Re: still looking..still frustrated!!

[Guest guest]

We have all been in this situation and it is very frustrating. Its ashamed that some McKay schools might not be doing what they should but I can tell you from experience that the state does require more then what you listed. These school are usually very specialized so that they can meet the needs of all the students. Its unfortunate that not many take the children that are low functioning and with lots of behavior. That's why I started my own school in Tampa for my child I wasn't taking "no" for an answer. We take all the children that others consider to hard. After my child aged out of my school I found a great private catholic school (McKay) which did a wonderful job with varying exceptionalities (which I drove 1 hour each way). They only had 2 kids on the spectrum and did a great job but we had to move to South Florida so we are starting all over as well. There are some great charter schools in this area I'm not familiar with your area but I'm positive I read of a great charter in Broward as well. If this doesn't work maybe you could hire a teacher to do a group home school or try starting a facility of your own. There are some very good school out there but if you can't find anything sometime we have to band together and do it ourselves.Good luck!KathySent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerrySender: sList Date: Wed, 17 Aug 2011 06:51:54 -0700 (PDT)To: <sList >ReplyTo: sList Subject: Re: still looking..still frustrated!! Debbie, my experience has been dead on with yours. I too am a single working mom and dealing with all of this is the most stressful experience. This is awful. It seems as my child gets older, there is less and less options out there. I too am disappointed with the way the whole McKay works. Unfortunately, it doesn't take much for a school to get approved by the McKay. All a school has to say is that they will take children with some type of delay, that's it. They don't have to submit any type of plan of their special needs program. A lot of them will take our kids and once they receive their first check, they will tell us that our child is not a fit for the school. You would think after a while, that someone will hold him them accountable for this and question what's going on, but they don't. It's a scam. Now, there may be a few schools out there that runs a good program, but there are no where near me as well. I think a charter school that specalizes in autism might be a good option for my child, but there are none in Broward county. I can't drive to Dade or West Palm and then drive back to work and then drive back later to pick my child up. I too have asked many autism professionals for advice, I too have gotten the "blank" look. Unfortunately, I too have had to settle. And this is just my frustration with the schools, don't get me started on the other things... AM Subject: still looking..still frustrated!!To: sList Date: Wednesday, August 17, 2011, 7:48 AM Hi everyone,My son was diagnosed with autism over 8 years ago, and I would think that the options available for him would explode due to the big focus on autism awareness in the past 5 years of so. Well you would think so, but I have not found that to be the case. I am still searching for "THE" school for him. Either the ratios or too high or too low, too this or too that,or he needs a shadow ( which we cant afford, and ironically these schools are on the Mckay scholarship list, still cant figure that one out yet).One more thing about the McKay scholarship, when someone first told me about it,made it seem like the end-all,so I printed out the long list, over a hundred schools, and maybe a handful at best would take my son as most are just for learning delays.So I was disillusioned yet again, as to what was the great fanfare about the Mckay, I mean "IF" you can find a school then it is great as they pay for it,but otherwise it is not always aviable option. Possibly the perfect school exists, but probably at least an hours away either north or south of me,,which would never happen as i am a single mom with 2 other kids and I work.Besides my searching, I have constantly asked other parents, therapists, and teachers for suggestions. I have asked professionals who teach at NOva and other very knowledgable people, and they give me a blank look when i ask about any schools out there. I am thinking that if they cant come up with one place they recommend in south florida, what does that say about all the "so-called" opportunities for these kids. When i have spoken to so many parents i have lost count, they say where their kids go to school is "just ok" cant find any better.Guess we have to just "settle"Wanted to know, has anyone has the same experience? Any suggestion, input would be appreciated.Also, thanks for letting mevent..Debbie

[Guest guest]

This is our 4th year homeschooling our 15 year old aspie son. The teachers love the student.

To: sList Sent: Wednesday, August 17, 2011 8:22:02 PMSubject: Re: still looking..still frustrated!!

yes Debra, i feel the same way. I think we need to take charge and open a great school ourselves!

Clara

To: sList Sent: Wednesday, August 17, 2011 7:34:26 PMSubject: Re: still looking..still frustrated!!

