FAQs - What I Wish I Knew
CHILDCARE
Q: Can you recommend a childcare vendor?
A: College Nannies [https://www.collegenanniesandtutors.com/nannies/] Owner: Debbie Lou [email protected] They are vendors of the ARCC Foundation.
Q: How do I get respite?
See if you are eligible for the San Diego Regional Center https://www.sdrc.org/ (if you are military you can get hours through Tricare with a referral from your child's primary care provider)
Q: I can't work fulltime because of my child - are there resources to help?
If your child is enrolled in Medi-Cal you may be eligible for In Home Support Services - which can pay you or another caregiver to help your child when they are home and not at school https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa/programs/ais/Services/In-Home-Supportive-Services.html
CASE MANAGER'S ROLE
Coming soon!
ELIGIBILITY FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION
Q: Who do I ask to get started?
A: Start with a written email request to your child's school counselor and vice principal. Briefly explain your concerns about your child, and requesting your child be assessed for special ed services. This starts a timeline during which the administration sets the initial meeting where you can share your concerns in person to create a direction for the assessment team.
FLOWCHART
FLOWchart
Q: I am not getting the support I need from the staff at my school - who is the person at the district level that I should speak to?
A: Please see PUSD Special Education Welcome Letter for System of Support
LEISURE ACTIVITIES
Q: What activities are there for special needs kids?
A: Horse back riding (there are so many in SD, it's easier to tell them to 'google' it - and there are 2 in Poway: http://www.hopehorseranch.com/ https://www.radtrc.org/
Therapeutic Horseback riding programs, Helen Woodward Center [https://animalcenter.org/programs-services/therapeutic-riding]
There is also Poway Abilities: https://sites.google.com/site/powayabilities/ and Special Olympics: https://www.sosc.org/sandiego
Adaptive dance at Danceology, 4S Ranch [https://danceology.biz/]
Gigi's Playhouse [https://gigisplayhouse.org/sandiego/]
National Park Access Pass [https://www.nps.gov/subjects/accessibility/access-pass.htm]
SeaWorld Accessibility programs [https://seaworld.com/san-diego/park-info/accessibility-guide/]
San Diego Aquatic Club https://www.teamunify.com/Home.jsp?_tabid_=0&team=sisdac
Limitless Adventure (highschool - adult) https://www.limitless-adventures.org/
Friendship Circle https://friendshipcirclesd.com/
Villa De Vida https://villadevida.org/social-club
MEDICAL / THERAPIES
Q: My insurance will not cover ABA and/or other therapies - how do I get help?
Recommend they contact the San Diego Regional Center https://www.sdrc.org/ see if they quailfy, and/or Medi-Cal
Q: Can you recommend a speech and physical therapy provider?
A: Kids Therapy, Rancho Bernardo [https://www.kidstherapyassociates.com/]
PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS (FACEBOOK INCLUDED)/ ORGANIZATIONS
Q: What support groups are available?
A: We Are Brave Together is a national non profit that hosts local in-person and Zoom support group meetings, as well as offering retreats 2-3× per year dedicated to helping caregiving moms rest and recharge. There's a monthly online coaching group (Laurie Magulac leads it) on the 4th Tues evening each month. https://www.wearebravetogether.com/
Q: What are some San Diego Facebook Groups for Special Abilities?
A: Hope on a Hard Road - support group for moms
A: San Diego Special Needs Families
A: Poway PASS- Parent Advocates Seeking Solutions (supports focus on Young Adults)
North County Families/Children with Special Needs
Parents of Adults with Developmental Disabilities and Other Support Needs (group by PHP, San Jose CA) https://www.php.com/
PLACEMENT
Q: Who do I contact if the teacher that your daughter/son was orginally scheduled to have as a teacher supposedly resigned?
A: Contact the Assistant Principal/Principal at the school and your Case manager and if you do not hear anything be persistent and keep email and calling until you get an answer.
POST SECONDARY TRANSITIONS
Q: Where can I find out about college accomodations?
Q: Where can I find out about College for California Students with Intellectual Disabilities?
A: UC Davis has a special program - https://redwoodseed.ucdavis.edu/ Redwood SEED Scholars
SAFETY
Q: Can you recommend a GPS tracking system?
A: AngelSense [https://www.angelsense.com/]
Q: Does the Sheriff's Dept. offer a location service if a child is lost?
A: Yes, it is called the Take Me Home Registry here: https://www.sdsheriff.gov/community/take-me-home-registry
TRANSPORTATION
Q: Who do I contact to arrange for a school bus pick up and/or drop off?
A: PUSD Bus Dispatch [858.679.2535]