Guest guest Posted August 21, 2011 Report Share Posted August 21, 2011 I agree with you. It's not free choice unless parents know what they're getting into. Parents need data on the progress of students in McKay schools, and right now parents have to rely the word of private schools. Buyers can't beware unless sellers (the private schools) provide them with accurate information. Right now, McKay schools have no obligation to take data on the progress of their students. Contact laura.harrison@... to make your voices heard. She's the head of scholarship programs (including McKay) in Tally. Hertog www.MakingSchoolsWork.com > > > > > > > > From: khat Missig <mommyof3now@> > > > > Subject: blank look > > > > To: sList > > > > Date: Thursday, August 18, 2011, 2:46 PM > > > > > > > > > > > > Yes, there are hundreds of children out there with autism, in our area, and other than being forced into crowded public school programs that may not meet their needs, what options are there? > > > > We homeschool because we can; it's worked out well for our 7 yo, 5 yo with Asperger's, and starting our almost 4 yo. I did consider putting my daughter into public school this year and when talking to the ESE coordinator, who was very nice (frank and helpful), I discussed my daughter's reluctance to go to school. (She had been dragged twice into a preschool special program and hasn't forgotten it. The teachers mistook her fear of sounds as behavioral and forced her to go. Any wonder she won't go now?) > > > > Anyway, it was a new school, very nice. My daughter wouldn't even go to the EMPTY school to look at it or go into the office with me. The ESE coordinator said, " If a child won't go, we do what the parents allow us to do, after trying to have someone special help the child enter the classroom. We physically force them into the classroom. " > > > > Oh. > > > > The whole ESD journey has been a challenge and perplexing. How can there be so few options for so many children? > > > > I took my daughter to the Atlantis School in Coral Springs. The teacher was great, the administrator frankly told us they do not take children with behavioral issues. ie, if a child has sensory problems and has anxiety when the school bell goes off, there is nothing for the school to do. They don't take children with any behavioral concerns. Why not? Of course these children have behavioral problems- that's the whole point! > > > > Anyway, as one of the hundreds of parents in south florida with children on the spectrum, I understand the frustration. Khat > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 21, 2011 Report Share Posted August 21, 2011 I don't disagree, but any additional oversight will come right out of the scholarship, don't count on the Legislature paying for it when they can just pass the cost on to the student. I would rather have the money and do my own due diligence. Steve > > > > > > > > > > From: khat Missig <mommyof3now@> > > > > > Subject: blank look > > > > > To: sList > > > > > Date: Thursday, August 18, 2011, 2:46 PM > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Yes, there are hundreds of children out there with autism, in our area, and other than being forced into crowded public school programs that may not meet their needs, what options are there? > > > > > We homeschool because we can; it's worked out well for our 7 yo, 5 yo with Asperger's, and starting our almost 4 yo. I did consider putting my daughter into public school this year and when talking to the ESE coordinator, who was very nice (frank and helpful), I discussed my daughter's reluctance to go to school. (She had been dragged twice into a preschool special program and hasn't forgotten it. The teachers mistook her fear of sounds as behavioral and forced her to go. Any wonder she won't go now?) > > > > > Anyway, it was a new school, very nice. My daughter wouldn't even go to the EMPTY school to look at it or go into the office with me. The ESE coordinator said, " If a child won't go, we do what the parents allow us to do, after trying to have someone special help the child enter the classroom. We physically force them into the classroom. " > > > > > Oh. > > > > > The whole ESD journey has been a challenge and perplexing. How can there be so few options for so many children? > > > > > I took my daughter to the Atlantis School in Coral Springs. The teacher was great, the administrator frankly told us they do not take children with behavioral issues. ie, if a child has sensory problems and has anxiety when the school bell goes off, there is nothing for the school to do. They don't take children with any behavioral concerns. Why not? Of course these children have behavioral problems- that's the whole point! > > > > > Anyway, as one of the hundreds of parents in south florida with children on the spectrum, I understand the frustration. Khat > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 21, 2011 Report Share Posted August 21, 2011 Victory School and the Autism Charter School, both in Dade. What about Broward why don't we have an Autism Charter School here yetheard there is one in palm beach we need middle and high schools were are they all and who takes Mckay???? have a year to find something for High Schoolany recommendations want to start looking????? Thank you, www.thepuzzleplace.com From: Steve To: sList Sent: Sunday, August 21, 2011 12:18 PMSubject: Re: blank look/McKay I don't disagree, but any additional oversight will come right out of the scholarship, don't count on the Legislature paying for it when they can just pass the cost on to the student. I would rather have the money and do my own due diligence. Steve > > > > > > > > > > From: khat Missig <mommyof3now@> > > > > > Subject: blank look > > > > > To: sList > > > > > Date: Thursday, August 18, 