Where do you live? Broward, Palm Beach....What grade?

To: sList Sent: Wed, August 17, 2011 7:48:43 AMSubject: still looking..still frustrated!!

Hi everyone,My son was diagnosed with autism over 8 years ago, and I would think that the options available for him would explode due to the big focus on autism awareness in the past 5 years of so. Well you would think so, but I have not found that to be the case. I am still searching for "THE" school for him. Either the ratios or too high or too low, too this or too that,or he needs a shadow ( which we cant afford, and ironically these schools are on the Mckay scholarship list, still cant figure that one out yet).One more thing about the McKay scholarship, when someone first told me about it,made it seem like the end-all,so I printed out the long list, over a hundred schools, and maybe a handful at best would take my son as most are just for learning delays.So I was disillusioned yet again, as to what was the great fanfare about the Mckay, I mean "IF" you can find a school then it is great as they pay for it,but otherwise it is not always a viable option. Possibly the perfect school exists, but probably at least an hours away either north or south of me,,which would never happen as i am a single mom with 2 other kids and I work.Besides my searching, I have constantly asked other parents, therapists, and teachers for suggestions. I have asked professionals who teach at NOva and other very knowledgable people, and they give me a blank look when i ask about any schools out there. I am thinking that if they cant come up with one place they recommend in south florida, what does that say about all the "so-called" opportunities for these kids. When i have spoken to so many parents i have lost count, they say where their kids go to school is "just ok" cant find any better.Guess we have to just "settle"Wanted to know, has anyone has the same experience? Any suggestion, input would be appreciated.Also, thanks for letting me vent..Debbie

[Guest guest]

Hi Kathy,

I'm sure there are probably more a school has to do on the front end to get approved than what I said, but it still seems like they are not accountable on the back end. For example, I tried a school based on a lot of promises that were made to me by the school staff before hand. The school did none of what they promised and it was a disaster. I never would have placed my child in that chaos had I known that's the way they were set up. I was forced to sign the McKay check even though I had pulled my child out before the school got the check. I spoke to several "high up" individuals in the McKay office and complained about what they did, as I didn't think it was ethically correct for the school to get this money. They told me flat out they do not monitor the quality of the program. I was also told that I had to sign the check because the school could legally go after me if I didn't. I ended up signing

the check for the first half of the school year, even though my child was out in early November. The school did not deserve this.

Anyway, I chalk this whole experience up as a learning experience for me, so I guess it is what it is.

I commend you for starting your own school, it sounds wonderful. Unfortunately, there are no charter schools in Broward that specialize in autism. And honestly home schooling and me spearheading a school on my own would be out of the question for me since I work 50+ hours a week and I'm quite maxed out with juggling work and taking care of my child as is. As is, I'm already driving close to 2 hours a day to/from home, school, and work.

It's tough

Subject: still looking..still frustrated!!To: sList Date: Wednesday, August 17, 2011, 7:48 AM

Hi everyone,My son was diagnosed with autism over 8 years ago, and I would think that the options available for him would explode due to the big focus on autism awareness in the past 5 years of so. Well you would think so, but I have not found that to be the case. I am still searching for "THE" school for him. Either the ratios or too high or too low, too this or too that,or he needs a shadow ( which we cant afford, and ironically these schools are on the Mckay scholarship list, still cant figure that one out yet).One more thing about the McKay scholarship, when someone first told me about it,made it seem like the end-all,so I printed out the long list, over a hundred schools, and maybe a handful at best would take my son as most are just for learning delays.So I was disillusioned yet again, as to what was the great fanfare about the Mckay, I mean "IF" you can find a school then it is great as they pay for it,but otherwise it is not always a

viable option. Possibly the perfect school exists, but probably at least an hours away either north or south of me,,which would never happen as i am a single mom with 2 other kids and I work.Besides my searching, I have constantly asked other parents, therapists, and teachers for suggestions. I have asked professionals who teach at NOva and other very knowledgable people, and they give me a blank look when i ask about any schools out there. I am thinking that if they cant come up with one place they recommend in south florida, what does that say about all the "so-called" opportunities for these kids. When i have spoken to so many parents i have lost count, they say where their kids go to school is "just ok" cant find any better.Guess we have to just "settle"Wanted to know, has anyone has the same experience? Any suggestion, input would be appreciated.Also, thanks for letting me

vent..Debbie

[Guest guest]

