In Need of A LOT of help

[Guest guest]

Hi All-

I just recently relocated to Boca Raton from New York with my 10 year old

HFA/ADHD son. Boy, it has been a disaster so far! I pride myself on being an

informed and involved parent and try as I did to prepare his new school for his

arrival it has been a complete failure. I'm in need of some major advice and

assistance so here goes...

1) I have a meeting to determine his placement for next year on the 22nd. I

know NOTHING about how special education works in Florida. Presently, they're

working off of his NY IEP. We've been here for more than 30 days. Isn't it

unlawful that they haven't issued him a FL IEP?

2) He was in a Gen Ed class with a 3:1 aide, ST, OT, counseling and resource

room. He had A LOT of services, I am well aware. But, with a great behavior

plan/token system and a caring teacher & aide, he was able to function and

flourish in this setting without meds for his ADHD. Unfortunately, he has

regressed significantly since arriving here and I'm sure they'll recommend that

he goes into a special program or an inclusion class next year. I don't want to

go backwards. I believe that with an aide and a good behavioral plan he can

function in a gen ed class here in FL as well. The school has made it extremely

clear that it is not within their means to provide an aide for him, nor most of

the services he currently has. I just want my son to have an aide, OT,

counseling and if possible, access to a behaviorist to over see and help shape

his behavioral plan. For me, the aide is non-negotiable.

Does anyone know anything about:

Calusa

Sand Piper

Sunrise Park (specifically some Aspergers program there)

What I need is a crash course, either explained or online of how special ed

works in FL. Can anyone either tell me or tell me where to look? Most

importantly, I want to know what my options are and what I can do if I don't get

what I want for my son at this meeting.

2) I am in desperate need for a reasonably close, reasonably affordable summer

camp/program for my son. He hates participating in sports, which of course

makes matter even more complicated. Can anyone suggest any camps this late in

the school year to check out?

Also, are there any other means of getting him to and from camp besides Palm

Trans connection?

3) I am considering moving out of Palm Beach County for the next school year to

Broward County. Probably either close to Ft. Lauderdale or south between Fort

Lauderdale and Miami. Can anyone recommend any good public schools and even

private schools for me to consider for the following school year?

Time is of the essence and I'm quickly running out of it, so any and all help or

suggestions would be GREATLY and SINCERELY appreciated.

Thank you!

-

[Guest guest]

Dear :We moved down here eleven years ago when our son Ari was nine years old. We lived in Weston at that time. We still live in Broward but in City now. I did the same thing with the IEP and they said that they couldn't give him everything that he needed. He went to Tequesta Trace Middle School and then Cypress Bay High School. My son has always been mainstreamed with speech and activities of daily living on the side. The communication was poor to the point that I told the team leaders not to call me if there was an incident because they were not giving my son the help that he needed. There were only a few "incidents". The schools were very good in general. I would suggest seeing a doctor like Dr. Clayman for special diets, supplements, etc. It takes a while

to tweak the supplements but they have really helped him. I believe that Broward is as good as it gets around here. I did take Ari out of public school for "the growing years" between 9th and 10th grade and put him in the Koala School. There's no golden answer if you live down here...good luck and stay in touch. It will get better. Sandy To: sList Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 1:20 PM Subject: In Need of A LOT of help

Hi All-

I just recently relocated to Boca Raton from New York with my 10 year old HFA/ADHD son. Boy, it has been a disaster so far! I pride myself on being an informed and involved parent and try as I did to prepare his new school for his arrival it has been a complete failure. I'm in need of some major advice and assistance so here goes...

1) I have a meeting to determine his placement for next year on the 22nd. I know NOTHING about how special education works in Florida. Presently, they're working off of his NY IEP. We've been here for more than 30 days. Isn't it unlawful that they haven't issued him a FL IEP?

