Do you know of any resources? (updated)

[Jodi]

I'm researching the possibility of moving to another district. I've started doing some research on other districts and programs, but there isn't much out there. What I'm looking for is a big flashing sign that says "this school rocks for kids with special needs!!" LOLOL.

Seriously though, I think finding a good district/school that will help Ryan become more independent while increasing his social skills is what I'm after - and I don't feel our current district is the right choice for middle and high school.

I figure I will have to just talk to support group parents from various chapters out here, but I thought I would post to see if any of you knew of on-line resources.

I found the "great schools" website - not much here for special education.

Jodi

LMAO - isn't it obvious where I am? So Cal! Sorry ladies - I was wiped out when I sent this last night. Anyhow... I live in the San Gabriel Valley. I know of some great afterschool programs in Pasadena, Santa Monica, and Claremont. I live in the middle of all those and although it should be about a 20 min drive, that is without TRAFFIC. TRAFFIC stinks here Right now I live 5 min from where I work, 15 min from the boys schools.

I have to keep my current job, but I am willing to commute to get him into a better situation. Cities around me are: Walnut, West Covina, Covina, Whittier, Brea, Yorba Linda, Chino Hills, Fullerton, Rowland Heights, San Dimas, Glendora.

Wouldn't it be great if there was a website where parents of special needs children would log in where the good services were? Both schools and afterschool programs? Who has some time on their hands to do this project LOL!?

[Chris too]

Can we have a bit more info: where are you now? How far are you willing to move? That sort of thing.

[lespring]

Also, don't forget to GO VISIT the schools you're thinking about. Take a tour, find out what they have to offer and how their programs run. It's MUCH easier to make a decision based on how it feels when you're actually there instead of just in print.

Angela doesn't go to our neighborhood school. It's a new building 5 years ago and just a mile from home. Instead she goes to a school about 6 miles away that is the EXACT SAME BUILDING physically. They were build at the same time with the exact same floor plan.

When I walked into our neighborhood school, it just felt like a school. But when I walked into the other one it felt TOTALLY different! Even though it has the same windows and faces the same direction as the other building, it was somehow brighter. The atmosphere was lighter, everything was just different. Every staff person I saw was smiling. In our neighborhood school all the staff looked crabby all the time.

It was very interesting!

[damarasmom]

It would be helpful to know what area you are in or looking for...I KNOW that Bedford NH has a very good school system and are considered the best in NH, maybe even New England but cannot swear to that! We were very unhappy about leaving that system.

[steffaroni]

Jodi I also am ferklemped regarding middle schools. I am looking into the malibu-santa monica school district. right now. Can't go visit till next week.(vacation) It gets tough round here when it comes to mdidle schools. If I hear of anything will let u know(((HUGS)) Steff

[momofrussell]

Jodi, does your district belong to a "selpa" like in Cypress where I was? We had a SELPA which is a fancy word for co-op, which I am sure you know this Cypress was part of Anaheim's selpa, along with Buena Park I do believe. So, Russell went "out of district" but not out of our SELPA.

Granted I haven't lived in CA in 6 1/2 yrs but Yorba Linda and Fullerton have always had decent school districts in general. I know times can change but those two would be two I'd lean towards personally, to see what they have to offer.

I've moved enough to know I usually start by looking at the district's website... I think you can learn a bit by how they talk about their spec ed programs...i.e. those that barely mention it I stay away from. Those that seem to truly "get" what is needed out of a spec ed program I'd then call to get more info. And yes, GO VISIT!!! Start calling and truly seeing what they have as far as programs... do you have a spec ed coordinator that might know some info? WAIT... I know a spec ed teacher who is a good friend of mine... she lives in Cypress where I use to live and works in the SELPA we use to be in.. maybe she'd know some "insider trading info"? LOL Maybe she has heard how some of those other districts are?

I'll have to ask her...

A.