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Any great Learning Centers for ADHD child in Miami, FL?
Anonymous August 7, 2009
My son will be 4 in October so he can't go to regular VPK yet. I need a learning center that offers sports and/or music to help keep him busy.
Any ideas will be greatly appreciated.
healthy11 August 7, 2009
Hi. Unfortunately, Greatschools is a nationwide forum, and the chance of finding another family from the same town with a child of similar age who has a similar diagnosis is slim. My own son has ADHD... I recommend that you contact your local chapter of www.chadd.org and ask those parents about good schools and other resources in the local area.
For general questions and support, I also invite you to join Greatschools Learning and Attention Difficulties Group at community.greatschools.net/groups/1155430514
1more-time August 12, 2009
Hi - we're in Miami and were lucky enough to get a head start w/help for our son when he was 2.5 yrs with the Early Steps Program / MCH; at 3 years old he transitioned into the state school program for children w/disabilities (any type - including speech delay, developmental delay, autism, etc). The state program mandates edudcation opportunities to help special needs children, and is known by the acronym (forgive me if I get this wrong) FDLRES - pronounced Fiddlers. It is managed by the Miami Dade School District - and is free w/numerous opportunities for children who need a little (or a lot) of extra help. They will meet with you 1 or 2 times, prepare an assessment, and recommend a classroom type if applicable. Go to the Miami Dade pk-ese website, and look around. You should contact them - it's only a few appointments and they will place your son in a public school clsoe to you for between 1.5 to 6 hours per day, depeding upon his need(s) / assessment. We were at Caribbean Elementary last year, which I dreaded, but which turned out ot be SUCH a blessing. I cannot say enough positive things about the program, the teachers, and administrators - and everyone in between. Their sole interest is to help your child function and grow as much as reasonably possible within his limits, and to hopefully mainstream by K. Depending upon where you're at, there is also a private school on SW 87th AVe. & SW 104th St - Childrens Resources, 305 596 6966. They are also EXCELLENT at providing care, but be ready to pay for it. Good luck. I30512
1more-time August 12, 2009
Also - I forget the name - but there was a gentlemen in a class my husband and I took that teaches Karate to special needs children. He is in the Homestead area - maybe google Homestead special needs karate or something like that. He took such pride in his students, and in the fact he was making a difference. I'm sorry I can't provide the name - but just know that such a program does exist in the event you come across it.30511
YeseniaCV August 14, 2009
Thank you. Unfortunately we live very far from Homestead, but I am looking at karate, sports and music options. Also, my son started with the Early Steps program as well. I started him in DC Public Schools when he turned 3 last Oct but I feel that because his problem is not as severe or obvious as some of the other children, he does not get the attention he needs. I've also noticed that he imitates too many of the bad behavior problems and that is only adding to his own problems. Unfortunately in the state of FL the child has to turn 4 by Sept 1 to apply for VPK and they have to turn 5 by Sept 1 to apply for the McKay Scholarship. That means he will have to continue to attend the public school system for 2 more years to be able to apply for either scholarship.
There is an organization called Parent to Parent in Miami, FL that assists parents with processing of all paperwork, educating, etc.
Thank you all for the feedback.30510
1more-time August 16, 2009
Hi Again. It sure sounds like you're really on top of things - very lucky for your son to have you. They say God gives us special children to bring out the best in us :)
Anyways .... When my son turned 3 he transitioned immediately from Early Steps into the DC School system - though he was 3 in June. He was 3 years old, in a class of 8 children including 50/50 typical developing/slightly delayed, some 3 and some 4. This was planned well in advance thru a joint effort between Early Steps & Dade county's ESE program. Forgive me if you already said so, but have you contacted the ESE office? An exceptional student may be in a PK setting, but they do not follow the traditional enrollment, requirements, etc. That's why my son was able to go when he was 3. I was scared at first - because I had some bizarrae discomfort about putting a label on my son - how it might follow him through regular school when he becamse of age. But it was all for not. He really did so well -- getting him to stay on task for several minutes at a time was a goal I didn't think we would possibly reach, but they did. I don't know if ADD alone qualifies, but usually it presents along with other things as well. If he needs help, your counselor will try to get him the help regardless of how he may test.
Sorry to be so long winded - been a long day and I'm heading off for the night. Good luck to you.30509
bernie301 October 17, 2010
There is a wonderful school that handles "ADHD" by simply educating the child. They uniformly handle students and bring them up to grade level.
They find out what the child is interested in and what is the actual level of understanding and start there by clearing up confusions and bringing them up to grade level.
The student actually start to like school!
They also teach manners! (This often produces a positive effect in the whole family!)
The school is called Help Miami they are in the Miller Square Shopping Mall at the corner of SW 56th St. and SW 137th.
HELP Miami
13828 SW 56th Street
Miami, FL 33175
Phone: (305) 752-4003
Check it out at: http://www.elearnaid.com/rivera.html62525
hellogreat12 April 26, 2011
There is a good school called Vanguard in Coconut grove. I am not sure if it starts until age 5 but you can always find out from great schools. Hope I could help!69374
lynnfiallo May 4, 2011
Looking for a good program in homestead fl for my son who is 8 and having a hard time reading he has ADHD 69609
