Laconia preschool

[Redbarn]

Hello all,
Does anyone have experience with the laconia school system and and more specifically their program for autistic children? My son will be 3 soon and the school system takes over, we had planned to move to the lake but are now considering staying in Bedford with our sons new diagnosis.
Thanks, long time reader (and poster for work) figured I needed a personal account.

[MeredithMan]

I do not have kids in the Laconia Schools, but I have been through the drill of advocating for one of my own kids who requires accommodations from the public schools. First step is to make contact with the Director of Special Ed for the school district and have a dialogue around your kid's issues and accommodations that would be required. I don't know how it works for the pre-school age group, but for the older kids, it is a formal process that is very well documented in writing between the parents and the school.

Feel free to PM me if you would like further commentary.

Good luck.

MM

[winniplayhouse]

If you're a Facebook user, consider joining the group Lakes Region Mamas. People post questions like that all the time and there is a very active group of participants on there. I'm sure you'll find people who have experience in the Laconia School system and could give you some advice.

[mcdude]

The Laconia Public School's website does not have a link to their special education services....which is odd. MeredithMan is correct in that there is a formal process that is prescribed by law. Many parents find that hiring a special education advocate to assist them in navigating the SPED maze is well worth it. You are correct to assume that the quality of services varies greatly from town to town.

Here is a list of educational advocates in NH that you may find helpful....

http://199.237.195.65/advocates.htm

[RLW]

http://i44.tinypic.com/1499wms.gif Redbarn, I was just browsing through the forum and noticed that you are fairly new to posting on the forum and glad you have joined us. Have fun and enjoy the Winni Forum while making many new friends.

It looks as if you are getting some good advise from some of our great members. I hope that you get the right answer that fits your situation. Have a super one.:):)

http://i54.tinypic.com/2e56yqf.gif