anyone familiar with the Kilmer Center in fairfax county

[Anonymous]

We are wondering about whether it would be good if our son went to the Kilmer Center. He's been acting out since starting MS and his "regular" school can't seem to handle it. Our son has autism, ADHD and has moderate intellectual disabilities. So far, the MS is keeping him (he's pulled out for certain things, but kept in for the rest). He's frustrated and becoming aggressive. Since we're in fairfax county, I'm not sure whether to think it's a good thing or bad thing that the school is talking about sending him to Kilmer Center.

Anyone have any kids that go there? any insights about it? I looked online but not understanding what it's really like from that.

thanks

[Anonymous]

I was told a few years ago that it was for severely impaired, non diploma track children.

[Anonymous]

I used to teach at Kilmer MS, which is located next to Kilmer Center, but not affiliated with it. The students at Kilmer center are placed there, and are all severely impaired. Most are non-mobile, many are non-verbal, and the age ranges widely (ie, not all kids are only in 7th or 8th). Very few of these kids will be able to function independently in society at any time. It is not the place for your child. I would be concerned that they are discussing placing him there.

[Anonymous]

If they are talking about moving him to a more restrictive environment (from a regular middle school to a school with only special ed children), then you might be better off having him placed at Phillips or APTS or another private placement that specialized in helping with behavioral challenges.

I would not agree to a more restrictive placement without an FBA in his current placement.

[Anonymous]

This is OP. Thanks all. This is very helpful. I'll look at the other ones mentioned here. Kilmer was thrown out there like they have lots of options and I've not heard of it before. It's definitely not the right fit for our kid.

[Anonymous]

Yes, pursue a private placement. Ask the school what has to be done. Usually updated testing and FBA. Request updated testing in writing ASAP.

[Anonymous]

Is he aggressive in school? What is he doing? Kilmer center really is a split school- one part is for kids with very significant medical issues and intellectual disabilities. The other classrooms support youth with significant behavioral challenges and ID but there is a range in functioning within that group.
There is a padded calming room.

APTS aid a much more restrictive environment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is he aggressive in school? What is he doing? Kilmer center really is a split school- one part is for kids with very significant medical issues and intellectual disabilities. The other classrooms support youth with significant behavioral challenges and ID but there is a range in functioning within that group.
There is a padded calming room.

APTS aid a much more restrictive environment.

Kilmer and the SN private schools are both special ed only schools so they are equally restrictive. The contract schools can be great or terrible.

[Anonymous]

No, Kilmer is considered public day, private day is more restroctive

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, Kilmer is considered public day, private day is more restroctive

Honest question-if both schools are only special ed children...how can one be more restrictive than the other?