still looking..still frustrated / McKay

[Guest guest]

Regarding the requirements to becaome a " McKay School, " they are very lax by

design. In 2000 when the McKay Bill passed there were very very few schools

specifically for disabled students. The intent was to make the process as easy

as possible to help promote the opening of new schools and to make it easy for

existing schools to become a McKay School.

As a result there and hundreds of McKay Schools, around 105 in Broward alone.

The program is " buyer beware, " and yes there are some less than perfect school

operators and some downright scams, but most of the schools provide a real and

necessary choice for disabled students. It's all about the " fit " you child might

have (or not) with any particular school. At least with McKay private schools,

you can change schools, something not so easy in public schools.

Until 2005 there was a " school at home " option where you could contract through

a McKay School and they would handle payroll + whatever support needed for a

staffed school in home. About 100 students were disenfranchised in 2006 when a

Senate Bill added language to the McKay Statute that students had to have

" regular and direct contact with their teachers at the schools physical

location. "

This was over the perception that tax money was going to parents that were " home

schooling. " That discussion should be over with the virtual schools available

now that provide education " anytime, anywhere. " There will be an effort in the

upcoming session to end or modify the one year attendence in a public school

qualification and to allow a hospital / homebound option again.

The McKay program isn't perfect, but before 2000 we had nothing, nada, zilch,

except public school or home.

Steve

>

>

>

> Subject: still looking..still frustrated!!

> To: sList

> Date: Wednesday, August 17, 2011, 7:48 AM

>

>

> Â

>

> 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

>