Schools with Great ID (Intellectual Disability) programs?

[Anonymous]

Does anyone here have an ID child? Which elementary school did/do they attend? Were you/Are you happy with it? Looking for an ID program, preferable in Fairfax County (but open to Arlington, Montgomery, or possibly private) for a mid-level, mobile ID child. If you respond, can you also tell me about inclusion opportunities for your child?

Thank you so much!

[Anonymous]

Haven't you already posted about this a couple of times before? If you didn't get answers you probably won't find them here. Look up yahoo groups for SN for the individual counties.

[Anonymous]

I am not sure what you mean by mid-level, but Bethesda Elementary in MCPS has a reputation for doing fantastic inclusion. I know a couple of families with kids with milder issues who are fully included, and whose parents are really happy. They also have a School Community Based classroom (program for kids with Moderate to Profound ID, possibly with other issues) for kids who need more support but still benefit from inclusion.

For private, many, although not all, of the kids at Ivymount have ID, but it's crazy expensive and there is no inclusion component.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Haven't you already posted about this a couple of times before? If you didn't get answers you probably won't find them here. Look up yahoo groups for SN for the individual counties.

OP here, I posted once about the quality of Mont Co schools compared to Fairfax County. I will look up a yahoo group, but I have never heard of a special needs yahoo group for Fairfax County (just Mont Co). I am simply trying to get information for my special needs child. While you may not be abe to help me, I have to imagine that there is a mom out there that is able to help me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am not sure what you mean by mid-level, but Bethesda Elementary in MCPS has a reputation for doing fantastic inclusion. I know a couple of families with kids with milder issues who are fully included, and whose parents are really happy. They also have a School Community Based classroom (program for kids with Moderate to Profound ID, possibly with other issues) for kids who need more support but still benefit from inclusion.

For private, many, although not all, of the kids at Ivymount have ID, but it's crazy expensive and there is no inclusion component.

Thank you for your post. I am not sure that my child could handle full inclusion. By mid-level I actually mean her skills are low and I am not sure how much real "curriculum" she could handle, but that she does not belong in a profound ID program either.

Yes, I think Private would be too expensive.

Thanks for your feedback.

[Anonymous]

There is a yahoo group for fcps. I think u have to have a child in fcps with and Iep to join. Not sure though

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not sure what you mean by mid-level, but Bethesda Elementary in MCPS has a reputation for doing fantastic inclusion. I know a couple of families with kids with milder issues who are fully included, and whose parents are really happy. They also have a School Community Based classroom (program for kids with Moderate to Profound ID, possibly with other issues) for kids who need more support but still benefit from inclusion.

For private, many, although not all, of the kids at Ivymount have ID, but it's crazy expensive and there is no inclusion component.

Thank you for your post. I am not sure that my child could handle full inclusion. By mid-level I actually mean her skills are low and I am not sure how much real "curriculum" she could handle, but that she does not belong in a profound ID program either.

Yes, I think Private would be too expensive.

Thanks for your feedback.

I'm the PP on the top of this quote.

I should be clear that I know Bethesda has full inclusion. The kids I know who are in that program are doing academic curriculum, but not at the same pace or level as their assigned classes. That is, they might be in 3rd grade working on single digit addition and subtraction, or 5th grade working on basic reading. Those are just the kids I happen to know, and I am sure there are kids at other levels, both higher and lower. I also happen to know a little bit about the School Community Based Program, because of another friend. However, it's likely they have a continuum of support, with kids spending their day split between settings, that might be appropriate for your child. I would definitely check them out.

[Anonymous]

It can depend on the teacher and staff. I'm not in ID class ,but in the ABA one. Wow! Some teachers shouldn't teach and some assistants shouldn't assist. I do know a girl at Rolling Valley in springfield that has good things to say about her program. The adapted PE teacher that goes to our scholl and their school said it was a good program

[Anonymous]

Ivymount?

[Anonymous]

Does Katherine Thomas serve these kids well?
What about Phillips in Annandale or Alternative Pathways in Alexandria?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does Katherine Thomas serve these kids well?
What about Phillips in Annandale or Alternative Pathways in Alexandria?

KTS is primarily for students with average range IQ's although they may have some students with mild ID. Phillips does serve kids with ID, but generally kids who also have significant behavioral problems. I don't know the other program you reference.

[Anonymous]

Thank you to everyone for their feedback. I will definitely check out Bethesda. I will also look at Ivymount, although like I said, I don't know that we could afford private. Someone mentioned Rolling Valley, is that also private?

[Anonymous]

Bump

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Haven't you already posted about this a couple of times before? If you didn't get answers you probably won't find them here. Look up yahoo groups for SN for the individual counties.

OP here, I posted once about the quality of Mont Co schools compared to Fairfax County. I will look up a yahoo group, but I have never heard of a special needs yahoo group for Fairfax County (just Mont Co). I am simply trying to get information for my special needs child. While you may not be abe to help me, I have to imagine that there is a mom out there that is able to help me.

Here is a link to the yahoo special needs parents yahoo group for Fairfax. It is closed so you will have to ask to become a member.

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/specialedfairfax/info

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you to everyone for their feedback. I will definitely check out Bethesda. I will also look at Ivymount, although like I said, I don't know that we could afford private. Someone mentioned Rolling Valley, is that also private?

What program does your county offer? The vast majority of kids at Ivymount are funded by their school districts. Depending on whether the county thinks it can meet your child's needs, you might be able to explore getting funding.