2011, 2:46 PM > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Yes, there are hundreds of children out there with autism, in our area, and other than being forced into crowded public school programs that may not meet their needs, what options are there? > > > > > We homeschool because we can; it's worked out well for our 7 yo, 5 yo with Asperger's, and starting our almost 4 yo. I did consider putting my daughter into public school this year and when talking to the ESE coordinator, who was very nice (frank and helpful), I discussed my daughter's reluctance to go to school. (She had been dragged twice into a preschool special program and hasn't forgotten it. The teachers mistook her fear of sounds as behavioral and forced her to go. Any wonder she won't go now?) > > > > > Anyway, it was a new school, very nice. My daughter wouldn't even go to the EMPTY school to look at it or go into the office with me. The ESE coordinator said, "If a child won't go, we do what the parents allow us to do, after trying to have someone special help the child enter the classroom. We physically force them into the classroom." > > > > > Oh. > > > > > The whole ESD journey has been a challenge and perplexing. How can there be so few options for so many children? > > > > > I took my daughter to the Atlantis School in Coral Springs. The teacher was great, the administrator frankly told us they do not take children with behavioral issues. ie, if a child has sensory problems and has anxiety when the school bell goes off, there is nothing for the school to do. They don't take children with any behavioral concerns. Why not? Of course these children have behavioral problems- that's the whole point! > > > > > Anyway, as one of the hundreds of parents in south florida with children on the spectrum, I understand the frustration. Khat > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 22, 2011 Report Share Posted August 22, 2011 You can find all the schools that take McKay here, http://www.floridaschoolchoice.org/Information/PrivateSchoolDirectory/Default.as\ px?prgmtype=2 Choose your District, click go. Over 100 in Broward. For a middle and High School maybe take a look at the Divine Academy on University between Stirling and Sheridan. Steve > > > > > > > > > > > > From: khat Missig <mommyof3now@> > > > > > > Subject: blank look > > > > > > To: sList > > > > > > Date: Thursday, August 18, 2011, 2:46 PM > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Yes, there are hundreds of children out there with autism, in our area, and other than being forced into crowded public school programs that may not meet their needs, what options are there? > > > > > > We homeschool because we can; it's worked out well for our 7 yo, 5 yo with Asperger's, and starting our almost 4 yo. I did consider putting my daughter into public school this year and when talking to the ESE coordinator, who was very nice (frank and helpful), I discussed my daughter's reluctance to go to school. (She had been dragged twice into a preschool special program and hasn't forgotten it. The teachers mistook her fear of sounds as behavioral and forced her to go. Any wonder she won't go now?) > > > > > > Anyway, it was a new school, very nice. My daughter wouldn't even go to the EMPTY school to look at it or go into the office with me. The ESE coordinator said, " If a child won't go, we do what the parents allow us to do, after trying to have someone special help the child enter the classroom. We physically force them into the classroom. " > > > > > > Oh. > > > > > > The whole ESD journey has been a challenge and perplexing. How can there be so few options for so many children? > > > > > > I took my daughter to the Atlantis School in Coral Springs. The teacher was great, the administrator frankly told us they do not take children with behavioral issues. ie, if a child has sensory problems and has anxiety when the school bell goes off, there is nothing for the school to do. They don't take children with any behavioral concerns. Why not? Of course these children have behavioral problems- that's the whole point! > > > > > > Anyway, as one of the hundreds of parents in south florida with children on the spectrum, I understand the frustration. Khat > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 22, 2011 Report Share Posted August 22, 2011 Is it really about finding the " right " school? Or is success based on having the right teacher and team for your child? In my experience with my own child as well as many of the kids I've worked with through the years, success has been based on the individual professionals (teachers, therapists, the paraprofessionals, and a competent ESE specialist). Also important to the process has been the advocate you bring to the IEP meetings to help you get the services your child needs. I am sure there are some schools that have better administrative staff than others, but teachers and paraprofessionals make or break the situation, in my opinion. And competency varies widely at all schools. One year, you can get lucky and have a fabulous team to be followed by the most God-awful group the following year-all at the same school- public or charter. (I've worked at several charter schools where competency varies greatly as well.) I hate to say it, but in my opinion, there is no " right " school, no full proof formula you can use to guarantee success. Teachers change year-to- year. Staff changes as well. And your child changes, too, so the needs change. Staying up with your child's education is a constant job. I don't care what they say about needing 2 days to plan an observation. Go observe anyway. Believe me, if the staff is poor, you will notice it even if they are on their best behavior. And volunteer! A great way to get in the classroom and get special