Programs offered at public schools
Chester County school districts provide programs for special-needs children and their parents. The following information was compiled through interviews with school district staff, parents and residents.
Avon Grove School District
•In November 2007, the district launched the Recreation Experience and Activity Club for Teens (REACT) with special needs. This “student-centered club meets two or three times a month and provides opportunities for adolescents with Autism Spectrum diagnosis and similar needs to socialize with their high school peers after school hours.” – Cynthia Hoover, supervisor of Special Education
Coatesville Area School District
•The district has a counseling group and is COAD-affiliated. There is also a “pro-team” that works with the students that may be in conflict with themselves, others or at home. In addition, there is peer mediation at the middle school and high school levels. There are also family-based services. This year the district brought a mental health specialist on board and there’s one for the elementary, middle and high school levels and at the Gordon Educational Center (in addition to the behavior specialist at GEC).
While there is no specific parent support group, parents can attend Parent Teacher Organization meetings in which special needs issues could be discussed. There’s also a special- education committee and parents are invited to attend those meetings as well. – Angelo Rominello, director of Education Research and Development/Pupil Services
Downingtown Area School District
•“There is a parent support group that organizes informational meetings once per month during the school year. The special-education department distributes their fliers for them and recommends topics and speakers. Otherwise, we seek the involvement of parents in their child’s program through IEP.” – Pat McGlone, district spokeswoman
Great Valley School District
Parents of Students Who Learn Differently
•“The Parents of Students Who Learn Differently will be hosting a series of presentations and Parent Share/Networking discussions to support parents as they navigate the educational course of their children. The support group is for parents or guardians of all students who live in GVSD, including those who may be enrolled in a private school.” – For more information, visit the district’s Web site www.gvsd.org and click on the group’s name
•Include Our Kids
“A results-oriented parents’ support group whose primary goal is to integrate students with special needs into Great Valley School District.” – For more information, visit the group’s Web site http://www.includeourkids.com.
Kennett Consolidated School District
•There is an Inclusive Practices Task Force which was parent-generated as a result of concerns with special education. There will be meetings later this fall and the process is ongoing. – Dr. Connie Ames, director of Student Services/Special Education
Owen J. Roberts School District
•There is a Parents Support Group of Special Needs Students. There’s also an autistic support group that works under the parents support group. – For more information visit http://www.ojr.k12.pa.us/district/PSNS.aspx.
Oxford Area School District
•Although the school district does not have a parent support group active now, it did have one in the past. It ended because there was a drop in the interest level. There are no regular meetings but the district does gather information once a month and puts together packets that are sent home to the families of special needs children. There is also a facilitator for special-education teachers and learning support staff. In addition, there’s a support group for kids with diabetes at the high school level. – Director of Special Education John Baker and Art Salatto, district spokesman
Phoenixville Area School District
•There is a Parent Support Network run by parents. –Office of Pupil Personnel Services
Tredyffrin/Easttown School District
B.U.I.L.D. Better Understanding of Individuals with Learning Disabilities
•“A group of parents and professionals at the T/E School District who have formed a support group for parents of children with learning disabilities” – For more information visit www.tesd.net/build.htm
West Chester Area School District
•“We offer support workshop sessions for parents and guardians of students involved in special-education programs as well as for other potential areas of need covering the following subjects (all sessions are provided at no cost to attending participants):
Special-Education Services, Speech/Language Services, Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy, 504 Accommodation Plans, Psychological Counseling, Social Work, School Health Services, Crisis Team, Referrals for Drug and Alcohol Screening and a general Parent Support Group.” – Robert Partridge, district spokesman
Several attempts to obtain information from the Octorara Area School District and the Unionville-Chadds Ford school districts regarding programs were unsuccessful.
Information complied by staff writer Danielle Lynch. To contact her, send an e-mail to dlynch@dailylocal.com.
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