Struggling between FCPS and MCPS for Autistic Child

[Anonymous]

Hi all - we are overwhelmed, facing a move from DC to either FCPS (McLean/Vienna) or MCPS (Bethesda) mid-year. Our child has level 2 autism and is currently in DCPS PK with an IEP, long story short, there have been many IEP violations, the IEP doesn't reflect actual need and our child is struggling in a gen ed class with less special ed support. We are working with an attorney to have the IEP updated before we move to facilitate an easier transfer. We are pushing for a smaller class size ratio than general education, with more 1:1 support due to pronounced speech/communication delays.

I've started reaching out to FCPS and MCPS to learn about IEP transfers and autism programs in each but wanted to ask for advice here too from those who know the programs first-hand. Our budget is flexible, and we're looking to rent for a couple of years to get a feel for the neighborhood/schools/etc.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

We have a 1st grader on the higher end of level 1 support needs and we're having a good experience with MCPS so far. They've been very supportive in crafting the IEP and enforcing it. DS is in gen ed with pull-outs for speech and social skills. They can't guarantee a 1:1 support, but he shares a para-educator with a few other kids and it's working really well so far.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have a 1st grader on the higher end of level 1 support needs and we're having a good experience with MCPS so far. They've been very supportive in crafting the IEP and enforcing it. DS is in gen ed with pull-outs for speech and social skills. They can't guarantee a 1:1 support, but he shares a para-educator with a few other kids and it's working really well so far.

Curious who is responsible for the social skills instruction. Our experience was not great at my kids' school. The special educator was responsible for it but they were just winging it.

[Anonymous]

FCPS is extremely stingy with 1:1

[Anonymous]

I don't think there are any good public school options. FCPS is terrible with services and it sounds like MCPS is similar. I don't hear of anyone being happy with any special ed services in FCPS and the bar is low.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think there are any good public school options. FCPS is terrible with services and it sounds like MCPS is similar. I don't hear of anyone being happy with any special ed services in FCPS and the bar is low.

FCPS here and happy. My 3rd grader has had an iep since K with ADHD diagnosis we recently got the Autism diagnosis. He is above grade level academicaly so maybe that helps that his goals mostly revolve around behavior. But he has an aid 40% of the time and we are very happy with the support that we get from the school.

[Anonymous]

NP - Can anyone suggest specific schools they recommend?

[Anonymous]

Its really going to vary by school and admin. who are assigned to your child. Our experience with MCPS has been terrible.

[Anonymous]

OP here - We are targeting FCPS specifically Vienna/McLean pyramids. We also looked at FCCPS, but it seemed very small and was worried that this may impact availability of autism supports. I know nothing is perfect when it comes to public school, we are just trying to get as good as we can given the limitations that exist with public school support in general, and have a more collaborative, transparent process than DCPS, which has been the opposite. And also somewhere that won't constantly violate the IEP. Private school is not an option for us, we supplement with private ST/OT and some limited in-home ABA after school.

Our Plan C alternative is that if FCPS/MCPS is terrible, we return to NYS. But I hope that doesn't need to be the case, as we like the DMV.

[Anonymous]

Perhaps talk with your attorney about the prospect of having MCPS or FCPS foot the bill for private school specializing in autism. While I don’t have firsthand experience with it, I have heard of cases in MCPS where the family establishes that the mainstream public school can’t provide the IEP support needed for an ASD student and the school system pays the tuition at specialized private school, e.g., Katherine Thomas, Ivymount, Auburn, etc. It takes legwork and potentially requires legal action, but it’s worth asking about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - We are targeting FCPS specifically Vienna/McLean pyramids. We also looked at FCCPS, but it seemed very small and was worried that this may impact availability of autism supports. I know nothing is perfect when it comes to public school, we are just trying to get as good as we can given the limitations that exist with public school support in general, and have a more collaborative, transparent process than DCPS, which has been the opposite. And also somewhere that won't constantly violate the IEP. Private school is not an option for us, we supplement with private ST/OT and some limited in-home ABA after school.

Our Plan C alternative is that if FCPS/MCPS is terrible, we return to NYS. But I hope that doesn't need to be the case, as we like the DMV.

FWIW we found Langley to be hugely antagonist to special needs parents. They fought everything We gave up
And went private

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here - We are targeting FCPS specifically Vienna/McLean pyramids. We also looked at FCCPS, but it seemed very small and was worried that this may impact availability of autism supports. I know nothing is perfect when it comes to public school, we are just trying to get as good as we can given the limitations that exist with public school support in general, and have a more collaborative, transparent process than DCPS, which has been the opposite. And also somewhere that won't constantly violate the IEP. Private school is not an option for us, we supplement with private ST/OT and some limited in-home ABA after school.

Our Plan C alternative is that if FCPS/MCPS is terrible, we return to NYS. But I hope that doesn't need to be the case, as we like the DMV.

FWIW we found Langley to be hugely antagonist to special needs parents. They fought everything We gave up
And went private

I agree. Langley has been difficult with my special needs son. It is a good school, but just seems they aren’t interested in any kid with different needs. It is super sad.

[Anonymous]

I’d look into private schools with gif survival needs supports that are near a good public school. Try the public school first, but then you can try to switch to private. You’ll want the daily commute to be as short as possible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’d look into private schools with gif survival needs supports that are near a good public school. Try the public school first, but then you can try to switch to private. You’ll want the daily commute to be as short as possible.

This is your best option. All schools are hit or miss.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think there are any good public school options. FCPS is terrible with services and it sounds like MCPS is similar. I don't hear of anyone being happy with any special ed services in FCPS and the bar is low.

MCPS had a good reputation in the past but our personal experience was terrible.