A letter to Jace’s mom

Dear Jace’s mom (or dad), Hi, I’m Max’s mom, I wanted to write to you to introduce myself and thank you for your son’s friendship. I know that we don’t know each other and our paths don’t cross but for the first time in my son’s life he is talking about a friend at home.You…

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…

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…

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…

Summer Camps

What a nightmare!  Finding a summer camp for a typical child can be difficult; then add a child under 5 that has a developmental delay or a diagnosed condition.  I dream about the day that early intervention is really supported and funded so that children under 5 that are placed in the public school programs…

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…

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…

Teacher Truth, Mom Truth

There is a saying in education.  OH, are you one of those public school teachers that puts their kid in private school?! Truth is…. Absolutely, I would and I did.  I am a public school teacher that will put her children in any school or program that meets their needs. Yes, I have placed my son…