Are there any small inclusive programs in the public schools?

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Does anyone happen to know of small, inclusive programs in the public schools in either MD or VA? My son is currently in private school and we would eventually like to place him in public school but his big deficit is socialization so we don't think he would benefit from a self-contained classroom. However a general education classroom of 25 kids will be too overwhelming? Is something like I am asking even possible, or do I need to homeschool? He has both ADHD and HFA.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I think it varies by county. Have you asked your county special education office about what options they have or how they plan to evaluate him? That evaluation will dictate placement.

In our county they seemingly have no such programs. They force LRE down our throats with "supports." Meaning they assign a special educator to all the IEP and 504 kids in the 25+ student classroom and pray the parents don't notice or complain.

[Anonymous]

We are in the process of getting a 504 for our adhd 2nd grader in Fairfax County. We are not getting assigned a special educator. She is getting supports in the general ed classroom. I think this will work for us as long as the 504 is followed which will be highly dependent on the teacher. Our 2nd grade teacher initiated almost every recommended support without our requesting it, so hopefully we will get another super teacher like her in 3rd grade next year.

The K and 2nd grade classrooms did many projects/learning in small groups. 1st grade was more lecture style to a class of 30 kids which resulted in my dd doodling or day dreaming most of 1st grade.

[Anonymous]

Not unless your childs is severely affected--meaning needing more medical supports that could not be implemented in a regular classroom. (at least in MD) MD did away with nearly all programs that offered 'small' learning groups.