Maryland, a state known for its blue crabs and scenic waterways, is also home to some of the best special needs schools in the country. This guide will help you navigate the options available for your neurodivergent kids. By the end of this post, you’ll better understand the top special needs schools in Maryland, eligibility for special education, the IEP process, and the Difference between a 504 and an IEP.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Special Needs Schools in Maryland
First, let’s look at Maryland’s top five special needs schools. Each of these schools offers a unique approach to education, catering to the specific needs of neurodivergent kids.
| Name of Location | Star Rating | Number of Reviews | Address | Hours of Operation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gateway School | 4.1 | 9 | Baltimore, MD | Open ⋅ Closes 4 PM | Located in Baltimore, this school is renowned for its personalized learning pathways. |
| Ivymount School | 3.6 | 12 | Rockville, MD | Open ⋅ Closes 3:15 PM | Specializing in integrated educational experiences in Rockville. |
| Arrow Center For Education Tangram | 5.0 | 2 | Towson, MD | Open ⋅ Closes 5 PM | Highly regarded in Towson for their innovative teaching methodologies. |
| Linwood Center Inc | 5.0 | 1 | Columbia, MD | N/A | Distinguished for its focus on fostering independence in Columbia. |
| The Auburn School | 4.5 | 2 | Pikesville, MD | N/A | Known in Pikesville for its holistic approach to special education. |
What is the Best School District for Special Needs in Maryland?
When choosing the best school district for special needs in Maryland, it’s important to consider your child’s needs. However, the Montgomery County Public Schools district stands out for its commitment to inclusive education and its wide range of services for students with special needs.
the district’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) team also works closely with parents and students to develop personalized learning plans. This collaborative approach ensures that every student receives the support they need to succeed.
Who is Eligible for Special Education in Maryland?
In Maryland, special education and related services are available to children with disabilities who require such support. This includes children with autism, deaf-blindness, emotional disorders, hearing deficits, intellectual disabilities, multiple impairments, orthopedic disabilities, other health-related impairments, specific learning disabilities, speech or language disorders, traumatic brain injuries, and visual impairments.
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Read more: Special Education Schools in Maryland | Parent Guide
Moreover, the child must be between 3 and 21, and the disability must adversely affect the child’s educational performance. The child’s eligibility is through a comprehensive evaluation process.
What Qualifies a Student for an IEP in Maryland?
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written document that outlines a child’s unique education plan. To qualify for an IEP in Maryland, a child must have a disability that adversely affects their educational performance. The child’s eligibility is through a comprehensive evaluation process.
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After that, the IEP team, which includes the child’s parents, develops a plan that outlines the child’s current performance, annual goals, special education and related services, accommodations, and how progress will be measured.
Read more: Medicaid Waiver Guide | Maryland
What is the Difference Between a 504 and an IEP in Maryland?
A 504 plan and an IEP are both legal documents that outline a plan of instructional services for students with disabilities. However, they differ in some fundamental ways. A 504 plan is for students with a broader range of disabilities, while an IEP is for students who require special education services.
Read more: What Are IEP Requirements?
Furthermore, an IEP is more detailed and includes specific learning goals. At the same time, a 504 plan focuses more on ensuring the student has equal access to education. Understanding these differences can help you advocate for the best support for your child.
Goally in the Classroom
Goally is a great tool for kids with ASD who are looking to improve their life and language skills. It can be used in the home or clinic, and it is tailored to the individual needs of each child. Goally is a digital therapy and teaching assistant that can help kiddos with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Goally can help children with a variety of tasks, including:
- Learning New Skills: Goally’s video classes helps children learn new skills, such as: how to follow directions, how to interact with peers, and how to make a sandwich.
- Increased Communication: Goally helps children effectively communicate wants and needs while also teaching them their first 50 words, allowing children to participate in the world around them.
- Behavior Management: Goally helps children manage their behavior, both in the classroom and at home by rewarding positive behaviors created by parents and teachers.
Goally’s distraction-free kid’s tablet can be used as a therapy tool to help teach executive function, language, emotional regulation, finger dexterity skills, and more!
In short, Maryland offers a wealth of resources for parents of neurodivergent kids. From top-notch special needs schools to comprehensive support services, the state wants to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed. And remember, as you navigate this journey, tools like Goally can be invaluable. Goally’s learning tablet for kids offers a range of apps designed to support neurodivergent kids, making it a perfect companion for your child’s educational journey. So, take a deep breath, you’ve got this, and Maryland’s got you.
This post was originally published on 08/21/2023. It was updated on 12/28/2023.
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