Should I put my special needs child in rec pak inclusion or summer school? I can't do both.?

My child has a thought processing disorder, PDD nos and ADD as well as anxiety disorder and OCD. She has an IEP. Doesn't qualify for much at school because she is high functioning. She does get a few hours of LD services. Go figure but does recieve SSI. I have been told to put her in Rec pak and summer school. She doesn't quaify for transportation so to do this it would mean me traveling back and forth between two schools all day and home. Way too much. So I need to decide to give her much needed social skills or much needed help with reading/LA. She is on a second grade reading level and going into 5th next year. Do I push her or let her play and enjoy the summer? Both places have specialist there for her. I can't afford the gas or get anything accomplished such as cooking dinner or laundry or cleaning house if I am driving all day. Please give me your opinion if you were in my position.Should I put my special needs child in rec pak inclusion or summer school? I can't do both.?
I have taught children with special needs and served as a director of special education for several years. My experience with kids with learning problems is that they generally learn to dislike school (because they are unsuccessful at it and it is stressful). If this is the case with your daughter, I suggest letting her have a break and enjoy the summer like a "normal" kid.



If the school (committee on special education) recommends summer school and it is a part of her IEP, they are legally responsible for providing the transportation. Contact the Chairperson of the Committee on Special Education or Special Education Director and insist that transportation be provided. See:



http://www.empowermentzone.com/spec_ed.t鈥?/a>



Good Luck!Should I put my special needs child in rec pak inclusion or summer school? I can't do both.?
That's a tough one. I have worked with special needs children and if she is high funtioning then why don't you take a break and let her have fun this summer. I might suggest that if you are concerned that she will fall behind then you can tutor her at home yourself. Set aside an hour a day if her attention span will allow and help her with her reading skills. Isn't there anyone else in the household that can help out with this situation? I understand the price of gas getting in the way, high prices can interfer with what you would like to do versus what you can or can not afford to do. I personally don't think that 3 months out of school will hurt her as long as you or someone else in the family are willing to step in and keep her mind stimulated with some reading curriculum. Don't feel guilty for the decision you make and don't listen to any negative answers. It is hard being where you are and people shouldn't judge until they have walked a mile in your shoes. Good luck with your decision.