood school. This is especially significant with regard to children needing self-contained classroom placement, as many of the elementary schools do not presently offer them.
Despite facing tighter budgets and considerably greater socioeconomic strains than its counterparts in suburban districts, SCSD continues to have a stable core of wonderful and dedicated special education teachers and therapeutic service providers. That said - many parents report feeling that the warmth and transparency stops at the doors of the district's Office of Special Education, where getting an appropriate IEP can often be a battle based more on red tape and bottom lines than a student's actual needs.
Suburban Districts
Of the Syracuse metro-area districts, East Syracuse-Minoa and Jamesville-Dewitt districts continue to have the lowest number of complaints filed with the state in regards to special education services. Fayetteville-Manlius cites improvements in response to complaints filed in the past 3 yrs, but per many parents of children receiving services, the changes have been mostly cosmetic and anecdotal, with little in the way of actual implementation. Baldwinsville and West Genesee school districts also continue to earn high marks with parents of special needs children.
Recreational Opportunities
Lots of new and continued offerings in the way of supported recreation and services for children with Autism.
The East Syracuse-Minoa sports leagues offer inclusive options for all of their team sports.
Additionally, many of the area YMCA's offer YKids- a program that provides one-on-one support for children participating in their camps, sports and respite offerings
Syracuse University Department of Sports Science is holding several studies specifically geared to helping children with developmental or physical disabilities increase their enjoyment of and access to recreational play. Participant receive hands-on coaching, adaptive equipment and instruction for parents and caregivers on how to keep the progress going at home.
Special Olympics of Central New York continues to offer a wide array of events and sports participation opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities
Many of the area summer camps now have inclusive options - including theater, dance, puppetry and cycling camps, as well as traditional nature camps
MyGym franchises in the Syracuse area are now offering sensory-support based classes for children with sensory processing issues
Area movie theaters and children's museums are offering monthly 'sensory-friendly' days, often with discounted admission
Just a 'current events" update to those weighing in on special education services in the Syracuse area prior to relocation.
City Schools
Syracuse City School District's lone Autism Services Coordinator, Annegret Schubert, has retired, effective June 2018. She was an invaluable resource parents and teachers, and one of the few willing to push to ensure students in need of technology to facilitate communication were properly assessed and accommodated. She was with SCSD for many, many years. At this time, there has been no indication given as to when or with whom the district intends to fill the vacancy, or how the change will impact existing policies, programs and resources offered going forward.
Another head's up - SCSD is still utilizing a 'School Choice' system of assignment. Essentially, it means that even if you purchase a home or rent within your desired school's boundaries, there is no guarantee that your child will be assigned to their neighborhood school. This is especially significant with regard to children needing self-contained classroom placement, as many of the elementary schools do not presently offer them.
Despite facing tighter budgets and considerably greater socioeconomic strains than its counterparts in suburban districts, SCSD continues to have a stable core of wonderful and dedicated special education teachers and therapeutic service providers. That said - many parents report feeling that the warmth and transparency stops at the doors of the district's Office of Special Education, where getting an appropriate IEP can often be a battle based more on red tape and bottom lines than a student's actual needs.
Suburban Districts
Of the Syracuse metro-area districts, East Syracuse-Minoa and Jamesville-Dewitt districts continue to have the lowest number of complaints filed with the state in regards to special education services. Fayetteville-Manlius cites improvements in response to complaints filed in the past 3 yrs, but per many parents of children receiving services, the changes have been mostly cosmetic and anecdotal, with little in the way of actual implementation. Baldwinsville and West Genesee school districts also continue to earn high marks with parents of special needs children.
Recreational Opportunities
Lots of new and continued offerings in the way of supported recreation and services for children with Autism.
The East Syracuse-Minoa sports leagues offer inclusive options for all of their team sports.
Additionally, many of the area YMCA's offer YKids- a program that provides one-on-one support for children participating in their camps, sports and respite offerings
Syracuse University Department of Sports Science is holding several studies specifically geared to helping children with developmental or physical disabilities increase their enjoyment of and access to recreational play. Participant receive hands-on coaching, adaptive equipment and instruction for parents and caregivers on how to keep the progress going at home.
Special Olympics of Central New York continues to offer a wide array of events and sports participation opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities
Many of the area summer camps now have inclusive options - including theater, dance, puppetry and cycling camps, as well as traditional nature camps
MyGym franchises in the Syracuse area are now offering sensory-support based classes for children with sensory processing issues
Area movie theaters and children's museums are offering monthly 'sensory-friendly' days, often with discounted admission
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