x-post re new school for DD

My district has told me that they can not accommodate DD's needs for next year (entering K) and have given me the green light to look at outside schools. I am going to 2 this week. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed by this task, and very intimidated and worried about making the wrong choice for her. I'm afraid that I will do her a real disservice by not choosing the best place to suit her. Can anybody give me some ideas as to what to ask at these schools so that I am making the best informed decision I can make?

A little background...she has a diagnosis of Angelman Synrome. She has no speech, but hears perfectly and understands much more than she can communicate. We are working on altermate methods of communication for her, but nothing is spontaneous or consistent for her. Developmentally, she is somewhere between 2&3 yo. She gets PT, OT and speech 3x a week. She also has a 1:1 for safety, and depending on the ratio in the new placement, may or may not get one approved for next year.

I just don't know if I should be just taking the guided tour of the schools, or if there are specific things I should question for her. Any help is appreciated.

Re: x-post re new school for DD

The first priority would be to find a school that specializes in augmentative communication. That will be essential. A school that has a huge interest in technology and a staff that is well trained/versed in it. Since she is so young, I would care the most about her ability to communicate what she knows, what she wants, what she feels as the most important criteria, as well as 'reading'! Technology can help tremendously.


I am not sure if you have had a full Assistive Technology Evaluation. But, having this, they would have someone who facilitates the programming of a device as well as someone who would be 'training' staff. This is crucial to to her IEP. In other words, someone who can train others in how to use technology to assist her. I can put you in touch with a parent who is essentially an advocate for Augmentative Communication. Within the IEP, there should also be consultant services put in place for someone who is considered an expert with working with children who have AS.

Not sure how far you are willing to have her travel, but the Viscardi School in Albertson seems to be immersed in technology. The population of children tend to be with physical or medical disabilities but I think the opportunity to truly embrace the augmentative communication would be my top priority. I believe SCLD in Glen Cove would also have staff that were well versed in augmentative communication. There are a few schools in Manhattan but I am assuming they are too far and not sure if your school would pay their tuition since they aren't on the approved list. I am not sure if it always entails legal action to get those schools funded, ...

Feel free to FM me. I can give you a ton of questions to ask :)

Re: x-post re new school for DD

Re: x-post re new school for DD

Assistive Technology Evaluation is done through your district. Put in a request in 'writing" asap and make sure the special ed dept receives it. You can email it. If you need a sample letter, just let me know. All requests of any type should always be in writing. ATE will actually be done by someone from BOCES if I am not mistaken. It takes awhile for them to actually get a person in to do the evaluation, it's a two day eval (at least it was for my daughter) and then write the report. So put in the request now, and hopefully in Sept they will do the eval. But prior to that I would probably go to a private SLP who specializes in augmentative communication, and see if they can write a strong report and advocate for your daughter to start off on day one with a communication device that she was comfortable already using, in order to get some communication. For instance, many schools have Ipads and even programs like proloquo ready to use.

I will FM you the name of a mom who is very knowledgeable. She has a blog and is very active on facebook. She lives in NYC so she may be able to connect you to SLPs where this is their specialty.

As your daughter's cognition keeps advancing, that communication piece is going to be 'essential' for her to feel engaged and enthusiastic. I hope Little Village works out as I heard "communication' is a specialty of theirs.

Message edited 6/10/2014 8:15:15 PM.

Re: x-post re new school for DD

My DS attended UCP and they were amazing for my DS. He actually started talking and walking while attending there. Many of the students have augmentive equipment there.

What about a Boces program? Maybe your current school can give you some options?