Does anyone know how to go about locating a school that specializes in autism?

[momofzandc]

Hi!

 

I am in the process of trying to locate a private school that is exclusively for special needs children.  My daughter is doing okay, for now she is only in pre-k, in public school, but we feel that she would really thrive around children that are like herself.  The problem is I have absolutely no idea on how to go about about starting this.  Anyone have any advice??

 

 

[twin3rd]

Is there an Autism Society near you?  You could contact them and see what is available in your area.  Or contact your school district. 

[kylesmom2007]

Where are you at in Illinois?  I used to live in IL, and I'm still a member of the group.  Do you have an easter seals? How old is your child?  Are you anywhere close to Elgin IL? or Rockford?

[momofzandc]

Thank you so much for the answers!

I am currently looking into the Peoria Chapter of the Autism Society, b/c I believe that one is the closest to me.  I am hoping that they will be able to point me in the right direction when it comes to private schooling.  (I considered homeschooling, but I have no idea how to even think about starting that up)

The school district is absolutely no help b/c they want her in their school next year so they get the extra funding.  (I have already been told that they are planning on putting her in all day Kindergarten with NO one on one aide.  Right now she only attends 2 hour preschool and has 2 class room aides plus the teacher and sometimes she has a hard time with that.  There is NO way that she will be able to handle the full day all by herself, especially going from a classroom of 4 to a classroom of 30!!  I have tried explaining that to them, but they don't want to listen.  They think they know her better than I do.  Also, her teacher from last year told me that the aide that she had last year was originally hired to be her one on one aide, but the principal hired her full time as the classroom aide, so that is out of the question now!)  Can you tell I am frustrated?? LOL 

[momofzandc]

We live about 30 miles away from Peoria and Peru.  (different directions of course! lol)  My daughter is going to be 5 this December and is in her 2nd year of ECE.

Did you leave Illinois to escape from this beautiful weather we have been having?? LOL

[kylesmom2007]

Quoting momofzandc:

We live about 30 miles away from Peoria and Peru.  (different directions of course! lol)  My daughter is going to be 5 this December and is in her 2nd year of ECE.

Did you leave Illinois to escape from this beautiful weather we have been having?? LOL

Somewhat yes.  LOL, more so for my dh's job and to be closer to family. 

 For that area for a school, I actually don't know.   I would try to find an Easter Seals. Angie here might know though a school for that area.   http://www.easterseals.com/cgi-bin/es_search.cgi

There is an easter seals in Peoria, and that's really how my son got his start and to where he is now.  He's now 11, and talks non stop.