2) He was in a Gen Ed class with a 3:1 aide, ST, OT, counseling and resource room. He had A LOT of services, I am well aware. But, with a great behavior plan/token system and a caring teacher & aide, he was able to function and flourish in this setting without meds for his ADHD. Unfortunately, he has regressed significantly since arriving here and I'm sure they'll recommend that he goes into a special program or an inclusion class next year. I don't want to go backwards. I believe that with an aide and a good behavioral plan he can function in a gen ed class here in FL as well. The school has made it extremely clear that it is not within their means to provide an aide for him, nor most of the services he currently has. I just want my son to have an aide, OT, counseling and if possible, access to a behaviorist to over see and help shape his behavioral plan. For me, the aide is non-negotiable.

Does anyone know anything about:

Calusa

Sand Piper

Sunrise Park (specifically some Aspergers program there)

What I need is a crash course, either explained or online of how special ed works in FL. Can anyone either tell me or tell me where to look? Most importantly, I want to know what my options are and what I can do if I don't get what I want for my son at this meeting.

2) I am in desperate need for a reasonably close, reasonably affordable summer camp/program for my son. He hates participating in sports, which of course makes matter even more complicated. Can anyone suggest any camps this late in the school year to check out?

Also, are there any other means of getting him to and from camp besides Palm Trans connection?

3) I am considering moving out of Palm Beach County for the next school year to Broward County. Probably either close to Ft. Lauderdale or south between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Can anyone recommend any good public schools and even private schools for me to consider for the following school year?

Time is of the essence and I'm quickly running out of it, so any and all help or suggestions would be GREATLY and SINCERELY appreciated.

Thank you!

-

[Guest guest]

Dear :We moved down here eleven years ago when our son Ari was nine years old. We lived in Weston at that time. We still live in Broward but in City now. I did the same thing with the IEP and they said that they couldn't give him everything that he needed. He went to Tequesta Trace Middle School and then Cypress Bay High School. My son has always been mainstreamed with speech and activities of daily living on the side. The communication was poor to the point that I told the team leaders not to call me if there was an incident because they were not giving my son the help that he needed. There were only a few "incidents". The schools were very good in general. I would suggest seeing a doctor like Dr. Clayman for special diets, supplements, etc. It takes a while

to tweak the supplements but they have really helped him. I believe that Broward is as good as it gets around here. I did take Ari out of public school for "the growing years" between 9th and 10th grade and put him in the Koala School. There's no golden answer if you live down here...good luck and stay in touch. It will get better. Sandy To: sList Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 1:20 PM Subject: In Need of A LOT of help

Hi All-

I just recently relocated to Boca Raton from New York with my 10 year old HFA/ADHD son. Boy, it has been a disaster so far! I pride myself on being an informed and involved parent and try as I did to prepare his new school for his arrival it has been a complete failure. I'm in need of some major advice and assistance so here goes...

1) I have a meeting to determine his placement for next year on the 22nd. I know NOTHING about how special education works in Florida. Presently, they're working off of his NY IEP. We've been here for more than 30 days. Isn't it unlawful that they haven't issued him a FL IEP?

2) He was in a Gen Ed class with a 3:1 aide, ST, OT, counseling and resource room. He had A LOT of services, I am well aware. But, with a great behavior plan/token system and a caring teacher & aide, he was able to function and flourish in this setting without meds for his ADHD. Unfortunately, he has regressed significantly since arriving here and I'm sure they'll recommend that he goes into a special program or an inclusion class next year. I don't want to go backwards. I believe that with an aide and a good behavioral plan he can function in a gen ed class here in FL as well. The school has made it extremely clear that it is not within their means to provide an aide for him, nor most of the services he currently has. I just want my son to have an aide, OT, counseling and if possible, access to a behaviorist to over see and help shape his behavioral plan. For me, the aide is non-negotiable.

Does anyone know anything about:

Calusa

Sand Piper

Sunrise Park (specifically some Aspergers program there)

What I need is a crash course, either explained or online of how special ed works in FL. Can anyone either tell me or tell me where to look? Most importantly, I want to know what my options are and what I can do if I don't get what I want for my son at this meeting.

