School Daze

One of the most important decisions I have had to struggle with after my son’s diagnosis was finding the most appropriate educational setting. We had a difficult time in the mainstream school for Kindergarten so for first grade I knew there needed to be a change. Luckily children diagnosed with autism are covered through their IEP or Individualized Education Program where a team, consisting of both school district personnel and the child’s parent(s) and/or guardian can figure out what accommodations would make for the best school experience for the child. I’ll be honest; my child was pulled out of first grade after one day because my district had no idea how to handle him. They did nothing to prepare for his needs and we had even met over the summer with his team of doctors! I retained an attorney while the school wanted to play games.

The school district sent a behavioral consultant to my home to evaluate Andrew and for the first time in her career recommended that a child be placed in a special education school. I remember her sitting on my living room floor attempting to make conversation with the 6-year old who acted as if she wasn’t even there. My district wasn’t thrilled but they were not going to go against their expert, especially knowing I had an attorney in my pocket. 

We only visited 2 schools; the first resembled a prison, the second Disney World. My son didn’t want to leave Celebrate The Children, a small private school in Morris County. The representative from our district who accompanied us to visit the school told me I’d never find another place like this; I took her word for it as she had seen most of the schools with a feasible distance from out town. My son settled into CTC, as we call it, a school for children with alternative learning styles, without issue.  He’s popular, has tons of friends, he’s skipped a year’s worth of curriculum and still gladly makes the 50 minute journey to school every day.

The law requires children to be placed in the least restrictive environment that is appropriate for their education. So, many parents find it so important to have their children mainstreamed into the typical classroom in their home school, I wish I had that choice, but I have had to accept that it’s not for us, at least not right now.

Celebrate the Children was a blessing when I needed one. In five years CTC has become part of our family. I was moved earlier this year when the director of the school sent me gifts when I was hospitalized. I appreciate all that they do for the children, the families, and the autism community at large. 

Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Brady Rymer has a deep connection to this school and last year he released an album that he wrote for the children of CTC. Some of the children, including my son were in the music video for the song “Love Me for Who I Am.”

No matter what a parent chooses, public or private, mainstream or specialized, as long as you keep the best interest of the child at heart you'll make the right decision! I know I did!