a message for ese (special needs) parents prior to enrolling in the 2017 -2018 school year Are you looking for a smaller educational environment for your child? Would you like to have them receive one on one reading services within their school day and receive specialized clinical services? That is what we offer and that is what makes us different! At Lakeland Institute for Learning we offer more than just academics and the word is spreading. Our phones have rung steadily all summer as parents continue to explore CHOICES for their ESE children. Behind all the tears and fears the parents share, the message is always the same; they want their children to learn! In Florida, our parents have two choices for scholarship (voucher) monies available for their special needs or Exceptional Student Education (ESE) children: the McKay and the Gardiner. All ESE students who are enrolled in a public school for a school year are eligible to receive the McKay scholarship. The amount is based on a matrix of services the school district set aside for your child and may vary from approximately $4500.00 – $21, 000.00. The first deadline to file intent, July 2, has already passed. The important note is if you enroll your child in public school this year and you change your mind, you forfeit the other 75% for the rest of the year. There are other alternatives Meet the Principal to stop this loss and you may contact us to set up an appointment for consultation. The Gardiner scholarship is available to the following disabilities: autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, intellectually disabled, muscular dystrophy, spinal bifida, Williams syndrome, Prader-Willi, and high-risk pre-k children. One of the beauties of this scholarship is it does not require an IEP from the public-school system but it does require a physician’s statement documenting their disability. It also has a set amount for elementary, middle, and high school students, which varies from county to county but is approximately $9869.00 - $9759.00 till age 22. At the Institute, we work with the public-school system to maintain the services available through federal funding for your child. This includes: free after school tutoring available from Polk County Schools Title I and ESE services, speech language therapy, and updating their yearly IEP or Service Plan as it is referred to in the private sector. Although we are a private school, we work with every family to make it financially possible to attend. Call or email us today to see if our school is a good fit for your child: 863-255-1263; dbuckner@lifl.org. Donna Lee Buckner, Founder/Principal, is a 30-year veteran of Polk County Schools, Past President & member of Florida Educational Research Assoc. (FERA). Besides spending time helping those are in need, Donna enjoys the company of her three children and grandchildren. 111 Mosswood Road Lakeland, FL 33801 Office: 863-225-1263 Fax: 863-225-1294 www.lifl.org 36 WomanToWomanMagazine.com
20393FR
To see the actual publication please follow the link above