Dear All:You are so right about many of the McKay schools. They don't have to meet any real standards, and too often they are looking mostly to tap the McKay tuition dollars.We need parent voices like your's to speak-up about this problem with the McKay program. You may not realize how much power parents of disabled children have - especially when speaking as a group. There may be hearings on the McKay program in Tallahassee for the very reasons you mention, and there is a movement afoot to make reforms so that safeguards for parents of disabled children are in place. I'm working with a group in Tallahassee which is very concerned about this issue.If you are interested in making your voices heard, please contact me at allisonhertog@... and I will keep you in loop on steps you can take to help make school options for disabled kids better. I care about this issue passionately because I struggled in school with disabilities, myself. My parents were told I'd never go to college and here I am - a special ed lawyer. Sincerely, Hertog, Esq., M.A.Making School Work, P.L.www.makingschoolwork.com --- In sList , A P wrote:>> Debbie, my experience has been dead on with yours. I too am a single working mom and dealing with all of this is the most stressful experience. This is awful. It seems as my child gets older, there is less and less options out there. I too am disappointed with the way the whole McKay works. Unfortunately, it doesn't take much for a school to get approved by the McKay. All a school has to say is that they will take children with some type of delay, that's it. They don't have to submit any type of plan of their special needs program. A lot of them will take our kids and once they receive their first check, they will tell us that our child is not a fit for the school. You would think after a while, that someone will hold him them accountable for this and question what's going on, but they don't. It's a scam. > > Now, there may be a few schools out there that runs a good program, but there are no where near me as well. > > I think a charter school that specalizes in autism might be a good option for my child, but there are none in Broward county. I can't drive to Dade or West Palm and then drive back to work and then drive back later to pick my child up.> > I too have asked many autism professionals for advice, I too have gotten the "blank" look. > > Unfortunately, I too have had to settle.> > And this is just my frustration with the schools, don't get me started on the other things...> > AM> > > > > > > Subject: still looking..still frustrated!!> To: sList > Date: Wednesday, August 17, 2011, 7:48 AM> > > > > > > Hi everyone,> My son was diagnosed with autism over 8 years ago, and I would think that the options available for him would explode due to the big focus on autism awareness in the past 5 years of so. Well you would think so, but I have not found that to be the case. I am still searching for "THE" school for him. Either the ratios or too high or too low, too this or too that,or he needs a shadow ( which we cant afford, and ironically these schools are on the Mckay scholarship list, still cant figure that one out yet).One more thing about the McKay scholarship, when someone first told me about it,made it seem like the end-all,so I printed out the long list, over a hundred schools, and maybe a handful at best would take my son as most are just for learning delays.So I was disillusioned yet again, as to what was the great fanfare about the Mckay, I mean "IF" you can find a school then it is great as they pay for it,but otherwise it is not always a viable option. Possibly> the perfect school exists, but probably at least an hours away either north or south of me,,which would never happen as i am a single mom with 2 other kids and I work.Besides my searching, I have constantly asked other parents, therapists, and teachers for suggestions. I have asked professionals who teach at NOva and other very knowledgable people, and they give me a blank look when i ask about any schools out there. I am thinking that if they cant come up with one place they recommend in south florida, what does that say about all the "so-called" opportunities for these kids. When i have spoken to so many parents i have lost count, they say where their kids go to school is "just ok" cant find any better.Guess we have to just "settle"> Wanted to know, has anyone has the same experience? Any suggestion, input would be appreciated.> Also, thanks for letting me vent..> > Debbie>

[Guest guest]

Did you look at American Heritage? They take McKay and also give scholarships up

to 40%. They take the 40% off the top then take off the Mckay so it becomes a

lot more affordable.