2) I am in desperate need for a reasonably close, reasonably affordable summer camp/program for my son. He hates participating in sports, which of course makes matter even more complicated. Can anyone suggest any camps this late in the school year to check out?

Also, are there any other means of getting him to and from camp besides Palm Trans connection?

3) I am considering moving out of Palm Beach County for the next school year to Broward County. Probably either close to Ft. Lauderdale or south between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Can anyone recommend any good public schools and even private schools for me to consider for the following school year?

Time is of the essence and I'm quickly running out of it, so any and all help or suggestions would be GREATLY and SINCERELY appreciated.

Thank you!

-

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I am originally from Queen, NYC. I moved to Florida in 2002, when I began to learn about the Special Education system there. I live in Idaho now, but have great friends who still live in Florida, and who were originally from New York. My friend, Montalbano, is a Special Education advocate, who works for free. She, and her friends, changed Special Education, in New York State (for the better!). I will cc her in my response to you. I know she will be able to teach, guide, and assist you!

I have two with Aspergers (one also has ADHD). I can give you emotional first aid!

All the best,

Phyllis

Hi All-I just recently relocated to Boca Raton from New York with my 10 year old HFA/ADHD son. Boy, it has been a disaster so far! I pride myself on being an informed and involved parent and try as I did to prepare his new school for his arrival it has been a complete failure. I'm in need of some major advice and assistance so here goes...1) I have a meeting to determine his placement for next year on the 22nd. I know NOTHING about how special education works in Florida. Presently, they're working off of his NY IEP. We've been here for more than 30 days. Isn't it unlawful that they haven't issued him a FL IEP?2) He was in a Gen Ed class with a 3:1 aide, ST, OT, counseling and resource room. He had A LOT of services, I am well aware. But, with a great behavior plan/token system and a caring teacher & aide, he was able to function and flourish in this setting without meds for his ADHD. Unfortunately, he has regressed significantly since arriving here and I'm sure they'll recommend that he goes into a special program or an inclusion class next year. I don't want to go backwards. I believe that with an aide and a good behavioral plan he can function in a gen ed class here in FL as well. The school has made it extremely clear that it is not within their means to provide an aide for him, nor most of the services he currently has. I just want my son to have an aide, OT, counseling and if possible, access to a behaviorist to over see and help shape his behavioral plan. For me, the aide is non-negotiable.Does anyone know anything about:CalusaSand PiperSunrise Park (specifically some Aspergers program there)What I need is a crash course, either explained or online of how special ed works in FL. Can anyone either tell me or tell me where to look? Most importantly, I want to know what my options are and what I can do if I don't get what I want for my son at this meeting.2) I am in desperate need for a reasonably close, reasonably affordable summer camp/program for my son. He hates participating in sports, which of course makes matter even more complicated. Can anyone suggest any camps this late in the school year to check out? Also, are there any other means of getting him to and from camp besides Palm Trans connection?3) I am considering moving out of Palm Beach County for the next school year to Broward County. Probably either close to Ft. Lauderdale or south between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Can anyone recommend any good public schools and even private schools for me to consider for the following school year? Time is of the essence and I'm quickly running out of it, so any and all help or suggestions would be GREATLY and SINCERELY appreciated.Thank you!-

[Guest guest]

Hi,My son also came to Florida with a New York IEP. He had a 1:1 aide on that IEP. I was told that they could not provide the aide when we arrived at Cypress Bay High School in Weston. I informed them that it is a legal document and they must provide the aide. Is the aide on your son's IEP? If so, you must insist that they follow it or seek legal representation. They probably have not had your son's meeting because many of the districts are back logged. Once you give up the services on the NY IEP, you will have a very difficult time getting them back. Do you want inclusion or a self contained class? Successful inclusion is a long, difficult battle. But one thats worth fighting for some of our kids.Good luck!DorothySent from my iPad

Hi All-

I just recently relocated to Boca Raton from New York with my 10 year old HFA/ADHD son. Boy, it has been a disaster so far! I pride myself on being an informed and involved parent and try as I did to prepare his new school for his arrival it has been a complete failure. I'm in need of some major advice and assistance so here goes...

