PP here -- in case that wasnt clear. DD is in 1st grade now, was accepted for 2nd.

My first grader was accepted into a language charter for 2nd grade this year, and after much hand-wringing we declined the spot because we thought she would be too far behind in a language we can't support at home. A third grade entry would've been a non-starter for us, and she is a super easy well-adjusted neurotypical kid. But why put a child in a situation where she is FORCED to struggle? I cannot see any scenario in which this would be best for the child, unless of course you are native Spanish speakers and the child is already proficient in the language.

Has the OP even answered the question on the Spanish background? I actually want to help respond in a way that the school may not be permitted to, but without the facts it is hard to help.

Charters must step up to th plate but there is still the q of whether it is the best choice for your child, entering in third grade, with autism, at an immersion charter. I think MV will do the best they possibly can...but it may be a lot more stress on your child.

Our developmental pediatrician said that sometimes parents give up on immersion but I think he is more familiar with th MD situation where going back to a home school would be the fallback option...not for many of us here.

Anonymous wrote:but let's be clear: Charters MUST serve all students with disabilities and modify the curriculum to meet that student's needs. Children at other immersion schools (YuYing) are afforded differentiated models of Chinese to accommodate their learning needs. MV may have to modify its program, add services/support/staff etc. to meet this child's needs. Anything is possible with an inclusive mindset!!!

Yes, they must, but why would you try to stick your round peg in a square hole. Note I am the pp that thinks the school does a great job with IEPs. My only issue is anyone entering older grades without a spanish background. It would be a very uphill battle for any child.

OP--my child has an IEP at MV is doing well. I know of other families that receive services and are also happy. Like a previous poster stated, I would contact MV and talk to the Special Ed Coordinator (which we did before enrolling to get the IEP process moving).

but let's be clear: Charters MUST serve all students with disabilities and modify the curriculum to meet that student's needs. Children at other immersion schools (YuYing) are afforded differentiated models of Chinese to accommodate their learning needs. MV may have to modify its program, add services/support/staff etc. to meet this child's needs. Anything is possible with an inclusive mindset!!!

OP, my child is not autistic but has an IEP and at another language immersion charter. Did not know DC had any SNs when we started, in the entering grade. Think the immersion is hard. Has ADHD, and if you are easily distracted that is worse in another language. I don't think I could do it unless you already know your son is thriving in Spanish, that that is his special interest or something.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:does he already speak Spanish?

Very good question. I've heard good things about how they deal with IEPs, but no way would I send any kid into third grade without a Spanish background, it would be a recipe for disaster in the best scenario.

If ESOL children who speak little or no English can join a class in the 3rd, 4th or 5th grade, why can an English dominant child not enter a Spanish Immersion class in the 3rd grade and succeed?

Obviously even the first situation isn't ideal, but the difference is that the ESOL student would be actually immersed in English outside of school, at least ideally. Even if the family didn't speak English at home, the child would be exposed to English on tv, in stores, on the playground, etc. This is similar to how people learn a foreign language through travel abroad programs. Every other day immersion classes do not even start to replicate that. This is why MV has full immersion for the first three years. A third grader would be way far behind. It is a travesty that the law prohibits testing before entrance at those grades, but I would hope the parents would at least use common sense.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:does he already speak Spanish?

Very good question. I've heard good things about how they deal with IEPs, but no way would I send any kid into third grade without a Spanish background, it would be a recipe for disaster in the best scenario.

If ESOL children who speak little or no English can join a class in the 3rd, 4th or 5th grade, why can an English dominant child not enter a Spanish Immersion class in the 3rd grade and succeed?

Because the child has autism, which is a "set back" in learning capabilities.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:does he already speak Spanish?

Very good question. I've heard good things about how they deal with IEPs, but no way would I send any kid into third grade without a Spanish background, it would be a recipe for disaster in the best scenario.

If ESOL children who speak little or no English can join a class in the 3rd, 4th or 5th grade, why can an English dominant child not enter a Spanish Immersion class in the 3rd grade and succeed?

Anonymous wrote:does he already speak Spanish?

Very good question. I've heard good things about how they deal with IEPs, but no way would I send any kid into third grade without a Spanish background, it would be a recipe for disaster in the best scenario.

does he already speak Spanish?

Your best bet would be to speak with the Special Education teachers, Special Education Coordinator, and classroom teacher to get a better understanding of their experience working with students who have diverse learning needs. What they say might be different than a personal experience from the perspective of a parent, but it's always good to gather as much information as possible from multiple sources. Good luck!

My son recently got accepted into 3rd grade at Mundo Verde. He has an IEP. Does anyone have a child with special needs who attends this school or heard anything about there special education program??