Bridges or SESES Programs

[MOM1970]

Even though my handle says "mom", it is my wife's login and I'm a dad.

We are wondering if anyone on here has experience either as parent or teacher with one of MCPS' programs for kids with social / emotional disability.

MCPS has the Bridges Program and the SESES program.

We are inquiring about the high school level for our current 9th grader.

Thanks

[Anonymous]

First of all, I would recommend you hit "report" on your own post and ask Jeff to move to Special Needs.

Second, are you being offered both? Typically your IEP team would make a recommendation.

[Anonymous]

Probably better to ask in the special needs forum.

[MOM1970]

Thanks, I've posted there, too.

[Anonymous]

At the HS level, MCPS also has ESESES. It’s self contained. Last I heard there were two programs - Magruder and Sherwood. Magruder is the older program and the one my son went to and it was amazing. Sherwood is run by a long term special educator (transition out of HS was her specialty if I’m remembering correctly) and she is amazing.

Presumably your child has been referred flat CIEP. I’d try to tour. I really liked the SESES at Northwood but it didn’t offer enough support.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:First of all, I would recommend you hit "report" on your own post and ask Jeff to move to Special Needs.

Second, are you being offered both? Typically your IEP team would make a recommendation.

No need to report, crazy but special needs parents are still part of the MCPS community, this forum isn't just for entitled parents complaining about things.

I'd ask your IEP team to make a recommendation based on your needs, they typically do...

[Anonymous]

There are many of us with experience with these programs in the Kids with SN forum. Where are you in the process? What is your child struggling with at school? If share a bit more, we can help guide you.

My kid is in Bridge and it's been wonderful. Small, supportive classes. Ability to mainstream if desired. Social worker on site that can help intervene when necessary. Bridge is in a self contained wing of a comprehensive school so it's sort of like a bubble or oasis among the chaos.

[Anonymous]

My kid has struggled with mental health and has received extensive services (partial hospitalization) along with individual and group therapy. Kid wants to return to more typical school setting but I worry MCPs schools are too big, overwhelming. I have three other kids and all three have IEPs - Asperger’s and dyslexia. But this is different and I’m unfamiliar with the programs. My kid struggles with emotions but a strong A / B student. Thanks for the help.

[Anonymous]

Much appreciated, thank you!

Yes we are getting ready for CIEP

Anonymous wrote:At the HS level, MCPS also has ESESES. It’s self contained. Last I heard there were two programs - Magruder and Sherwood. Magruder is the older program and the one my son went to and it was amazing. Sherwood is run by a long term special educator (transition out of HS was her specialty if I’m remembering correctly) and she is amazing.

Presumably your child has been referred flat CIEP. I’d try to tour. I really liked the SESES at Northwood but it didn’t offer enough support.

[Anonymous]

E-SESES Sounds like a perfect match! I would definitely suggest touring it as it is very impressive.

[MOM1970]

Thank you.

I just want to make sure that she can take classes that will still set her up for college as that is her goal.

And I guess I don't understand how that works if "self contained." As you say, I think a tour is in order.

Again, much appreciated.

[Anonymous]

MOM1970 wrote:Thank you.

I just want to make sure that she can take classes that will still set her up for college as that is her goal.

And I guess I don't understand how that works if "self contained." As you say, I think a tour is in order.

Again, much appreciated.

I toured all 3 and took some notes. If you leave an email address, I’d be happy to share it if you want. My child is also high academics which definitely adds an extra complication. I strongly suggest that you know which program you like prior to your ciep meeting- they let me your all 3 before we met and it was very helpful.

[MOM1970]

I toured all 3 and took some notes. If you leave an email address, I’d be happy to share it if you want. My child is also high academics which definitely adds an extra complication. I strongly suggest that you know which program you like prior to your ciep meeting- they let me your all 3 before we met and it was very helpful.

Thanks for offer to share notes. Really appreciated. Is there a way to private message my email address? Feels strange to just post it on a forum. I don't know this forum well.

[Anonymous]

MOM1970 wrote:Thank you.

I just want to make sure that she can take classes that will still set her up for college as that is her goal.

And I guess I don't understand how that works if "self contained." As you say, I think a tour is in order.

Again, much appreciated.

It depends on what you mean by "set her up for college" College will always be an option. Do you mean Montgomery College or UMD? And there is a whole spectrum in between.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:E-SESES Sounds like a perfect match! I would definitely suggest touring it as it is very impressive.

PP whose kid went to ESESES. I agree that this sounds like a great option based on the circumstances you shared.