How do you know if you are getting good services?

MY DS and I have thought of relocating to Northern VA because of work. He currently does a compressed workweek in VA then comes home on weekends. We are hesitant for a couple of reasons one of them being the schools. We have NO familiar or trusted contacts to go by. First hesitation is cost of moving ( sprucing up our house, moving costs, closing costs etc.) He will get no relocation and salar is not big increase. Second are the schools, we do not know if services for him will be better or the same as here. Then I began thinking ....how good does he really have it compared to other districts. We are RVC with Oceanside Schools. We sense they are providing good services but who can I talk to or group to reach out to?

The other option is to hope they can have him work at a location 10 miles way from where we live (telecommute) with occasional travel to VA.

Message edited 10/10/2016 6:35:54 PM.

How do you know if you are getting good services?

Can you find mom groups on FB in the area you are looking and join and ask questions about special ed?

It is hard to know if you are getting good services. But it is also hard to define good. I look at it as, is my child progressing or regressing or standing still? As long as they are progressing, the services are good. But if there is no progression over a period of 6-9 months or regression, then I would question the services. Some districts can be more liberal with allowing services than others but that does not mean they are better services. That can also change in any district at any time based on the board (and budget) that the school has at a time. And in any SD you will find parents who are happy with and unhappy with the services that are being provided. One of the things I have found to help is to reach out to the teachers and psychologist at the school early. My son moved to kindergarten this year and it has been huge problems. I was the mom that was on the phone by the end of the first week. And at first they were resistant to what I was saying but by the middle of the second week they were beginning to come around and understand where I was coming from. Already we have made massive changes to my son's IEP and the school and I talk almost daily.

Think about how the change will affect your child. Will the change of routine and schools cause a major problem for him? Will it set him back? Will he be ok with the change?

How do you know if you are getting good services?

Do a search for special education in the area. Look at all the school districts in the area and call them and then find out if they have a SEPTA and call them. We were contemplating a move to Charlotte, NC and I was able to get on a facebook page with the special needs mom in the area. We did not move.

How do you know if you are getting good services?

City Data Forums...try posting on there

Re: How do you know if you are getting good services?

From what I understand the Northeast is best when it comes to special needs services but I would see if you can find a local special needs parent FB group... if you are on an LI one currently, maybe post there and someone may know a relative/friend that lives in that area who can comment on special needs services.