Which has better programs for children with Global Development Delays - Fairfax VA or Montgomery MD?

[Anonymous]

My son is 2.5 years old, and he was recently diagnosed with GDD (Global Development Delays) at KKI. He also had an autism evaluation (ADOS) at KKI, but the evaluator suggested us to return in 6 months for a repeat test because he demonstrated symptoms of Autism but also some good moments that are not considered Autism. My son can repeat simple single words (but very limited, and does not repeat after me if I put two words togeter), and he has seldom/never showed any interests in pretend plan. We currently live in Montgomery County, MD., and he has been receiving services through the Montgomery County Infants and Toddlers Program.

Due to our long daily commute to work, we are seriously considering moving to the Fairfax County in VA. Since he will be turning 3 soon, I are exploring the school based early intervention program at both counties (Fairfax VA or Montgomery MD), and trying to compare which one might be better, before we finalize our decision for moving. I tried to search for such information on line, but have not been successful. I spoke with my son's main Special Ed teachers at the Montgomery County, but was told that they don't know much about VA's ChildFind program at all.

I am reaching out to this community for help. If you have experiences at either or both countries, would you mind sharing me your experiences? That will tremendously helpful to us!!! Thanks so much!!!

[Anonymous]

FCPS has very good early childhood services, including a full-day Preschool Autism Classroom program starting at age 2 for eligible children with that diagnsis. The Child Find offices are located in various centers around the county, assigned to families based on their address.

http://www.fcps.edu/dss/sei/ecids/index.shtml

You can also call the FCPS Parent Resource Center for more information--

http://www.fcps.edu/dss/osp/prc/index.shtml

[Anonymous]

PP here--these links are all from the public FCPS website, btw.

[Anonymous]

PP here--these links are all from the public FCPS website, btw.

[Anonymous]

PEP in MOCo, which your kid will be eligible for at age 3 is considered is considered very high quality. YOu would probably be in PEP Classic or Inc. I wouldn't consider a move til age 5, when you will know more about your kid and his needs. Then again, I wouldn't move. All public systems have their issues, some of which you can't know til you're in the thick of things. MoCo also has an array of sn privates and is drivable to DC for its privates.