I'm working with 2 other moms and a developer who has built a special needs playground before, and we've designed a 100K sensory yard for use by special needs kids, ADD/ADHD children, and NT kids with sensory isssues.
We want to do it on school grounds so it can be used to ward off meltdowns and sensory overload. Kids with sensory integration problems (MOST autistic children!) cannot focus very well if they are distracted by sensory issues. Our yard is for big movement, motor sensory stuff - the kids use it on breaks and as needed (maybe before tests).
The school is THRILLED. The school superintendent, however, is worried that once we raise our funds (we are NOT asking them for a cent), other schools will then want the same yard, but the community will be "spent" on contributions. And the other schools won't get to raise their funds.
THey suggest we build the yard on public grounds so all kids can use it. But the point of the sensory yard is to teach kids to self regulate and go back inside to learn. We want the kids to be educable.
The superintendent loves the yard and its function, but wants us to scale it back - maybe take out the expensive ADA tiles (50% of the budget dollars).
What are my rights, if they have APPROVED the yard and its concept, but I have 100K in my pocket to spend on special needs kids?
I have no idea what you're rights are, but if the district has any magnet schools, then it seems unfair of the superintendent to claim that each school has to be the same.
Isn't the school playground public enough? Can't kids who don't attend that school use it after school and on weekends?
Good luck -- it sounds like a wonderful project, and it's great that you're so full of initiative! Keep us posted!
Thanks! Yet another meeting this week...