10 minute read
ADVOCATING FOR YOUR SPECIAL NEEDS
Advocating For Your Special Needs Child
Hillsborough Schools Experts Weigh In
by Debbie Valdez, Program Manager/Parent Services
Parenthood can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life. It can also be the most challenging, especially if you have a child with special needs. Here are few simple tips from Hillsborough County Public Schools to help you through this journey as you advocate for your child.
ACCEPTANCE: Accept your child for who they are while loving and supporting them to be all they can be.
SELF-CARE: Take care of yourself so you are as healthy and strong as you can be to take care of others, especially your child with special needs. Take time with friends, read a book, have a hobby and make sure you schedule your annual doctors’ appointments and keep them. Whatever it is that keeps you healthy and balanced, do it. If you need help, ask for help, and be specific as to what would be helpful.
LEARN AND RESEARCH: Learn about your child’s disability, condition or special needs. Research different support groups or organizations that know about your child’s special needs. Seek second opinions when appropriate. Ask questions. Take the time you need to make an informed decision. Be cautious of information on the internet or the advice of family and friends. Someone else’s experiences may not be right for you and your child. Remember your child is unique and you must do what’s best for your child with what you know. Be confident in your decisions. Be OK when plans need to change because life or situations change. Learn about policies, procedures or laws that protect your child as a patient and/or student.
SHARING INFORMATION: Share your knowledge of your child with professionals and school staff. What works at home? What has not worked at home? Share past experiences in different situations, successful or not, especially with new professionals and teachers. When professionals or teachers share their ideas, ask for details as it relates to your child. It is OK to ask for clarification. What does that look like? Who will do this? How often?
PARTNERSHIPS: Consider every professional whether it’s a teacher, a doctor, or a therapist as part of your child’s support team. Even the administrative assistant can be your best friend by expediting your message or concern with the appropriate staff. Everyone involved with your child has your child’s best interest at heart, but sometimes everyone may not agree with next steps, treatment plans or individual goals. It is OK to disagree as long as all parties are respectful, and it leads to good conversation or brain-storming different ideas. Being positive will help any situation, especially during tough conversations.
RESOLVING CONFLICTS: When you have made every effort to come to an agreement or resolution, take your concerns to the next level, ask for a second opinion or request a neutral person to help facilitate the conversation.
INVOLVE YOUR CHILD: Involve your child in decision making when appropriate. For younger children, you might include them with the final plan and ask if they have questions. As they get older, they may be able to share what would help them.
Overall, stay positive and ask for help when you need it.
If you have a question about special education in Hillsborough County, or would like support, you can contact the ESE Department at 813-273-7025 or the ESE Parent Liaisons at 813-837-7732.
(IB CANDIDATE)
4716 Montgomery Ave., Tampa 33616 813-272-3020; hillsboroughschools.org/monroe
We develop active learners and internationally-minded students. Students will be guided by the International Baccalaureate World School Philosophy. Students can pursue unique electives like computer modeling and simulation. Our sixth grade structure creates a supportive middle school transition. We are the only middle magnet school in South Tampa and prepare our students to potentially step into the halls of Robinson IB!
ST. CECELIA INTERPAROCHIAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL 1350 Court St., Clearwater 33756 727-461-1207; st-cecelia.org
St. Cecelia (SCS) is a two-time recipient of the prestigious Blue Ribbon Award, both in 2020 and 2010. SCS is also Pinellas county’s only private school to offer the International Baccalaureate to students in grades PreK-3 to grade 8. Through the IB Programme we provide tools, develop character and teach skills that prepare our students to thrive in high school, college and beyond. We remain steadfast in our commitment to our students’ educational and personal success and to the betterment of our local and global communities.
ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL 1002 S. Rome Ave., 906 S. Orleans Ave., 240 S. Plant Ave., Tampa 33606 813-849-4200; stjohnseagles.org
Located in the heart of Tampa, St. John's Episcopal School delivers an unparalleled, values-driven, progressive education for children in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Hard work, faith, respect, honesty and a commitment to excellence allow our graduates to thrive in high school, college and beyond.
ST. LAWRENCE CATHOLIC SCHOOL 5223 N. Himes Ave., Tampa 33614 813-879-5090; stlawrencecatholicschool.org
Celebrating 60 years of Catholic Education since 1961, St. Lawrence Catholic School provides a Christ-centered environment inspiring students from Early Childhood through grade 8 toward academic excellence to become life-long learners. 21st Century classrooms promote creativity, critical thinking and collaboration. Fully accredited by the FCC, with a strong curriculum exceeding Diocesan, state and national standards in academics, art, music, physical education, Spanish, technology, STREAM and media.