1) I have a meeting to determine his placement for next year on the 22nd. I know NOTHING about how special education works in Florida. Presently, they're working off of his NY IEP. We've been here for more than 30 days. Isn't it unlawful that they haven't issued him a FL IEP?

2) He was in a Gen Ed class with a 3:1 aide, ST, OT, counseling and resource room. He had A LOT of services, I am well aware. But, with a great behavior plan/token system and a caring teacher & aide, he was able to function and flourish in this setting without meds for his ADHD. Unfortunately, he has regressed significantly since arriving here and I'm sure they'll recommend that he goes into a special program or an inclusion class next year. I don't want to go backwards. I believe that with an aide and a good behavioral plan he can function in a gen ed class here in FL as well. The school has made it extremely clear that it is not within their means to provide an aide for him, nor most of the services he currently has. I just want my son to have an aide, OT, counseling and if possible, access to a behaviorist to over see and help shape his behavioral plan. For me, the aide is non-negotiable.

Does anyone know anything about:

Calusa

Sand Piper

Sunrise Park (specifically some Aspergers program there)

What I need is a crash course, either explained or online of how special ed works in FL. Can anyone either tell me or tell me where to look? Most importantly, I want to know what my options are and what I can do if I don't get what I want for my son at this meeting.

2) I am in desperate need for a reasonably close, reasonably affordable summer camp/program for my son. He hates participating in sports, which of course makes matter even more complicated. Can anyone suggest any camps this late in the school year to check out?

Also, are there any other means of getting him to and from camp besides Palm Trans connection?

3) I am considering moving out of Palm Beach County for the next school year to Broward County. Probably either close to Ft. Lauderdale or south between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Can anyone recommend any good public schools and even private schools for me to consider for the following school year?

Time is of the essence and I'm quickly running out of it, so any and all help or suggestions would be GREATLY and SINCERELY appreciated.

Thank you!

-

[Guest guest]

Home school

To: sList Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 6:32:42 PMSubject: Re: In Need of A LOT of help

Dear :

We moved down here eleven years ago when our son Ari was nine years old. We lived in Weston at that time. We still live in Broward but in City now. I did the same thing with the IEP and they said that they couldn't give him everything that he needed. He went to Tequesta Trace Middle School and then Cypress Bay High School. My son has always been mainstreamed with speech and activities of daily living on the side. The communication was poor to the point that I told the team leaders not to call me if there was an incident because they were not giving my son the help that he needed. There were only a few "incidents". The schools were very good in general. I would suggest seeing a doctor like Dr. Clayman for special diets, supplements, etc. It takes a while to tweak the supplements but they have really helped him. I believe that Broward is as good as it gets around here. I did take Ari out of public school for "the growing years" between 9th and 10th grade and put him in the Koala School. There's no golden answer if you live down here...good luck and stay in touch. It will get better. Sandy

To: sList Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 1:20 PMSubject: In Need of A LOT of help

