If you want your child evaluated before kindergarten, you’ll need to go through Child Find, not the school directly. If your child qualifies for an IEP, they may be able to receive PEP services for the rest of this school year and then continue with the IEP when they start kindergarten.

If you don’t go through Child Find/PEP and your child starts school without an evaluation, the school may want to see how they do in the classroom first before officially starting the evaluation process.

A diagnosis alone doesn’t automatically qualify a child for an IEP. There has to be an educational impact that affects their learning at school. Many kids with autism do have an educational impact, but not all.

I’m sorry you haven’t had a great experience with your principal. You might want to reach out to the special education teacher, as they might have more information to share regarding IEPS versus the principal. I have found that a lot of principals don't have special ed backgrounds and don't always know the process.

It can be hard to say which schools are “better” because staff can change a lot from year to year. Teachers, special educators, and principals move around, so it’s usually best to choose the area that works best for your family.

Like above posters said, be a strong advocate for your child!

Anonymous wrote:Looking for recommendations for an elementary school within MCPS with good programs and support systems for a child with autism. The neighborhood school (Cabin Branch Elementary) has a Principal who is already being difficult and recommended waiting until September to assess and get an IEP done (among other problematic responses to inquiries). Thanks!

Don’t go through the principal. Go through your districts committee of special education. I’m in a different state but you have a right to request an eval if you haven’t already had one.

Also send your private neuropsych if you have one.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you considering moving? You can't just enroll in a different public school because you don't like the principal at your in boundary school. If the principal isn't following the law, know your procedural rights and follow them.

Yes, we will be moving this summer. I can stay in my current neighborhood but open to others depending on school resource.

Teachers and administrators are going to come and go. I would choose a house that works for your budget and commute. And if you want to start the IEP process now, follow the instructions a pp linked above.

Xminds (https://xminds.org/) is a great resource. If you think one of the specialty programs discussed may be right for your child, consider the distance to the school that houses them. Mcps will bus him from wherever, but a shorter bus ride is better. But most autistic students are in their gen ed classroom.

Anonymous wrote:Also, breathe. You want to be a strong advocate for your child, but it's a marathon, not a sprint.

Very good advice, thank you!

Anonymous wrote:Are you considering moving? You can't just enroll in a different public school because you don't like the principal at your in boundary school. If the principal isn't following the law, know your procedural rights and follow them.

Yes, we will be moving this summer. I can stay in my current neighborhood but open to others depending on school resource.

Also, breathe. You want to be a strong advocate for your child, but it's a marathon, not a sprint.

Is your child in Kindergarten now or will be next year? If they are.starting K next school year you are supposed to go through the central Child Find office, not the neighborhood school.

"In order to complete a screening for a child who will enter Kindergarten in the fall (born prior to September 1, 2021), the completed paperwork must be received by the Child Find office by

March 31, 2026
After that date, screenings will be handled by the neighborhood school."
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/special-education/programs-services/child-find/

Are you considering moving? You can't just enroll in a different public school because you don't like the principal at your in boundary school. If the principal isn't following the law, know your procedural rights and follow them.

Looking for recommendations for an elementary school within MCPS with good programs and support systems for a child with autism. The neighborhood school (Cabin Branch Elementary) has a Principal who is already being difficult and recommended waiting until September to assess and get an IEP done (among other problematic responses to inquiries). Thanks!