Berkeley Parents Network: Special Education Programs in Local Schools

Berkeley Parents Network

Special Education Programs in Local Schools

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > K-12 Schools > Special Education Programs in Local Schools

Questions

CH (Communication Handicap Class) for 5 y.o
Evaluating School District Speech Therapy Programs
Better school district for special needs kids?
Moving to the Bay Area - best special ed district?
Oakland Private school for possible learning delays
Districts with better special education resources?
Best school district for special ed?

Special Ed in Specific Districts

Related Pages

CH (Communication Handicap Class) for 5 y.o

Jan 2009

I am looking for a Pre-K CH class (Communication Handicap) for my daughter who will be 5 y.o. May 2009. Does anyone know of a city that has one? I heard Oakland has one but I heard they were closing Tilden. I was wondering if anyone's child has attended one in either Oakland, Berkeley, Alabany, Alameda, or the LaMorinda area. Judy

There are CH classes throughout the Oakland schools, from Marshall to Bella Vista to Tilden (which I hadn't heard is closing) and beyond. The OUSD team that meets with you will make recommendations for placing your child. If you'd like to talk with parents who have been through the same thing, you might come to a support group organized by two OUSD moms; the next meeting is Thursday, January 29, from 7:00-8:30 PM at Communication Works, 4400 Keller Ave., Suite 200, Oakland. If you want to connect online, try the social networking site 8 Second Rule, also created by an OUSD mom, http://8secondrule.ning.com/ . --Sarah H.

Evaluating School District Speech Therapy Programs

May 2008

We have an almost three year old who has been diagnosed with Apraxia (a type of speech delay). He has been in private speech therapy since turning two. He has made some great headway, but still remains 'behind' his age group. We are considering relocating to the East Bay. As I understand, speech therapy services fall under the domain of the school district once the child turns three. I've seen a lot of posts about children under three, but am specifically looking for any wisdom out there regarding how to find out more about the school district programs in different areas (we're looking at lamorinda, albany, or pockets of oakland as possible places to live), as well as if anyone has any recommendations of particularly good programs. Speechless

I think you may not want to look at programs per se, but at the specific IEP goals addressing your child's speech issues and then making sure that they are met, especially via progress reports in between IEP meetings. My son's apraxia was not diagnosed (we're in Oakland) til he was 7 and a specialist with rehab experience was called in. In my experience SLP's are young, enthusiastic and have experience with pragmatic language issues but not necessarily with apraxia or dysnomia. anon

My son recently completed 4 months of speech therapy with a therapist associated with the hospital (for an articulatory issue). I spoke at length to his speech therapist about her work; she told me that based on her own experience working in schools vs. private practice speech, therapy in schools is - in her words - practically futile. The schools are always understaffed, so the therapists must meet the children in groups, so meeting 6 children once a week for 45 minutes goes nowhere. The children can't focus, the context is too distracting, no one gets individual attention, there's little individual assessment and drill time. In short, if you are planning on relying on the schools, you should rethink this plan. Private or hospital practice really is the only effective means for children, especially those with more serious issues, to succeed. My son had to work hard for 4 months to eliminate his lisp. I can't imagine him trying to get that work done with a distracting group of children and a harried therapist. Been there

If you are able to get into the Lafayette School District - that would be a good first choice. They have a wonderful program and have very dedicated speech therapists. Anonymous

I don't have experience in any of the school districts you mention, but I just want to clarify/correct one of the statements you made.

School districts are responsible not only for providing speech therapy for children 3 and over, but also for children aged 0- 3. These 0-3 services are under the umbrella of ''early intervention'', which is a federally-mandated program. You must contact the school district to get started, but parents with children in this age range can also qualify for FREE services for younger children.

I have two children with IEPs who are now 6 1/2, but they both started services through early intervention at age 2. Lisa

Better school district for special needs kids?

Nov 2007

My son has global developmental delays, hypotonia (low muscle tone), and PDD- NOS (basically ''autistic like''). He is currently receiving 21 hours of ABA therapy a week, plus one hour each of speech, OT, and PT. He will be 3 in July, and I'm trying to figure out which school district we should be in at that point.

We are currently in the West Contra Costa Unified School District. I am interested in hearing from parents who have experience with special education in this district, as well as surrounding districts (Albany, Berkeley, Alameda, etc.). It would be especially helpful to hear from parents whose children are on the autism spectrum, but I would love to hear from parents of children with a range of disabilities as well.

What are the strengths of each district? Weaknesses? Are some better for preschool but less desirable for grade school, or vice versa? Are certain districts easier to work with than others? Do any offer augmentative communication classrooms? Etc, etc. Please share any and all experiences. I really appreciate your insight! This is a complicated maze to navigate, and it seems to be never-ending.

Thanks in advance! Amber

Hi- The answer to your question is, hands down, Castro Elementary School, in El Cerrito! The special needs children are fully integrated into the mainstream classes, and both teachers and aids alike know how to create a beautifully run full-inclusion program that benefits ALL of the children at the school, special needs and mainstream alike.

This unique program has been 20 years in the making, and is a model of what full inclusion can really be. Other schools say that they have full inclusion, but from what I have seen, only Castro understands what this really means, and has been able to enact it in wonderful and powerful ways. The mainstream children really learn how to treat all people with respect and honor--something that they carry with them throughout their whole lives.

This wonderful school is a true jewel in an otherwise problematic district. I urge you to visit this school, and inquire about this program. It's not a fancy school, and unlike some other schools in El Cerrito, it has not been rebuilt. But, hidden behind those walls is an example of what every school should strive to be like. A proud parent at Castro

After trying several schools, we landed at Castro Elementary School, in El Cerrito. Many people had told us that this was the school to be at, but it took us a while to actually try it out. We thought that the ''nicer'' schools might be better. Boy, were we wrong! Our child also has autism, and this school has been a life saver for us (and our daughter). The teachers are excellent, and really know how to work with all kinds of children. I cannot believe that this school does not get more press; people seem to find it by word of mouth. Frankly, it's the best kept secret in West Contra Costa!

