News Summary
Easterseals private school in Levittown, a vital institution for families with children with special needs, will close at the end of this school year. The decision stems from financial challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, leaving about 20 families scrambling for new educational options. The emotional impact is profound, with parents expressing shock and devastation. While Easterseals aims to assist families in finding alternate schools, the closure raises significant concerns about the future of special education in the community.
Levittown Families in Shock as Easterseals School Closes
Levittown, Bucks County is facing a tough situation as the Easterseals private school for children with special needs announces its closure at the end of this school year. For decades, this institution has been a cornerstone for families navigating the challenges of raising children with varying disabilities. Now, about 20 families find themselves in a panic as they scramble to secure new educational arrangements.
School Closure: A Difficult Decision
The decision to close the school, effective June 12, comes after significant financial challenges that have plagued the institution since the pandemic began. According to the school’s leadership, declining enrollment numbers have made it increasingly difficult to maintain operations. Families that have relied on this school for specialized support are now grappling with how to continue their children’s education without the resources they’ve become accustomed to.
A Heartbreaking Impact on Families
Among the affected are parents like Rebecca Merrigan and Estephani Villafuerte, who were left reeling upon receiving the closure notification. The emotional weight of this news has been intense, filled with feelings of shock and devastation. Such an abrupt change has left many parents concerned about their children’s progress and potential regression as they transition to new schools. Families are not just losing a school; they are losing a supportive community.
Finding New Solutions
In midst of this challenging situation, Easterseals has expressed its commitment to assist families in finding alternative private schools, particularly options in Philadelphia or Montgomery County. However, some parents have expressed frustration that these alternatives feel “too far away” and might not provide the specialized support their children need.
Concerns About Special Education Oversight
The closure of the Easterseals school comes at a time when scrutiny is already high regarding the treatment of children in special education settings. Disability Rights Pennsylvania is currently investigating allegations of mistreatment in the Central Bucks School District, specifically involving a teacher and aide at Jamison Elementary School. This investigation centers on claims involving four nonverbal children, highlighting a serious need for accountability in the education of vulnerable students.
Issues of Compliance and Corrective Actions
A concerning finding from an investigation revealed that illegal restraints were used on two students at Jamison Elementary. While the district claims no policy violations occurred, they are planning an external audit to review the situation further. This has stirred anxiety among parents, especially those whose children were involved, as state laws require parent notification regarding the use of restraints.
Faced With Further Complications
In addition to these troubling developments, a former teacher at another district school, Dennis Cahill, is currently appealing a summary harassment conviction for improperly disciplining a student with autism. With allegations and disciplinary issues trailing him, the school district accepted his retirement and has moved to approve a settlement agreement, further complicating the landscape for families already feeling unsettled.
A Growing Need for Support
The community in Levittown is looking for ways to support each other during this time of transition. Many parents are expressing a need for resources that will help them navigate finding new educational facilities while ensuring their children’s individual needs are met. As initiatives arise and assistance is put in place, it reminds us that families are resilient, even in the face of unexpected change.
As the school year comes to an end, the impact of the Easterseals school’s closure will undoubtedly continue to resonate within the Levittown community. For many families, they now stand at a crossroads, hoping to find a path that leads to nurturing educational environments for their children with special needs.
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Additional Resources
- Fox29: Levittown Families in Shock as Easterseals School Closes
- PhillyBurbs: Central Bucks Students Restained Denied Water
- PhillyBurbs: Dennis Cahill Autism Conviction
- CBS News: Vintage Sports Apparel Shop Creating Opportunities
- Wikipedia: General Information