Hi All-I just recently relocated to Boca Raton from New York with my 10 year old HFA/ADHD son. Boy, it has been a disaster so far! I pride myself on being an informed and involved parent and try as I did to prepare his new school for his arrival it has been a complete failure. I'm in need of some major advice and assistance so here goes...1) I have a meeting to determine his placement for next year on the 22nd. I know NOTHING about how special education works in Florida. Presently, they're working off of his NY IEP. We've been here for more than 30 days. Isn't it unlawful that they haven't issued him a FL IEP?2) He was in a Gen Ed class with a 3:1 aide, ST, OT, counseling and resource room. He had A LOT of services, I am well aware. But, with a great behavior plan/token system and a caring teacher & aide, he was able to function and flourish in this setting without meds for his ADHD. Unfortunately, he has regressed significantly since arriving here and I'm sure they'll recommend that he goes into a special program or an inclusion class next year. I don't want to go backwards. I believe that with an aide and a good behavioral plan he can function in a gen ed class here in FL as well. The school has made it extremely clear that it is not within their means to provide an aide for him, nor most of the services he currently has. I just want my son to have an aide, OT, counseling and if possible, access to a behaviorist to over see and help shape his behavioral plan. For me, the aide is non-negotiable.Does anyone know anything about:CalusaSand PiperSunrise Park (specifically some Aspergers program there)What I need is a crash course, either explained or online of how special ed works in FL. Can anyone either tell me or tell me where to look? Most importantly, I want to know what my options are and what I can do if I don't get what I want for my son at this meeting.2) I am in desperate need for a reasonably close, reasonably affordable summer camp/program for my son. He hates participating in sports, which of course makes matter even more complicated. Can anyone suggest any camps this late in the school year to check out? Also, are there any other means of getting him to and from camp besides Palm Trans connection?3) I am considering moving out of Palm Beach County for the next school year to Broward County. Probably either close to Ft. Lauderdale or south between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Can anyone recommend any good public schools and even private schools for me to consider for the following school year? Time is of the essence and I'm quickly running out of it, so any and all help or suggestions would be GREATLY and SINCERELY appreciated.Thank you!-

[Guest guest]

Home school

To: sList Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 6:32:42 PMSubject: Re: In Need of A LOT of help

Dear :

We moved down here eleven years ago when our son Ari was nine years old. We lived in Weston at that time. We still live in Broward but in City now. I did the same thing with the IEP and they said that they couldn't give him everything that he needed. He went to Tequesta Trace Middle School and then Cypress Bay High School. My son has always been mainstreamed with speech and activities of daily living on the side. The communication was poor to the point that I told the team leaders not to call me if there was an incident because they were not giving my son the help that he needed. There were only a few "incidents". The schools were very good in general. I would suggest seeing a doctor like Dr. Clayman for special diets, supplements, etc. It takes a while to tweak the supplements but they have really helped him. I believe that Broward is as good as it gets around here. I did take Ari out of public school for "the growing years" between 9th and 10th grade and put him in the Koala School. There's no golden answer if you live down here...good luck and stay in touch. It will get better. Sandy

To: sList Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 1:20 PMSubject: In Need of A LOT of help

Hi All-I just recently relocated to Boca Raton from New York with my 10 year old HFA/ADHD son. Boy, it has been a disaster so far! I pride myself on being an informed and involved parent and try as I did to prepare his new school for his arrival it has been a complete failure. I'm in need of some major advice and assistance so here goes...1) I have a meeting to determine his placement for next year on the 22nd. I know NOTHING about how special education works in Florida. Presently, they're working off of his NY IEP. We've been here for more than 30 days. Isn't it unlawful that they haven't issued him a FL IEP?2) He was in a Gen Ed class with a 3:1 aide, ST, OT, counseling and resource room. He had A LOT of services, I am well aware. But, with a great behavior plan/token system and a caring teacher & aide, he was able to function and flourish in this setting without meds for his ADHD. Unfortunately, he has regressed significantly since arriving here and I'm sure they'll recommend that he goes into a special program or an inclusion class next year. I don't want to go backwards. I believe that with an aide and a good behavioral plan he can function in a gen ed class here in FL as well. The school has made it extremely clear that it is not within their means to provide an aide for him, nor most of the services he currently has. I just want my son to have an aide, OT, counseling and if possible, access to a behaviorist to over see and help shape his behavioral plan. For me, the aide is non-negotiable.Does anyone know anything about:CalusaSand PiperSunrise Park (specifically some Aspergers program there)What I need is a crash course, either explained or online of how special ed works in FL. Can anyone either tell me or tell me where to look? Most importantly, I want to know what my options are and what I can do if I don't get what I want for my son at this meeting.2) I am in desperate need for a reasonably close, reasonably affordable summer camp/program for my son. He hates participating in sports, which of course makes matter even more complicated. Can anyone suggest any camps this late in the school year to check out? Also, are there any other means of getting him to and from camp besides Palm Trans connection?3) I am considering moving out of Palm Beach County for the next school year to Broward County. Probably either close to Ft. Lauderdale or south between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Can anyone recommend any good public schools and even private schools for me to consider for the following school year? Time is of the essence and I'm quickly running out of it, so any and all help or suggestions would be GREATLY and SINCERELY appreciated.Thank you!-