Good luck! We hope to see you there next year! Third time is the charm!

Moving to the Bay Area - best special ed district?

Feb 2006

We are moving to the Bay Area in Aug. 2006. Our 2 1/2 year old son was just found eligible for services through our current (East Coast) school district. His issues are in the areas of speech, fine motor skills and sensory integration. He also has a very short attention span. He's a very happy and social kid with great gross motor skills. We have quite a bit of flexibility in where to live after our move. We'd prefer being near a BART station, but our son's education is a very high priority. Any suggestions as to which public school districts might best meet our son's needs would be much appreciated. We would also consider private preschools. Thank you, Catherine

I do not have a child with special needs but want to point you toward the Lafayette school district and, specifically, Burton Valley Elementary. My two children attend BVE and have had special needs kids in their classes every year. The challenges that these kids face vary, of course. Some just require individualized education plans, some need an all-day aide with them. In every case, the administrators, teachers, students and BVE families enfold him/her into the sc hool in the most natural, genuine way. Our sons have developed lots of empathy and have learned that every one of us has different learning strengths and weaknesses. They've also gotten very good at meeting their peers ''where they are'' and celebrating their shared humor and humanity.

On a more technical note, the parents of special needs kids have been thrilled with the education their kids have received. They come from far and wide for the care and attention they receive. I'm proud of how our community embraces differences of all kinds and encourage you to check us out. (I always chuckle at the pride with which Berkeley private school parents talk about ''diversity'' in their schools. Their diversity may include color or family income but not political opinion or abilities!) - Hearing Good Things

We reside in Albany California which is nestled inbetween Berkel ey and El Cerrito in the Bay Area. Our son also has language delays and SI issues. He is in 2nd grade now and we have been very pleased with the services and support he receives. There are three elementary schools in our District. The speech therapists are great and the OT's are dynamic. They have all really helped our son. I don't know what services are like at the middle school or high school level. I can only speak about the elementary schools. Good luck to you. anonymous

I guess I didn't read your question clearly. Your son is 2 1/2. Our son also went through the preschool special ed. program in Albany and we were very pleased with the program. The teacher is fantastic and her staff is great. Same OT's as some of the elementary schools but I'm not sure about the Speech Therapist . You should contact our Special Ed. Dept. anonymous

Catherine, I can't speak for the district as a whole, but Harding Elementary in El Cerrito (East Bay) has 5 special day classes, 2 of which are for hearing impaired. It is my understanding that there are intervention or pull-out services for kids who need help but are not in special day classes, but I'm not completely knowledgeable about what exactly is available for special ed kids and those who are mainstreamed. I suggest that you contact our school principal, Mrs. Taylor. Please check our Web site, hardingpta.org, for more information. Harding fosters a sense of compassion for the special ed kids (the goal is to mainstream them in the regular classrooms), which I believe is an asset and something I want my son to develop. In addition, it is near the El Cerrito Plaza BART station, and the housing is relatively affordable compared to other Bay Area cities. Good luck with your move.

Oakland Private school for possible learning delays

Oct 2005

Wondering if anyone has experience with Redwood day school or Park day school or Archway. I am looking for a school that will pay enough attention to my child so that any problems are caught early. Right now everything seems fine, but my child is adopted and there is a high rate of attention deficit disorder in adopted children. All three of these schools are nearby and seem progressive etc. Or are there other schoools in Oakland you think would be particularly good. Also anyone know where I can get my child tested to see where she is with regard to learning skills etc,i.e. average, gifted, behind. thanks, J.F.

Reviews received:

St. Paul's Episcopal School

Districts with better special education resources?

June 2005

My son has communication delays, not completely assessed yet. He is receiving some services through the Oakland School District. I'm curious about special education services in other local districts. Are there any school districts where special education services are more plentiful, easier to obtain, more individualized than in Oakland? I've heard good things about Piedmont...any feedback on special education there? How easy/hard is it to obtain a paraprofessional to work with your child in a mainstream classroom?

Berkeley, is by far the best district. If you are looking for a district that will make decisions that are fair and in the best interest of the child, Elaine Eger is amazing! I founded A Brighter Today, which is a center based program, and non public school (Special Education) for children that are both medically fragile and developmentally delayed. Remember that if a school district cannot meet the needs of your child. You are entitled according to the (IDEA) Individual Disabilities Education Act a free and appropriate education at the publics expense. Please contact Laura Quesada at A Brighter Today: 510-704-0266. We have a great parent support group.

Best school district for special ed?

Feb. 2004

My husband and I are committed to sending our little boy to public school, and--like most parents--we want ''the best'' school district for him. The only twist is, our son receives special-ed services from OUSD. Are there any special needs parents out there who moved away from Oakland because they wanted a SELPA with a fatter budget? Or more experienced therapists? Sweeter facilities? Mainstreaming with extreme sensitivity and support? If so, how is it working out for you? We'd consider any area, from the Peninsula to Marin to east Contra Costa county. Thanks, Mom of Soon-to-be Kindergartner

I would suggest that you contact a support group for the type of disability your child has. Family Resource Network, an offshoot of Bananas, has an office and newsletter that can connect you with other parents dealing with the same issues. Their phone number is (510) 547-7322. I have a 13-year old son with Asperger's syndrome and I gave up on public education 4 years ago. However, every disability is different just as every child is different and you have to do what you feel is right for your child. Good luck. Nancy

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