Hello! I am relocating to the Tidewater area and I have a soon to be 5 yr who is developmentally delayed. I had orignally planned on keeping him in Preschool another year (provided we were staying in Richmond) b/c I felt he wasn't quite ready for Kindergarten. I have called school Special Education departments in both Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. I felt that Virginia Beach folks were not at all helpful or interested in telling me anything except they encourage 5 yr olds to move on to Kindergarten. What about what's best for my son? Anyhoo, I talked with a very wonderful and helpful woman with Chesapeake Special Education department and decided that I should focus my search there. I narrowed it down to 2 schools (so I thought) and decided on B.M. Williams Primary. The problem is that I am having trouble finding a place I like in this school district. Before I stress out too much on finding a place there, I want to make absolutely sure that it is the best place for him in the area. Any suggestions or advice is greatly needed. I am only looking to rent b/c this is a temporary move and I am a single mom so super expensive areas are out of the question. Again, I want a school that will has the resources to provide my son with a program that is appropriate. If I do keep him in a preschool another year, he needs to be in an environment with children who can act as "models" (meaning being in a classroom with 2 and 3 year olds or severely delayed children will not be good for him). If I do move him on to Kindergarten, he will need assistance due to his cognitive delays and speech delays. He is a super smart little boy who catches on fast, has a great memory and loves books. He is behind in speech/language deveolopment which has affected him cognitively in some ways. Most people who meet my son can't believe he is considered developmentally delayed. Having said that, I need him to be in a classroom that will challenge him, as well as understand his need for assistance in some areas.
Have your son's IEP modified before you move to say that you want him to remain another year in pre-school. That way no matter what public school system you are in, it is not an issue.
Hi L.,
Good luck in your search, and what a great mom! I live in Va Beach, and moved here becuase of the schools and love it. Everyone I talked to told me that the best schools are out here, and there are some wonderful places to rent in this area. Birdneck Villas is a beautiful condo community with a pool and 4 miles from the oceanfront. It's also right up the street from two great elementary schools. I used to live there and can say it's a very nice place! We paid about $1,000 a month rent including water and gas, which is unbelievable! That was three years ago though, but it's worth checking into. I hope this helped a little!
Good luck, and let us know how things go!
L.,
I live in Virginia Beach. While i haven't first hand dealt with the Special ed. department i do know others who have. They have all been very happy with the teachers. Maybe you got someone on a bad day. There are a lot of rental properties in Va beach. I haven't heard good things from BM Williams.
A. Haddigan
www.BabysitEase.com
Hi L.!
I have sent your request to a teacher friend of mine that has worked in the Ches. school system for many years!
Let's see what she says, and I will get back with you!
While we are waiting, see if you can find a children supplement that has omega/ fatty acids, it will help him develop in many ways. If you can't let me know and I will help!
God Bless,
P.