I finally gave up and my son, not my aspie, is using his Mckay for public school

choice with bus...but my aspie is in a private Catholic School. She has been

there almost 3 years and it has been the best choice by far! We only have 2

classes per grade so we dont have the anxieties we had in PS. We have the same

kids all the time.

Mine doesnt take mckay but the high school does. I asked them what they do for

McKay and they explained they dont do anything or have any real accommodations.

That is why I stuck with the public high school! I dont understand why they get

to take the mckay but seems tons of schools get around it.

[Guest guest]

I will try and find the charter I looked into but was in Browsed County. It sounded very good but never sure until you visit.Not taking a stand for anyone but with the McKay they give payments to each school on a quarterly basis. So there are 4 payments each year and legally they are able to keep the full check if you attended any time during that period. Its up to each school what they do with these funds if child leaves. What I did when this happened was pro rated it and gave the new McKay school the other portion. But that is totally up to the director at each school.I will send you the information on the school in Broward as soon as I find it. Ernie Els is going to open a state of the art facility in Jupiter area in a few years. Let's hope this will be the model for the rest to follow! You sound like a great mom and I hope something changes for you soon and you'll find a great school for your child.Kathy Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerrySender: sList Date: Thu, 18 Aug 2011 07:09:51 -0700 (PDT)To: <sList >ReplyTo: sList Subject: Re: still looking..still frustrated!! Hi Kathy, I'm sure there are probably more a school has to do on the front end to get approved than what I said, but it still seems like they are not accountable on the back end. For example, I tried a school based on a lot of promises that were made to me by the school staff before hand. The school did none of what they promised and it was a disaster. I never would have placed my child in that chaos had I known that's the way they were set up. I was forced to sign the McKay check even though I had pulled my child out before the school got the check. I spoke to several "high up" individuals in the McKay office and complained about what they did, as I didn't think it was ethically correct for the school to get this money. They told me flat out they do not monitor the quality of the program. I was also told that I had to sign the check because the school could legally go after me if I didn't. I ended up signingthe check for the first half of the school year, even though my child was out in early November. The school did not deserve this. Anyway, I chalk this whole experience up as a learning experience for me, so I guess it is what it is. I commend you for starting your own school, it sounds wonderful. Unfortunately, there are no charter schools in Broward that specialize in autism. And honestly home schooling and me spearheading a school on my own would be out of the question for me since I work 50+ hours a week and I'm quite maxed out with juggling work and taking care of my child as is. As is, I'm already driving close to 2 hours a day to/from home, school, and work. It's tough Subject: still looking..still frustrated!!To: sList Date: Wednesday, August 17, 2011, 7:48 AM Hi everyone,My son was diagnosed with autism over 8 years ago, and I would think that the options available for him would explode due to the big focus on autism awareness in the past 5 years of so. Well you would think so, but I have not found that to be the case. I am still searching for "THE" school for him. Either the ratios or too high or too low, too this or too that,or he needs a shadow ( which we cant afford, and ironically these schools are on the Mckay scholarship list, still cant figure that one out yet).One more thing about the McKay scholarship, when someone first told me about it,made it seem like the end-all,so I printed out the long list, over a hundred schools, and maybe a handful at best would take my son as most are just for learning delays.So I was disillusioned yet again, as to what was the great fanfare about the Mckay, I mean "IF" you can find a school then it is great as they pay for it,but otherwise it is not always aviable option. Possibly the perfect school exists, but probably at least an hours away either north or south of me,,which would never happen as i am a single mom with 2 other kids and I work.Besides my searching, I have constantly asked other parents, therapists, and teachers for suggestions. I have asked professionals who teach at NOva and other very knowledgable people, and they give me a blank look when i ask about any schools out there. I am thinking that if they cant come up with one place they recommend in south florida, what does that say about all the "so-called" opportunities for these kids. When i have spoken to so many parents i have lost count, they say where their kids go to school is "just ok" cant find any better.Guess we have to just "settle"Wanted to know, has anyone has the same experience? Any suggestion, input would be appreciated.Also, thanks for letting mevent..Debbie