We're considering a move to Bethsda MD. What's best public elementary sch. for developmentally delayed child?
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Parent Answers to "We're considering a move to Bethsda MD. What's best public elementary sch. for developmentally delayed child?"
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Hi,
I completely agree with the previously posted reply. Every child is so unique. The schools in and around Bethesda are great; what you need to do is visit the school that your child would attend. Call ahead and ask for a tour. On the tour you will have a chance to observe classrooms and teachers in action. You may also request time to meet with resource teachers. In the public schools, the principal usually coordinates the IEP or 504 meetings, so meeting the principal is also a good idea. Plan on visiting the school several times. I have found Montgomery County Public Schools to be very professional and welcoming.
One more thing: if your child has severe learning differences, or if the diagnosis is complicated, you may want to hire an educational advocate to come to the IEP/504 meetings with you. Most clinical psychotherapists that evaluate children will also attend these meetings. It's worth the price, believe me, if you end up with the support that your child needs.
I think you will be happy with what you find, but you do have to advocate (gently and respectfully).
I completely agree with the previously posted reply. Every child is so unique. The schools in and around Bethesda are great; what you need to do is visit the school that your child would attend. Call ahead and ask for a tour. On the tour you will have a chance to observe classrooms and teachers in action. You may also request time to meet with resource teachers. In the public schools, the principal usually coordinates the IEP or 504 meetings, so meeting the principal is also a good idea. Plan on visiting the school several times. I have found Montgomery County Public Schools to be very professional and welcoming.
One more thing: if your child has severe learning differences, or if the diagnosis is complicated, you may want to hire an educational advocate to come to the IEP/504 meetings with you. Most clinical psychotherapists that evaluate children will also attend these meetings. It's worth the price, believe me, if you end up with the support that your child needs.
I think you will be happy with what you find, but you do have to advocate (gently and respectfully).
Unfortunately, Greatschools is a nationwide forum, and the chance of finding another family from a particular town, with a child of similar age and with similar needs, is slim. I know two children can have similar diagnoses, and yet have very different needs in a classroom (ie, one requires a self-contained environment, another may do well in a regular class with an aide.) It's really hard to "rate" special ed...My advice is to try and contact a local family support group for whatever issues your child is dealing with (ie, www.chadd.org is for ADHD, www.thearc.org helps families on the spectrum) and network through those parents to find out about best schools and other resources in an area.
For general questions, you might also like to join the Learning and Attention Difficulties Group at community.greatschools.net/gro
For general questions, you might also like to join the Learning and Attention Difficulties Group at community.greatschools.net/gro
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