Torn between two schools :(

I need some feedback. I have a unique situation. Triplet boys, two typical, one with mild CP. The one with mild cp qualifies for a center based program when we transition from EI to CPSE.

It is imperative that I have all 3 boys at the same school. Logistically I can't handle having them at separate schools, and besides, I just don't want to ;)

I found two highly regarded integrated schools that can take all 3.

School A is known for being THE school for my sons diagnosis/issues. Every single one of our specialists think it is the best place for him. Their pt/gyms etc are state of the art. Lots of fancy toys. The cons are, it's far, in a congested area with no parking, no drop off zones, and my two typical boys do not qualify for busing therefore I would obviously be driving all 3. They told me I could not expect to find parking on the periphery of the school and that they couldn't guarantee that someone could come out to the car and bring them in. The most they offered was that if I happened to show up at the same time as the busses the teachers would bring my kids in as well. I am transporting three toddlers by my self, one of whom has mobility challenges. The other two are wild men, who think it's funny to run off etc. one likes to just go limp if he doesn't want to go somewhere. the few times I have tried going anywhere with them alone, just getting across a parking lot has been enough to make me almost cry. Plus three school bags, snow, rain, uneven terrain, the stress of looking for a spot etc. I have tried strollers, leashes, and a combo of the two and it's still tough.

school Bis also excellent generally but is not known as being as strong of a PT school by reputation. I asked the director of they had a lot of kids with my sons diagnosis and she said only a few but that she felt confident they could accommodate him. My son is globally delayed but motor issues are the hallmark of his disability. That said he can walk and is doing great with his gross motor skills. I don't know that he needs anything exceptional in regards to PT except a good therapist. Their or facilities are adequate, like what we have currently. I can also supplement privately through insurance if I find the pt lacking.
I also cannot get bussing here, but at least they have a parking lot and spots reserved for parents. My mom lives nearby so if I did need an extra hand I can get her on the way. The other school is the opposite direction. school B's day is also one hour longer so iwould feel less like I have to turn around and go back right after dropping them off lol.

In short, everyone says send him to A, but these are not people who know what it's like to transport toddler triplet boys, one of whom with mobility issues. I am inclined to go with B, but feel like I am being selfish/a bad mother etc :(

What would you do? Thanks for the feedback!

Message edited 2/5/2015 6:54:32 PM.

Torn between two schools :(

I would choose B. You don't need the extra stress every single morning dropping and picking them up. You can also get additional PT from insurance if you think you need it after school starts. Good luck!

Torn between two schools :(

I feel your situation & understand it must be very hard. I would suggest driving over there at whatever time school starts & see what is going on. What situation looks like etc. If its going to be crazy & just not possible to get out of car, then I say pick B. Otherwise, find out what time the bus comes & sit there & wait so you can get help unloading. Good Luck.

I know how hard it is with twins. Triplets has gotta be difficult. I also think that once you make friends, maybe someone will help.

Torn between two schools :(

find out what bus company the school would be using. call them and see if you can pay out of pocket to have the other 2 boys on the bus? my son missed the bus application cut off when we moved him into private school. spoke to the bus company that did the run in our area and they agreed to take him as well. we paid out of pocket that year for it, but it was so much easier than driving.

Re: Torn between two schools :(

I would choose B. It sounds like its going to cause too much stress for you to send your DS to A.

Re: Torn between two schools :(

I'm assuming the bus company wouldn't let you pay privately to send the other 2?

If that's the case, honestly I would choose school B. You don't need the extra stress and it's not like it's a bad school and he will have more time there also.