attention for your child and keep the staff on their toes. I still do it and my son is 20! Throughout the school years, most parents will find themselves in IEP struggles, due process situations, principal meetings, area and district personnel meetings somewhere during the years. Mixed into that will be the occasional terrific teacher, para or therapist who takes the extra special time to educate your child as well as finding the great mix of other children in the class who work well with your child. When that happens, relish in the joy of having a break from school worries. Hopefully, it will last for awhile. And one more thing before I get off my soapbox: if you have a child who is in an inclusive setting, remember that it is not only important for your child to learn how to socialize with typically-developing peers, but also with other children with autism. In the long run, most of our children will be at least part of the time with peers who have autism or Aspergers So they need to learn and socialize with people who they feel comfortable with. Often this will be another child on the spectrum. Try to keep that in mind when you are at your IEP. So good luck and best wishes for a successful school year. Time for me to get my son ready for the first day of school. This will be his last. > > > > > > > > > > > > From: khat Missig <mommyof3now@> > > > > > > Subject: blank look > > > > > > To: sList > > > > > > Date: Thursday, August 18, 2011, 2:46 PM > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Yes, there are hundreds of children out there with autism, in our area, and other than being forced into crowded public school programs that may not meet their needs, what options are there? > > > > > > We homeschool because we can; it's worked out well for our 7 yo, 5 yo with Asperger's, and starting our almost 4 yo. I did consider putting my daughter into public school this year and when talking to the ESE coordinator, who was very nice (frank and helpful), I discussed my daughter's reluctance to go to school. (She had been dragged twice into a preschool special program and hasn't forgotten it. The teachers mistook her fear of sounds as behavioral and forced her to go. Any wonder she won't go now?) > > > > > > Anyway, it was a new school, very nice. My daughter wouldn't even go to the EMPTY school to look at it or go into the office with me. The ESE coordinator said, " If a child won't go, we do what the parents allow us to do, after trying to have someone special help the child enter the classroom. We physically force them into the classroom. " > > > > > > Oh. > > > > > > The whole ESD journey has been a challenge and perplexing. How can there be so few options for so many children? > > > > > > I took my daughter to the Atlantis School in Coral Springs. The teacher was great, the administrator frankly told us they do not take children with behavioral issues. ie, if a child has sensory problems and has anxiety when the school bell goes off, there is nothing for the school to do. They don't take children with any behavioral concerns. Why not? Of course these children have behavioral problems- that's the whole point! > > > > > > Anyway, as one of the hundreds of parents in south florida with children on the spectrum, I understand the frustration. Khat > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 22, 2011 Report Share Posted August 22, 2011 Steve:The state need not do any additional oversight. The McKsy schools would keep records on student progress which parents could ask for. Right now if parents looking to find a McKay school ask for any standardized information on student progress, the school does not have to come up with anything. There's nothing for parents to look at - parents just have to take the word of the school admissions office.When private schools take public money they have to be accountable to parents. They can't expect to take public money to educate our children and do nothing for them. Parents: please contact the state and let them know you want McKay school to be accountable to parents! This is your moment. Let your voices be heard. Parents of disabled children have the reputation of being activists, passionate and willing to lay it on the line for their children more than any other parent group in Florida. Don't let us down. Contact laura.harrison@...Allison Hertog, Esq., M.A.Special Education Attorneywww.MakingSchoolWork.com > > > > > > > > > > > > From: khat Missig <mommyof3now@>> > > > > > Subject: blank look> > > > > > To: sList > > > > > > Date: Thursday, August 18, 2011, 2:46 PM> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Yes, there are hundreds of children out there with autism, in our area, and other than being forced into crowded public school programs that may not meet their needs, what options are there?> > > > > > We homeschool because we can; it's worked out well for our 7 yo, 5 yo with Asperger's, and starting our almost 4 yo. I did consider putting my daughter into public school this year and when talking to the ESE coordinator, who was very nice (frank and helpful), I discussed my daughter's reluctance to go to school. (She had been dragged twice into a preschool special program and hasn't forgotten it. The teachers mistook her fear of sounds as behavioral and forced her to go. Any wonder she won't go now?)> > > > > > Anyway, it was a new school, very nice. My daughter wouldn't even go to the EMPTY school to look at it or go into the office with me. The ESE coordinator said, "If a child won't go, we do what the parents allow us to do, after trying to have someone special help the child enter the classroom. We physically force them into the classroom."> > > > > > Oh.> > > > > > The whole ESD journey has been a challenge and perplexing. How can there be so few options for so many children?