ST. MARY’S EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL 2101 S. Hubert Ave., Tampa 33629 813-258-5508; smeds.org
St. Mary’s Episcopal Day School provides challenging academics, performing and visual arts, competitive athletics, technology, public speaking, world languages, global studies, community service, religious education and more. St. Mary’s highly-qualified pre-K through 8th grade faculty inspires students to achieve their best, developing into well-rounded individuals ready for the challenges ahead.
ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGIATE HIGH SCHOOLS St. Petersburg: 6605 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg 33710 | 727-341-4610 Tarpon Springs: 600 Klosterman Road, Tarpon Springs 34689 | 727-712-5891 spchs.spcollege.edu
St. Petersburg Collegiate High Schools offer a supportive educational experience with all the benefits of high school and college. Students thrive at SPCHS as successful learners and leaders. SPCHS students graduate with their high school diploma, an Associate’s degree, and the skills for continued success. Best of all, it’s free!
ST. RAPHAEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL 1376 Snell Isle Blvd. NE, St. Petersburg 33704 727-821-9663; straphaelschool.net
St. Raphael Catholic School welcomes families who believe that Christ is the cornerstone of our lives, strive for academic excellence, seek to provide faith-filled service to others, reflect Catholic values and are responsible leaders of the Church and community. Enrollment: 432 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE
Enrollment: 425 Class-Size: 12-24 students depending on grade level Grades: PreK3-grade 8 Tuition: $7,120-$7,918
Enrollment: 525 Class-Size: 17 Grades: K4-8 Tuition: $14,660 - $15,190
Enrollment: 495 Class-Size: < 25 Grades: PreK3-grade 8 Tuition: $8,250 - $11,445
Enrollment: 450 Class-Size: 20 Grades: PreK-grade 8 Tuition: $16,600
Enrollment: 240 per location Class-Size: grade 10 average of 18, grades 1112 varies by course Grades: 10-12 Tuition: FREE
Enrollment: 180 Class-Size: 17 average Grades: PK-8 Tuition: $6,350-$8,450
STEWART MIDDLE MAGNET (NASA EXPLORER SCHOOL)
1125 Spruce St., Tampa 33607 813-276-5691; hillsboroughschools.org/stewart
Be part of one of the only nationally recognized NASA Explorer Schools in the country! Through our Project Lead the Way curriculum, students choose from electives like aerospace and engineering. Stewart partners with NASA, NOAA and the U.S. Air Force for real-world learning. Our location on the Hillsborough River and next to Blake and near Dunbar Magnet add to the opportunities our students enjoy every day!
TAMPA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 4630 N. Rome Ave., Tampa 33603 813-870-0860; tampacatholic.org
Tampa Catholic High School is a co-educational school of the Diocese of St. Petersburg dedicated to providing students with “Veritas et Caritas” (truth and charity) through educational excellence in a Christ centered environment. Its curriculum reinforces critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, problem solving and depth of understanding necessary for 21st-century learners.
TAMPA DAY SCHOOL 12606 Henderson Road, Tampa 33625 813-269-2100; tampadayschool.com
Celebrating 50 years of meeting the needs of bright students with Dyslexia, ADHD or anxiety, TDS offers a uniquely designed college-prep curriculum. With small class sizes, instruction incorporates interactive and handson experiences, along with an emphasis on study and organizational skills, promoting success and improved confidence. Contact us to learn more!
TAMPA HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY MAGNET
(GLOBAL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY)
3719 N. 17th St., Tampa 33610 (temporary) 813-276-5405; tampaheights.mysdhc.org
Our students become innovative thinkers who achieve academically and socially through our seven Wonders—leadership, environment, economics, wellness, innovation, communication and culture. Students can participate in Model United Nations and Odyssey of the Mind, learn world languages and leadership, and experience cultural clusters such as yoga, cooking, African art and LEGO makerspace.
TAMPA PREP 727 W. Cass St., Tampa 33606 813-251-8481; tampaprep.org
There’s a culture of creativity here, a willingness to try new ideas – anything that better serves students. We are Florida’s Most Innovative School, where students graduate uniquely prepared to succeed in a world of accelerating change. Located in the heart of downtown Tampa, we’re here to inspire the next great creators.
