Seeking Advice on Transitioning from EI into CPS

There's no need to worry! Your child is eligible to go through the case study process. With his needs, it's fairly certain he'll qualify for special education services and in that case, CPS will place him. You really don't have to worry about doing the leg work yourself. Once he has an IEP (individual education plan), he'll be serviced. Has no one in early ed explained this process to you? It should be pretty clear cut when it comes to children with disabilities.

Good luck!

Are you going through the assessment process with CPS? After he turns 3, he will be able to receive all of his therapies through a CPS program, and some of their early childhood programs are good. They will recommend a type of program, and then when they place him in an actual school, you can visit it and see what you think. They will try to tell you that you have no choice, but you can always advocate for a change if you have a good reason. You can request a social worker through EI to help you with this transition process. The CFC should also have a transition person from CPS.

I have a friend whos son went to Black Bear. They were extremely pleaded. Their son is doing great. I hear they are pricey, but well worth it. Good luck!

I know you may want to continue services by you but if you are also considering moving to an area that can meet your son's needs and is free. I highly recommend living in the Western Suburbs in the Lagrange area. We have an umbrella group called LADSE. It has been fabulous and free. OT, Speech, the whole range with early intervention and special preschools. My son has Sensory Integration and my daughter speech delay, phonological issues and my neighbors son is autistic and LADSE has met all their needs and more. I really can't say enough plus they offer support to families. We also have Aspire and Helping Hands near by and they are sliding scale and take into account household income and many health insurances cover the rest.

I hope this helps.

K.

The staff at Black Bear is very dedicated and the student to teacher ratio is unbeatable but it is sooo expensive. We decided not to my put my daughter there for many reasons (she is a twin, the expense, the location) but everyone I know who's children attend the school love it!!
We met with the OT at Blaine School but they could not meet our child's needs (sensory). She will be starting private therapy at Oak Tree Develpomental Center in Januaray. Sorry I could not offer more info the CPS system is so confusing.

My son too had physical therapy through EI and requires a wheelchair. My EI contact setup the transition to public school (Head Start). The person I worked with was Gina Delpra with the CP school systems. Contact EI for her number. Hope this helps.

R.