Ivymount vs MCPS autism programs like Connections or Bridge?

[Anonymous]

Trying to help out my friend, whose middle schooler is bright but emotionally dysregulated in class, and is being referred by a public school (not MCPS) to Ivymount and/or other area private schools for children with autism and behavioral challenges. My friend has visited and suspects these private placements may be a little overkill for their child. I've heard that MCPS has programs for kids who have emotional outburts in class. Bridge? Connections? Others? How do they compare to these private schools? My friend is willing to move to Montgomery County, or any DC suburb, to find the right program.

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

The MCPS programs have much higher demand than supply, so I would not recommend that anyone move to MCPS hoping for a spot. There are just too many kids who would benefit, and your friend could end up in the same position while waiting for a spot.

Is the other school district offering to pay?

[Anonymous]

If the other school district is willing to pay, I'd take it. Then she can consider moving. With a placement at Ivymount, MCPS would need to review the IEP. They would happily place a child in one of their own programs rather than have to pay to continue non public placement.

[Anonymous]

But yes, in answer to your question, Ivymount is more intensive than Bridge or Connections.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Yes, the other school district is willing to pay. I did not consider the strategy of getting the placement first, then possibly switching to MCPS! Thanks, PPs.

[Anonymous]

Connections is highly guarded. You essentially need an advocate to really push. Many sped teachers in gen ed ES are even aware.

[Anonymous]

Bridge and Connection are not for kids with emotional dysregulation or behaviors. MCPS will place such a student in SESSES, at which point Ivymount is a much better choice. tell her to take it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Yes, the other school district is willing to pay. I did not consider the strategy of getting the placement first, then possibly switching to MCPS! Thanks, PPs.

I would suggest consulting a lawyer to full understand the pros and cons of this approach.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bridge and Connection are not for kids with emotional dysregulation or behaviors. MCPS will place such a student in SESSES, at which point Ivymount is a much better choice. tell her to take it.

Why not emotional dysregulation? Especially Bridges?

SESSES is not for kids on grade level or higher

[Anonymous]

If the school is recommending it, then it is not overkill. It is necessarily.

[Anonymous]

Have you confirmed that ivymount has space? This might not be an actual choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you confirmed that ivymount has space? This might not be an actual choice.

OP here. I assume there's a spot , since the school offered the placement to my friend's child.

And to the other poster, yes, it's entirely possible this child presents very differently in class than he does at home. At home he seems exceedingly bright, impatient, with a great vocabulary, culture and sense of humor. My friend got the impression Ivymount would perhaps be the right place for the anger and big feelings, but maybe not cater to his intellectual side.

[Anonymous]

If my child got ivymount I wouldn't turn it down for bridge which can be fabulous or terrible depending in the kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you confirmed that ivymount has space? This might not be an actual choice.

OP here. I assume there's a spot , since the school offered the placement to my friend's child.

And to the other poster, yes, it's entirely possible this child presents very differently in class than he does at home. At home he seems exceedingly bright, impatient, with a great vocabulary, culture and sense of humor. My friend got the impression Ivymount would perhaps be the right place for the anger and big feelings, but maybe not cater to his intellectual side.

That's not how it works. The school can offer payment and can send application materials to the school, but the school decides whom to accept. Usually after a visit and interview.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you confirmed that ivymount has space? This might not be an actual choice.

OP here. I assume there's a spot , since the school offered the placement to my friend's child.

And to the other poster, yes, it's entirely possible this child presents very differently in class than he does at home. At home he seems exceedingly bright, impatient, with a great vocabulary, culture and sense of humor. My friend got the impression Ivymount would perhaps be the right place for the anger and big feelings, but maybe not cater to his intellectual side.

That's not how it works. The school can offer payment and can send application materials to the school, but the school decides whom to accept. Usually after a visit and interview.

Oh, I see. Thank you for letting us know.