I am looking for information regarding school district crossovers.?

Question

Does anyone know what the policy is regarding living in the Philadelphia School district and sending your child o a Bucks County District? I have a 7 yr old autistic son who has been in Bucks County schools his whole life, along with having great wrap around services and an autistic support class. I know many schools in Philadelphia are limited for special needs children. Problem is I need to move in 3 months from my apartment in Bucks County but I am having a hard time finding a decent place for reasonable cost in Bucks and I have more oppourtunity to get a cheaper place in the NE Philadelphia and alot bigger than my place. I know that many children are bussed outside their district I am wondering if that applies to Bucks and Philly?

Any suggestions?

Answer 1

You would have to check with the school districts in question.   Below in my source is a link to the state's special education parent consult line.

Special Education in PA - ConsultLine

1-800-879-2301 (Voice/TTY/TDD)

Help for families and advocates of children with special needs about:

Special Education Regulations

School Related Concerns

Procedural Safeguards

I do want to correct a previous answer. IDEA does not mandate that a child be in the best environment possible, only that the child is in the most appropriate placement to provide FAPE.  

Can you imagine if every school district had to provide the best environment possible? Only in my dreams!

Answer 2

You need to contact the schools involved.  I do know that IDEA mandates that the child be in the best environment possible.  If you can prove that the Bucks County District is the best for your child then the Philadelphia District may comply with providing transportation.  However, you need to give the school system a chance before you determine that they can not provide solid services for your child.  Talk to them.  Good luck and best wishes.

Answer 3

Most states allow you to 'open enroll' your student - however you would be responsible for getting the student to the school or to a location within the school district (like daycare).

It would have to be an incredible situation with unique needs for one district to pick up a student inside another district.  Typically that only happens if the 2 districts share a program.