STILL fighting for a placement. Does this make sense?

[Anonymous]

We've been told by MCPS that our child (2nd grade) is too 'high functioning' for a program where 1/4 of the kids share our child's disability, and the rest are typically developing. MCPS feels our child's needs could be met fully mainstreamed in our home school. (we disagree) Yet, MCPS is presenting us with the option of a LAD program.

This makes no sense to us! Isn't LAD more restricted than having 1/4 SN kids mainstreamed in a typical setting? We are pushing for the latter.

Then again, in our experience, not much about MCPS's placement decisions that are not parent-driven make sense to me...

[Anonymous]

It's why we use an advocate/consultant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's why we use an advocate/consultant.

We shouldn't have to! Not everyone can dish out $180-200/hr...

[Anonymous]

A LAD program can be all mainstreamed classes. It has to do with the number of hours (LAD is greater than 15 hours), not necessarily the whether or not they are self-contained or in the general educational classroom. It all depends on the school and the programs they have available.

[Anonymous]

What program are you trying to get into?

Why do you feel that that is a better placement for your child? What needs do you think your child has that can't be met in the mainstream setting?

I feel your pain. I spent 1 1/2 years fighting (and a lot of money on lawyers, advocates and testing) to get my child into an appropriate placement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's why we use an advocate/consultant.

We shouldn't have to! Not everyone can dish out $180-200/hr...

No need to jump all over me. I never said we should have to use an advocate. None of us should have to. But when resources are limited, rationing does occurr. We were unable to even get the school to evaluate our DS and were unwilling to continue to watch him to fail. In that sense, it wasn't much different than a medical decision - it was certainly impacting his psychological health and without an intervention, the long term prospect was bleak. We worked out a payment plan with a highly regarded consultant/advocate ahead of time and made payments over the course of 6 months. We've used her for two of our kids and work it into our monthly budget each time. Yes, it's very expensive but the early educational years are crucial and we don't expect to have to do this long term. Not everyone needs an advocate but if you do, you have to find a way to make it work. We've had to make a lot of sacrifices but, for us, it's been a good investment. There's nothing like the peace of mind you get knowing your child is getting what he needs in school as well as not having the stress of fighting a Quixotian battle trying to get it. It's worth giving up vacations, babysitters, Starbucks and gifts for me and DH.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's why we use an advocate/consultant.

COMPLETELY AND TOTALLY AGREE!!!!!! Putting the money in up-front saves you a lot of time and heartache!!!...especially if you consider the value of your "time". Hire an expert for the first meeting and you're GOLDEN!!! Worth every penny spent!!!