BOCES high school for ED child?

Brief history, dd who is in 8th grade and in a private school. She has a 504 plan immplemented after she became non-functional two years ago. She has general anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and OCD (thoughts).

Was doing okay these last two years, but this school year, she is stressed to the max, and grades have dropped drastically. I feel like we are falling off the cliff again....

Therapist is suggesting I go to the district and have her classified as ED. What would happen, where would she go to high school? She always wanted to go to Catholic high school like her two older sisters. Anyone have experience with these BOCES high schools? What does classified ED mean for her future????

If I live in Suffolk, does she have to go to Brenan in Babylon, or can she go to Iris Wolfson near CW Post? Are there any other choices for kids who are ED?

Barb

Message edited 9/29/2014 3:03:25 PM.

Re: BOCES high school for ED child?

Having an IEP in no way impacts students futures in a negative way. Infact it entitles them to accommodations in college if need be. Also just because a student has an IEP and a classification doesn't mean they automatically go to an out of dictricts or BOCES placement. The school districts responsibility is to provide a Free and Appropriate Education in the Least Restrictive Environment. If your DD's emotional status has begun to effect her academically and she now needs further support in the school setting, it would be worth while to request an inital CSE meeting.

I would also investigate what is different about this school year that is causing her to have difficulty functioning. Is there something going on with her peers? Are the academic demands too great? Why was she doing well for the last 2 years, then suddenly 4 weeks into the next school year she is having trouble?

Re: BOCES high school for ED child?

I'm so sorry that your daughter is struggling. Unfortunately, the catholic schools offer zero services for students with special needs. I have been teaching for seventeen years and have met many parents that resist classifying and others who push for classification so they can get needed services. I think if she needs more support, classification is necessary.
Iris Wolfson is an excellent academic school with the therapeutic services that it seems your daughter needs. It would be up to your school district to initiate the referral and have her screened. It's not unheard of to have kids from other counties attend Nassau BOCES schools, but it is rare. I've only seen it two or three times.
I agree with everything the previous poster said as well.....having an IEP will only be to her benefit. Good luck and please message me if I can be of any help.

Re: BOCES high school for ED child?

I know a couple who resisted services/classification for their child who sounds similar to yours (both social workers too, go figure!) and as a result, the problems got out of control as a young adult....drugs and alcohol and legal issues....

Family is a mess now as a result.

Not trying to scare you, but IMO as a professional who works with adults with problems, you should look into getting whatever services/supports are available now to hopefully prevent something bad from down the road.

I strongly feel that a lot of my clients issues may have been prevented if family helped them earlier on in life.

I also know like a PP mentioned too, that a Catholic environ,met cannot support these issues by themselves.

I would imagine they would try regular school with services before suggesting a place like Boces or similar.....

Message edited 9/30/2014 5:40:19 AM.

Re: BOCES high school for ED child?

It is my understanding that your child is only eligible for BOCES schools full time if she cannot function in the classes offered in the high school you are zoned for. My son is in 15:1 classes in high school (10th grade). He does not have 15 kids in any of his classes right now though. Other than the general ed classes (art, health.).

He will however go to BOCES in 11th and 12th grade for half of day for to learn a "trade", and it's my understanding that is what most children with special needs and an IEP do. Does that mean your DD has to? No. I filled out transition paperwork that indicated my son will unlikely attend college after HS, so this is what will be offered.

I have read the same thing about Catholic schools, they don't offer a lot of support.

Sorry, just realized that ED is emotionally disturbed. I have zero idea how that works, so my information may not even apply to you. I would contact your pupil personnel department for a better answer! Good luck!

Message edited 9/30/2014 1:50:20 PM.

BOCES high school for ED child?

Definitely get her classified and then find out what the school offers. Alot of schools have special education classes that are academic based and follow the regents track but just with lesser children. Alot of those children have anxiety/emotional issues so if your school offers that, it could be a good fit. I would explore what your school offers first before heading the BOCES route.

BOCES school for ED child?

Things went downhill quickly. DD has missed two days in a row now, and 3 additional days since school started. She came to me last night and said she couldn't do the schoolwork there anymore, and can't go there anymore. Her 504 plan is not enough. She wants out NOW. She was shaking and trembling this morning. Remember, she is in 8th grade.

I got the ball rolling this morning.

I live in Amityville District, but because the private school is in Massapequa, I had to contact Massapequa this morning to re-open her CSE evaluation from a year and a half ago. I submitted my letter of intent. I stated that her grades have dropped drastically, her anxiety is over the top, and with school avoidance, district is going to have to come in and do home tutoring as she "can't" get to school. I also stated in letter that her therapist thinks she should be classified as ED.

I don't know that they will have to test her academically again, as she tested well above average the first time (and they refused and IEP). Will that lessen the time for the actual CSE meeting?

I am so scared of the future and the unknown.

Message edited 10/3/2014 9:44:17 AM.

BOCES high school for ED child?

Did you ever think of Homeschooling her? Also look for districts that have some type of alternate high school. Our district just started one and it is exactly for children like your daughter. The entire "school" only has 40 kids.

Re: BOCES high school for ED child?

Sorry to hear things are going downhill The silver lining here is that you are aware of it and will do anything you need to to ensure she gets better.

I'm not sure why Massaapequa is involved at all in this? You home school district is responsible for the CSE and any services/paperwork. Did you used to live in Massapequa? The town your private school is in shouldn't be involved or matter.

Re: BOCES high school for ED child?

Posted by Michmouse

Sorry to hear things are going downhill The silver lining here is that you are aware of it and will do anything you need to to ensure she gets better.

I'm not sure why Massaapequa is involved at all in this? You home school district is responsible for the CSE and any services/paperwork. Did you used to live in Massapequa? The town your private school is in shouldn't be involved or matter.

Re: BOCES school for ED child?

Well, another step down. Her therapist has put her on medical leave from school and also change in medication.

My home district Amityville will provide the tutor. I filed for FMLA from my job so I won't be penalized and charge my accruals accordingly.

This is the second time in two years. First is was at then end of 6th grade, and now the beggining of 8th grade. It was very difficult the first time, picking up the homework, and dropping off homework, and staggering our work hours so someone would always be home. Now to do it again? I feel stressed too.

I also contacted Massapequa this morning to let them know she is on a medical leave.

I wonder if this will help push the CSE reevaluation date up?

BOCES high school for ED child?

Hi :) I answered your FM but I didn't realize you were in Nassau. I heard that Lindenhurst is starting up an Alternative HS modeled after the Three Village Academy and I think that Rosyln also has one. Good luck!!

Re: BOCES high school for ED child?

Lindenhurst? That would be interesting. Therapist thinks that Iris Wolfson would meet her emotional needs. She has no behavior issues.

I wonder why Lindenhurst would do that when the Brennan BOCES or Alternative school (what ever you call it) is in Babylon.