[Guest guest]

Home school

To: sList Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 6:32:42 PMSubject: Re: In Need of A LOT of help

Dear :

We moved down here eleven years ago when our son Ari was nine years old. We lived in Weston at that time. We still live in Broward but in City now. I did the same thing with the IEP and they said that they couldn't give him everything that he needed. He went to Tequesta Trace Middle School and then Cypress Bay High School. My son has always been mainstreamed with speech and activities of daily living on the side. The communication was poor to the point that I told the team leaders not to call me if there was an incident because they were not giving my son the help that he needed. There were only a few "incidents". The schools were very good in general. I would suggest seeing a doctor like Dr. Clayman for special diets, supplements, etc. It takes a while to tweak the supplements but they have really helped him. I believe that Broward is as good as it gets around here. I did take Ari out of public school for "the growing years" between 9th and 10th grade and put him in the Koala School. There's no golden answer if you live down here...good luck and stay in touch. It will get better. Sandy

To: sList Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 1:20 PMSubject: In Need of A LOT of help

Hi All-I just recently relocated to Boca Raton from New York with my 10 year old HFA/ADHD son. Boy, it has been a disaster so far! I pride myself on being an informed and involved parent and try as I did to prepare his new school for his arrival it has been a complete failure. I'm in need of some major advice and assistance so here goes...1) I have a meeting to determine his placement for next year on the 22nd. I know NOTHING about how special education works in Florida. Presently, they're working off of his NY IEP. We've been here for more than 30 days. Isn't it unlawful that they haven't issued him a FL IEP?2) He was in a Gen Ed class with a 3:1 aide, ST, OT, counseling and resource room. He had A LOT of services, I am well aware. But, with a great behavior plan/token system and a caring teacher & aide, he was able to function and flourish in this setting without meds for his ADHD. Unfortunately, he has regressed significantly since arriving here and I'm sure they'll recommend that he goes into a special program or an inclusion class next year. I don't want to go backwards. I believe that with an aide and a good behavioral plan he can function in a gen ed class here in FL as well. The school has made it extremely clear that it is not within their means to provide an aide for him, nor most of the services he currently has. I just want my son to have an aide, OT, counseling and if possible, access to a behaviorist to over see and help shape his behavioral plan. For me, the aide is non-negotiable.Does anyone know anything about:CalusaSand PiperSunrise Park (specifically some Aspergers program there)What I need is a crash course, either explained or online of how special ed works in FL. Can anyone either tell me or tell me where to look? Most importantly, I want to know what my options are and what I can do if I don't get what I want for my son at this meeting.2) I am in desperate need for a reasonably close, reasonably affordable summer camp/program for my son. He hates participating in sports, which of course makes matter even more complicated. Can anyone suggest any camps this late in the school year to check out? Also, are there any other means of getting him to and from camp besides Palm Trans connection?3) I am considering moving out of Palm Beach County for the next school year to Broward County. Probably either close to Ft. Lauderdale or south between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Can anyone recommend any good public schools and even private schools for me to consider for the following school year? Time is of the essence and I'm quickly running out of it, so any and all help or suggestions would be GREATLY and SINCERELY appreciated.Thank you!-