Question for parents with kids on the autism spectrum

Hi everyone,

Our little guy who will turn 4 soon is on the spectrum. We had early intervention started when he was 2 years and he made amazing progress. Currently we are zoned to Tustin Unified and based on our research so far looks like IUSD has better Special ed and support for kids with special needs. We made the decision to find a home in Irvine in a year and were curious if there are parents here who can provide a perspective on IUSD with regards to Special Ed. Are there any specific elementary schools you think we should look at?

Thank you so much!

IUSD indeed has very good special ed program. 

I'm not too familiar with the IUSD's special ed in the kindergarten nor the elementary school but I do know that most of the schools have some level of special ed program and it really depends on the child's condition.  High function students usual stay at their home school with mild modified curriculum, students with severe condition are placed in a specific school that has the appropriate special program.

You really need to find out from IUSD to get an idea where they are going to place your kid since it depends on your kid's condition and where you live etc.

Also some school might be full and they will need to place your kid in another school. 
https://www.talkirvine.com/index.php/topic,14378.msg289631.html#msg289631

Thank you so much for your response and the link. I really appreciate it!!! We are hoping to make the move soon and get his assessment done before he starts T-K.

It really depends on placement your son would be in and what services he would be receiving. I normally don't recommend parents move their home because they hear that another district nearby is "better", moving because it's better for the family (short commute, safe neighborhood etc.) should be the main reason.

As with all the school districts, the quality of his education depends on the educators (teachers, specialists etc.), and the access to qualitative services depends on how well you can compromise with the district administrators. As mentioned above, his placement will depend on the assessment and how well the district feel he will fare in that setting.

Typically in a gen ed classroom, he will be exposed to and follow along the State standard based curriculum; in a SAI classroom, such standard will not be strictly followed, many times not followed. I have heard stories of elementary programs cap curriculum standard at 4th grade top.  Academic aside, you really should pay attention to the emotional and behavior dynamics in his classroom. An over sensitive kid will not do well in a disruptive/chaotic environment.

In general, IUSD special ed programs are well run and majority of the teachers/assistants are dedicated and caring. Getting the most suitable placement that can challenge your kiddo is very crucial to his success and your sanity.

Tustin's program is actually very good. They have been and continue to experience significant inter-district transfers for people to get into TUSD for the SpEd program from other districts.  Irvine is good too.  In both people's experiences significantly vary.

For Special Education, the rule of thumb is your Teacher, your IEP team, your School Principal and then the District.  The District controls the quality of the team, the Principal controls the quality of the team's execution on the campus and the classroom teacher is the day to day person who either supports your child or thinks your child is a problem.

If you are zoned Tustin, have you been part of the SDC at Ladera between for pre-school?

Whether you choose Tustin or Irvine, I would strongly advise your family to engage the services of a professional special education advocate. 

IUSDs IEP is like Hotel California. Cannot check out.
I know a kid who got into APAAS/GATE but still need to do IEP and the parents got fed up and moved the kid to private school.

I think Both fo IUSD and TUSD offer good IEP.