Naperville schools - 203 or 204?

W&J'sMommy

Anybody know which is has a better reputation for their special ed services (specifically pre-school)?  We are moving to the area and I'm having a hard time figuring it out.  Any insight would be very much appreciated.

Bricole514

I am a special ed teacher in 204 so that is my vote I work with the preschool transition team every year for my incoming kindergartners. We have had such great experiences. Honestly, I don't know much about what 203 has to offer. Ours is primarily a inclusion program with opportunities for self contained if deemed necessary based on student need. I would be happy to answer more specific questions if you have them.

W&J'sMommy

Bricole -

I've been leaning towards 204 after talking to people at both districts.  However I haven't been able to get a hold of the special ed coordinator at 204, so maybe you can answer my questions?

My son is 3, autistic and apraxic.  He has an IEP for the fall in MI, pre-school 4 mornings a week, 3 hours a day.  1 hour a day of speech therapy (it is standard for AI students in our current district). 

Do you know if there is a standard amount of speech therapy in 204 or is it case by case basis? 

Also will they use his MI IEP to start or will a new one have to be done before he can start school? 

Are there separate AI rooms?

Thank you so much for your help!

O'C

I teach in 203 and love it, it is a wonderful district.  However, if I am totally honest and looking at it as a parent of a special needs student 204 would probably be the way to go.  GL!

Bricole514

I hope I can help. First of all, if he already has an IEP in place once you have registered him they will set up an intake meeting with you (where they review the current IEP and determine any necessary changes for transition to our district.) He should be able to start prior to this meeting but I would recommend bringing his IEP at registration so they can do whatever is needed to ensure a positive start to the school year. I do not believe there is a "standard" amount of speech therapy. Although at the elementary level our speech paths use a rubric based on individual need to determine how many minutes are appropriate.  I would assume this is the same although not certain with the 3's because I typically work with the 5's. 

Regarding placement, this is what I know from my experience in elementary/the district:

1) These are the different settings currently offered: 

    a) inclusion (preschool setting with IEP support) 

    b) ILC (Independent Learning Centers) self contained setting for students on the Autism Spectrum with more significant behavioral or learning needs 

    c) PACE-self contained setting for student with a diagnosis of cognitive impairment

d)  Directed Teaching (forgetting the actual name, just changed this last year) self contained setting students on the spectrum as well who receive direct teaching (i.e. verbal behavior method)

e) Phono Classroom: for students with severe speech needs, primary area of need 

 Sorry this is so long. I would call Prairie Children directly. Certainly in the next week there will be someone there who can help you and answer your questions. We are getting ready to go back mid August.

Good luck with the move and your decision. Let me know if I can help in any other way. 

 

W&J'sMommy

Thank you both very much!