CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — Clayton County parents are begging county and school officials to give them more options for care for their special needs children.
School is almost out. And when there is no school, parents tell us they're struggling to find consistent places that will care for their kids while they work over the summer.
Reshma Frett, a mother to a special needs child, said the problem is bigger for them because even paying for care isn't always an option.
"Not even some of the daycares around take them," Frett said.
Because it's not that simple when you have a child with special needs. Linda Mitchell's son Kyle has Phelan-McDermid Syndrome.
"I'm running out of resources," Mitchell said.
Mitchell said Kyle requires 24-hour care.
"He has seizures. Okay? He doesn't walk," Mitchell said. "He doesn't talk."
Frett said her son is on the autism spectrum. She said she feels lucky to have a grandmother who helps, but at least grandma gets a break while 13-year-old Adonai is at school. The summer is different. When she looked into options with Clayton County Public Schools, she found the Summer Learning Academy.
A representative from the school sent this statement:
Clayton County Public Schools offers a wide variety of summer programming, including Summer Learning Academies and camps. All of our summer program offerings are open to all students and we work closely with each of the camp and summer program directors to ensure that students with disabilities are provided support with accommodations and staff. In addition, we have a specialized Summer Learning Inclusive Academy available specific to students with disabilities if a student requires additional assistance. All students with disabilities are reviewed to determine if they qualify for Extended School Year as determined by individual IEP teams and those services are outlined during June as well. With overnight and respite care, the needs of students and adults with disabilities would be referred to the community to locate wraparound supports and services. The school district provides comparable and supportive summer services which align with all students in the district. As a reminder, this notice, which has gone out multiple times, includes ALL summer programs available to all students and also has the information for SLIA and ESY, specifically for students with disabilities. All students can enroll and be provided support in any of these summer offerings.
"Clayton County does offer ESY. Sometimes he's approved, and sometimes he isn't approved," Frett said.
Also, Frett said the schedule isn't very helpful.
"It ends at noon," Frett said.
The school system goes on to explain that slots are limited, the program doesn't run on Fridays and is only active from June 3 through June 27.
Frett said she still has to work.
That option is for students. Mitchell said her son is an adult.
"I can't find anybody that will take care of a 31-year-old," Mitchell said.
Mitchell said she has benefits to help her pay for a caretaker, but anything beyond that is paid out of her own pocket.
"She goes out of town. Who is there to watch him?" Mitchell said.
She said she retired to care for her son. And when she did work, it was limited hours.
"Find something for these children," Mitchell said. "I mean, parents should not take their kid to work."
Mitchell said she used to take advantage of a county program at the recreation center.
Currently, a spokesperson for the county said there is a Therapeutic Recreation Division:
The Therapeutic Recreation Division of Clayton County Parks and Recreation Department offers year round recreational and leisure activities for children and adults who are mentally and/or orthopedically disabled. Our programs consist of activities with an emphasis on education, leisure, sports, and socialization. Our goal is to provide educational and recreational services to all people with disabilities and to address such issues as self-esteem, motor skills, appropriate social skills, and the opportunity to participate and have FUN!
We have very few special needs participants due to our limited programs and staff with a Therapeutic Specialty.
At last week's county board of commission meeting, an advocate begged officials to take action. These parents are hoping to raise awareness of more options and relief.
"I want more," Frett said. "He needs more. He deserves more. He deserves inclusion."
The deadline to apply for SLA is Apr. 17.