special ed for elementary in HHH. (school district, pros and cons, transportation)

[Susanferruzza]

Hello everyone,we just moved to dix hills,I have a 7yr old special needs child and a 3yr old.Am very concerned with the special ed placement as am new and dont know so much,I already spoke to one of the directors for special ed in HHH and she said it sounds like my child will need the Boces program(somewhat similar to district 75 in nyc), I have seen some reviews where parents said they prefer their special kids going to a district funded special school than the Boces program,Am yet to meet with the district and I want to arm myself with information,Pls can anyone tell me the pros and cons?which is better and why?shd i choose the east boces or west or push for the special school which is what am leaning towards.Any response wld be greatly appreciated.Thanks.

[markjames68]

Will send you a PM

[nuts2uiam]

Originally Posted by Susanferruzza

Hello everyone,we just moved to dix hills,I have a 7yr old special needs child and a 3yr old.Am very concerned with the special ed placement as am new and dont know so much,I already spoke to one of the directors for special ed in HHH and she said it sounds like my child will need the Boces program(somewhat similar to district 75 in nyc), I have seen some reviews where parents said they prefer their special kids going to a district funded special school than the Boces program,Am yet to meet with the district and I want to arm myself with information,Pls can anyone tell me the pros and cons?which is better and why?shd i choose the east boces or west or push for the special school which is what am leaning towards.Any response wld be greatly appreciated.Thanks.

Only you know the capabilities and limitations of your child. Each child has different strengths and weaknesses and you need to find the program that fits best. I am guessing that you have an IEP from NYC schools and that is going to be your starting point. Do you agree or disagree with the evaluation and why? (I am not looking for answers) If you disagree, you should be prepared to speak up about why, factually and without emotion, as difficult as that is. If you get labeled as an emotional parent you will be handicapped in future conversations about how your child moves through programs.

You should contact the school and ask for a meeting (probably virtual) and ask for specifics about each program and then armed with the knowledge that only a parent has and the IEP, see where you believe he/she fits the best.

It may be trial and error. I know this is difficult but asking another parent for an opinion when they don't know your child may/may not be in the best interest of your child. Speak with the school first, get some facts and a gut feeling, then try to solicit the opinions of parents and see what they have to say.

[Coney]

Seconding the advice from Nuts2uiam and will add that sometimes the school district will push the option that is cheapest for them. I'm not suggesting that all districts do this, but be aware that sometimes it is the primary motive for the district. Also, please keep in mind what kind of transportation will be required and the length of time that your child will spend on the bus. Will you be able to pick up your child expeditiously if he/she becomes ill?