VALRICO LAKE ADVANTAGE ACADEMY 13306 Boyette Road, Riverview 33569 813-699-5049; valricoacademy.com
A tuition-free, public charter school proudly serving students in kindergarten through fifth Grade, the school provides a well-rounded elementary foundation through a challenging curriculum with a focus on teaching math and science in proven and innovative instructional methods preparing students for their secondary education and beyond. We are an “A” rated Florida School of Excellence offering the Cambridge program for Advanced Studies. Cognia accredited.
VANGUARD SCHOOL 22000 US Highway 27, Lake Wales 33859 863-676-6091; vanguardschool.org
The Vanguard School is a co-educational boarding and day school for students in grades 6-12. Vanguard specializes in educating students who experience academic learning challenges in an environment that works with academic strategies, executive functioning, social skills, celebrates student strengths and assists in transitioning into higher educational opportunities and independent living. Enrollment: 1,024 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE
Enrollment: 725 Class-size: 24 Grades: 9-12 Tuition: $12,000 - $15,000
Enrollment: 150 Class-Size: 10-12 Grades: 3-8 Tuition: $21,600 + $1,750 fees
Enrollment: 308 Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE
Enrollment: 700 Class-Size: 15 Grades: 6-12 Tuition: $25,284 - $26,197
Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE
Enrollment: 100 boarding, up to 120 total Class-Size: 6-10 Grades: 6-12 Tuition: 7-day $49,000; 5-day $43,000; Day $25,500
VILLA MADONNA SCHOOL 315 W. Columbus Dr., Tampa 33602 813-229-1322; villamadonnaschool.com
Villa Madonna is a private Catholic school operated by the Salesian order of Sisters, founded by Saint John Bosco. Villa Madonna School has been a Tampa tradition for more than 75 years. Villa Madonna's standardized test scores continually exceed the national average in reading, science, and math. Enrollment: 325 Class-Size: 18 Grades: Ages 3 through grade 8 Tuition: $6,500
WALKER MIDDLE MAGNET (IB)
8282 N. Mobley Road, Odessa 33556 813-631-4726; hillsboroughschools.org/walker
We develop creative and confident learners. Communication, reflection and whole-child learning energize Walker Middle Magnet, Odessa's IB World School. As a Magnet School of Distinction, students are exposed to a rigorous curriculum. High-impact teachers and our Florida Power School Library highlight our exceptional, highly-rated team of educators. Enrollment: 984 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE
WEB OF WISDOM 5238 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday 34690 727-389-4750; wowschools.org
WOW, where learning meets adventure and education, isn’t limited to the classroom. We offer college preparatory academics (AP/Dual Enrollment) in conjunction with extraordinary extracurriculars. These include snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, climbing, camping, athletics (K-12), computer programming, automotive repair, music and photography. We are the education that you’re looking for, with the experiences that your child will remember forever.
WESTLAKE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 1551 Belcher Road, Palm Harbor 34683 727-781-3808; westlakechristianschool.org
Westlake Christian School, a National Blue Ribbon School, is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/Cognia. Westlake’s mission is to help students develop in their faith, academics, fine arts and athletics. Westlake serves approximately 475 students in Kindergarten through eighth grade from Northern Pinellas County, Southern Pasco County, Trinity, Westchase and surrounding communities.
WILLIAMS MIDDLE MAGNET (IB)
5020 N. 47th St., Tampa 33610 813-744-8600; hillsboroughschools.org/williams
We are a top-ranked IB World School, earning an A-grade for nearly 20 years! We create global learners focused on intercultural awareness and communication. Scholar Quest high school credit offerings challenge students in French, algebra and emerging technology in business. Connect through clubs including LEGO Robotics, Model UN, Future Business Leaders of America and our award-winning Chess Club. Enrollment: 100 Class-Size: 10-19 Grades: K-12 Tuition: $8,200 - $10,200
Enrollment: 475 Class-Size: 1:18 Grades: K-8 Tuition: $8,950-$9,275
Enrollment: 841 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE
YOUNG MIDDLE MAGNET (CREATIVE SCIENCE CENTRE)
1807 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., Tampa 33610 813-276-5739; hillsboroughschools.org/young
We empower creative learners with our Project Lead the Way STEM curriculum. We focus on engineering, sustainability and "Global Planting"— engaging students in hands-on learning with an on-campus hydroponic farm and greenhouse, along with student-constructed rain gardens. Students learn using state-of-the-art technology, including touch-enabled whiteboards and 3-D printers. Enrollment: 654 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE
