D75/ Kindergarten placement

District 75 people - if we live in Bayside, geographic district 26, and my son is offered a kindergarten spot in Jamaica in district 28 or 24, is that an appropriate placement? Seems ridiculously far away for a minimally verbal kid to be on a bus that long and sent that far out of his home community. Also it was recommended he be an 8:1;1 barrier free school but there's no room in the 8s in barrier free so they want me to take a 12 even though that's not the recommendation. Curious....

Re: D75/ Kindergarten placement

From what I understand, they are supposed to be placed in their home district or 'as close as possible' based on the class setting available.

Barrier free means it has to be fully accessible, right? Like no D75 classes on the 3rd floor of the building, etc.? If this is the case, that will limit the amount of schools since many of them are housed in old buildings, no elevators, etc.

That being said Jamaica to Bayside really isn't that far. If it was a school I liked I would send my son. I have toured schools all the way in LI to Manhattan to see what is the right fit for him.

I would not accept the 12 ratio because there is no room in an 8. Do you think he can handle a 12? There is a reason he was given an 8 ratio. My son is in a 8 now but will most likely move to a 6:1:1 for kindergarten. No way could be thrive in a 12 classroom (I hope for that, but not yet).

The district has to find the placement for you. You do not have to accept it. You can reject it. A wonderful resource is Advocates for Children. They did a presentation at my son's school. They are non-profit and a wonderful agency. There is so much info on their website and you can call them with a question and they will help you. I recommend giving them a call tomorrow.

I am by no means an expert as I am starting this process now for my son who will be 5 next year. But I have done a ton of hw, talked to a lot of people including all of his therapists (both in and out of school-we take him to outside therapy as well), went to multiple seminars, and toured over 11 schools at this point-both D75 and private (will tour a few more before his meeting), so I feel like I have a pretty good handle on it.

I hope this helps! Good luck!