I am really struggling the last few days knowing what is the right thing to do for my children when it comes to schooling. Sweet Rose's doctor diagnosed her with Sensory Processing Disorder two years ago. My Cyprus is Moderate Functioning Autistic (still not sure what that really means) according to the test performed by the psychologists at the local school district. And now my Juniper is showing signs of Autism as well as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
I just learned that a new charter school called Spectrum Academy has just opened in a town nearby that focuses on education for Autistic Children, Asperger's Syndrome, and their siblings. I've been trying to figure out if I should try and get Cyprus transferred over there for next year when he becomes (gasp) a kindergartner.
But that raises a lot of questions, some I have answered already, some I'm still trying to figure out.
One thing I have learned is that Charter schools are linked with the school district and as such are free. But if your child attends a Charter school they do not have access to buses, the parents bring the kids to school. Usually I would have no problem with this as long as my child is getting the support he needs. However, my daughter currently goes to first grade at one school. Her brothers are/or will attend the special needs preschool sponsored by the school district. I'm already having issues getting my daughter to one school while figuring out how to get my sons on and off their bus at the needed times. Now imagine sending Cyprus to a third school where I would have to drive him there at the exact same time I'm supposed to have Juniper on the bus on Rose on her way toward her school. It's a bit mind boggling for me.
I've also learned that Charter schools tend to run on a lottery system. This is because there are a limited number of spaces open at the school. It also means that at some point in the Spring you submit your child's name into a list. Then names are drawn to determine who gets the opened spaces. If you do not get accepted as part of the lottery then you resubmit your child's name the following year and hope. The thing that worries me is that this academy seems really tailored to meet the needs of spectrum children to help them learn: use of natural light, soothing colors painted on the wall, sensory objects allowed at the student's desk to help them remain calm, plus the services of occupational therapists, speech therapists, safe rooms when the child just needs to readjust themselves to be able to cope with others, and aides to help when tantrums arise. It sounds like a dream. . .if they deal with Moderate Functioning Kids as well.
There are many questions plaguing my mind that I'm working to answer:
- The Autism school specializes in education for High Functioning Autism, but Cyprus is Moderate Functioning. I have to find out if they can work with him.
- I learned that the school district has Autism classes, but I don't know at which schools and I have heard that they only have them until your child reaches a certain age. So I have to talk to the school district to learn more of what options are available on their end.
- I've also learned of other Charter schools that focus on adjusting the education as need to fit the needs of your student. So if your particular child if advanced in Math beyond their grade level then they are given the excelled learning in Math, but if they struggle in Reading they work at the level they are. So now I want to learn more about these other schools? However, there is still the difficulties of getting them to and from school.
The final question is - What can I handle as their mother? I want to give my children the best chance at being their best selves, but at what cost? If I'm so stressed that I can't cope well and get sick (as is my MO) then its harder for me to be able to be a good mom. So at this young age, when they learn their best, which is more important - the right help or a sane mom?
Lots to learn and lots to pray about, but as this is a whole new field of information for me I thought it might be for others as well and wished to share. I hope this helps. If anyone else out there knows more about Spectrum Academy or Odyssey Charter schools I would love to hear from you. Also, if anyone know about what the school district has to offer I'd love to here from you. Also, if you've found yourself in a similar situation I would love to hear how you decided on your choice.
Happy Learning!!!
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