Apply for scholarships

Its scholarship season! Are you looking at sending a preschool student to kindergarten next year or unhappy at your current school? Now is the time to apply for scholarships for next school year. The two largest scholarships for special needs students are McKay and Gardiner. Two income based scholarships are Florida Tax Credit scholarship through…

She’s here!

Those of you that follow our family journey, we are happy to announce that our family grew by one very beautiful baby girl! Vanessa Faye was born Thursday, January 17, 2019 at 1:43 pm and weighted 7 lbs and 12 oz. Photo credit:  Pierce Brunson Photography   We’ve never been one for family names but…

Scholarships for School

When deciding on a school for a typical child parents have a multitude of options.  Many parents use public schools but also use magnet and charter programs with in the public system.  Still traditional parents use private schools and home school options.  When trying to make decisions for my special needs child regarding school and…

Did you move your elf on the shelf?

only a few more nights! for me….   I never moved the elf in the house!  I never had an elf in the house! Why I don’t elf on the shelf….  I have enough commitments–  this time of year is one of my favorites because of how it is traditionally centered around family and kids. …

October is the month my son became verbal

Happy Anniversary to language! A year ago, my 5 year old (soon to turn 6) became verbal!  It’s been a year since we’ve seen a huge jump in language and speech.  I remember the days of one sound/syllable and so much quiet time from him.  I remember the blank looks on his face and the…

All Day VPK

Parents in Pinellas! Please read, call with questions, and apply immediately if interested in the all day VPK opportunity from the Early Learning Coalition.  When I saw the VPK all day option a few days ago, I was so excited to see a real community need being addressed.   The VPK voucher is for about three…

Moms, does it get any easier?

Does it get any easier raising and fighting for a child that has special needs? From my veteran fighting moms….please tell me it does! In my recent experience this school year, shifting from public to private, I would say that it is not easier; it is different. Ways it changed: no more IEP meetings no…

Happy Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day to all those mom’s who advocate for their children! Keep going, keep fighting and be proud of the mom you have become.  We need you and your family needs you to keep working for a better life for your child and all the children and families that will come after you.  The…

Step Up For Students Scholarship

This website, Step Up for Students,  provides two options for parents: low-income or special needs.  These two options should be considered when you are looking for alternative education plans for your special needs child.  The first choice most often is for the use of Mackay Scholarship.  Mackay is based on the student having an IEP…

WAIT! do not file intent with Mckay

Calm down!  Do not make this mistake. Do not file for intent to use the Mckay scholarship until you have completed your IEP re-evaluation and or end of year review where you can make sure all the lists of services and accommodations are on the IEP. McKay Scholarship is provided by the Florida Department of…