> > > > > > I took my daughter to the Atlantis School in Coral Springs. The teacher was great, the administrator frankly told us they do not take children with behavioral issues. ie, if a child has sensory problems and has anxiety when the school bell goes off, there is nothing for the school to do. They don't take children with any behavioral concerns. Why not? Of course these children have behavioral problems- that's the whole point!> > > > > > Anyway, as one of the hundreds of parents in south florida with children on the spectrum, I understand the frustration. Khat> > > > > > > > > > > >> > > > >> > > > > > > >> > >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 22, 2011 Report Share Posted August 22, 2011 Well said . The schools need to be held accountable if they are taking public money. Plus, how else are parents to truly determine if the school is a right fit for their child. Thanks for your input! AM Subject: Re: blank look/McKayTo: sList Date: Monday, August 22, 2011, 8:35 AM Steve:The state need not do any additional oversight. The McKsy schools would keep records on student progress which parents could ask for. Right now if parents looking to find a McKay school ask for any standardized information on student progress, the school does not have to come up with anything. There's nothing for parents to look at - parents just have to take the word of the school admissions office.When private schools take public money they have to be accountable to parents. They can't expect to take public money to educate our children and do nothing for them. Parents: please contact the state and let them know you want McKay school to be accountable to parents! This is your moment. Let your voices be heard. Parents of disabled children have the reputation of being activists, passionate and willing to lay it on the line for their children more than any other parent group in Florida. Don't let us down. Contact laura.harrison@...Allison Hertog, Esq., M.A.Special Education Attorneywww.MakingSchoolWork.com > > > > > > > > > > > > From: khat Missig <mommyof3now@>> > > > > > Subject: blank look> > > > > > To: sList > > > > > > Date: Thursday, August 18, 2011, 2:46 PM> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Yes, there are hundreds of children out there with autism, in our area, and other than being forced into crowded public school programs that may not meet their needs, what options are there?> > > > > > We homeschool because we can; it's worked out well for our 7 yo, 5 yo with Asperger's, and starting our almost 4 yo. I did consider putting my daughter into public school this year and when talking to the ESE coordinator, who was very nice (frank and helpful), I discussed my daughter's reluctance to go to school. (She had been dragged twice into a preschool special program and hasn't forgotten it. The teachers mistook her fear of sounds as behavioral and forced her to go. Any wonder she won't go now?)> > > > > > Anyway, it was a new school, very nice. My daughter wouldn't even go to the EMPTY school to look at it or go into the office with me. The ESE coordinator said, "If a child won't go, we do what the parents allow us to do, after trying to have someone special help the child enter the classroom. We physically force them into the classroom."> > > > > > Oh.> > > > > > The whole ESD journey has been a challenge and perplexing. How can there be so few options for so many children?> > > > > > I took my daughter to the Atlantis School in Coral Springs. The teacher was great, the administrator frankly told us they do not take children with behavioral issues. ie, if a child has sensory problems and has anxiety when the school bell goes off, there is nothing for the school to do. They don't take children with any behavioral concerns. Why not? Of course these children have behavioral problems- that's the whole point!> > > > > > Anyway, as one of the hundreds of parents in south florida with children on the spectrum, I understand the frustration. Khat> > > > > > > > > > > >> > > > >> > > > > > > >> > >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 22, 2011 Report Share Posted August 22, 2011 Hello , If the State requires record keeping by the schools, there will be a standardized record development cost as well as an oversight component cost. There will be the additional record keeping cost by the schools that will have to be paid by someone. Currently, parents are not limited to only what a perspective school tells them, they can ask around places like this site or talk with parents of students attending that school. If a school won't make the parents of existing students available, that tells a lot right there. And parents have the option of taking their children out of a school that doesn't perform and putting them somewhere else. If the thought is that the Legislature, and / or FDOE can develop a simple low cost and effective plan to implement a recordkeeping requirement by the schools, that would be a first. McKay checks are written to the parents, who then endorse them to the schools. Parents have to be accountable for the private school they choose, just like when they chooose a private school for a typical child. Steve > > > > I don't disagree, but any additional oversight will come right out of > the scholarship, don't count on the Legislature paying for it when they > can just pass the cost on to the student. > > > > I would rather have the money and do my own due diligence. > > > > Steve > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 22, 2011 Report Share Posted August 22, 2011 No matter if its a private McKay school or the Public School System with an IEP if the staff and director/principle don't follow the instructions written neither will work!Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerrySender: sList Date: Mon, 22 Aug 2011 06:39:36 -0700 (PDT)To: <sList >ReplyTo: sList Subject: Re: Re: blank look/McKay Well said . The schools need to be held accountable if they are taking public money. Plus, how else are parents to truly determine if the school is a right fit for their child. Thanks for your input! AMSubject: Re: blank look/McKayTo: sList Date: Monday, August 22, 2011, 8:35 AM Steve:The state need not do any additional oversight. The McKsy schools would keep records on student progress which parents could ask for. Right now if parents looking to find a McKay school ask for any standardized information on student progress, the school does not have to come up with anything. There's nothing for parents to look at - parents just have to take the word of the school admissions office.When private schools take public money they have to be accountable to parents. They can't expect to take public money to educate our children and do nothing for them. Parents: please contact the state and let them know you want McKay school to be accountable to parents! This is your moment. Let your voices be heard. Parents of disabled children have the reputation of being activists, passionate and willing to lay it on the line for their children more than anyother parent group in Florida. Don't let us down. Contact laura.harrison@...Allison Hertog, Esq., M.A.Special Education Attorneywww.MakingSchoolWork.com > > > > > > > > > > > > From: khat Missig <mommyof3now@>> > > > > > Subject: blank look> > > > > > To: sList > > >> > > Date: Thursday, August 18, 2011, 2:46 PM> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Yes, there are hundreds of children out there with autism, in our area, and other than being forced into crowded public school programs that may not meet their needs, what options are there?> > > > > > We homeschool because we can; it's worked out well for our 7 yo, 5 yo with Asperger's, and starting our almost 4 yo. I did consider putting my daughter into public school this year and when talking to the ESE coordinator, who was very nice (frank and helpful), I discussed my daughter's reluctance to go to school. (She had been dragged twice into a preschool special program and hasn't forgotten it. The teachers mistook her fear of sounds as behavioral and forced her to go. Any wonder she won't go now?)> > > > > > Anyway, it was a new school, very nice. Mydaughter wouldn't even go to the EMPTY school to look at it or go into the office with me. The ESE coordinator said, "If a child won't go, we do what the parents allow us to do, after trying to have someone special help the child enter the classroom. We physically force them into the classroom."> > > > > > Oh.> > > > > > The whole ESD journey has been a challenge and perplexing. How can there be so few options for so many children?> > > > > > I took my daughter to the Atlantis School in Coral Springs. The teacher was great, the administrator frankly told us they do not take children with behavioral issues. ie, if a child has sensory problems and has anxiety when the school bell goes off, there is nothing for the school to do. They don't take children with any behavioral concerns. Why not? Of course these children have behavioral problems- that's the whole point!> > > >> > Anyway, as one of the hundreds of parents in south florida with children on the spectrum, I understand the frustration. Khat> > > > > > > > > > > >> > > > >> > > > > > > >> > >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 22, 2011 Report Share Posted August 22, 2011 I think the point is, parents need to be experts in special needs education and the laws the apply. Start by going to workshops given by CARD on IDEA and NCLB. Take an online class on advocacy. Get the information anyway you can; just get the info. You can not leave it up to someone else, even the most well intentioned person is not going to have the same stake in your child's education as yourself. I know we are all spent in more ways than one but we have to figure this stuff out for ourselves or our children don't stand a chance. Sad but true...... Re: Re: blank look/McKay Why make only the parents accountable for the school when we are not the experts in special needs education and law requirements? The compliance enforcement has to come from the state to the private schools. Sent from my iPad Omayra Matamoros, MHSA, JD Hello , If the State requires record keeping by the schools, there will be a standardized record development cost as well as an oversight component cost. There will be the additional record keeping cost by the schools that will have to be paid by someone. Currently, parents are not limited to only what a perspective school tells them, they can ask around places like this site or talk with parents of students attending that school. If a school won't make the parents of existing students available, that tells a lot right there. And parents have the option of taking their children out of a school that doesn't perform and putting them somewhere else. If the thought is that the Legislature, and / or FDOE can develop a simple low cost and effective plan to implement a recordkeeping requirement by the schools, that would be a first. McKay checks are written to the parents, who then endorse them to the schools. Parents have to be accountable for the private school they choose, just like when they chooose a private school for a typical child. Steve > > > > I don't disagree, but any additional oversight will come right out of > the scholarship, don't count on the Legislature paying for it when they > can just pass the cost on to the student. > > > > I would rather have the money and do my own due diligence. > > > > Steve > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.