Northwest Center parents hope Seattle School District gives them more time to relocate

The time is ticking away for a small private school on Queen Anne that serves disabled children to find a new place to operate.

Northwest Center learned in recent weeks that after 28 years in the same building, Seattle Public Schools, who owns the building, wants them out so that they can cater to their growing student population.

They now have to figure out where to move 120 students, some able-bodied, some in wheelchairs, some who depend on the routine of being in the same place, in just six months.

With the district so far not budging on the six-month timeline, parents are worried that uprooting their children will crumble the foundation they’ve fought so hard to establish.

Northwest Center specializes in working with children with developmental disabilities. They proudly mix children of all abilities to foster compassion and understanding in the classroom.

“This is a place where they’ve helped me have a conversation with my daughter,” says Christina, the mother of a young student that wasn’t developing socially as fast as some of her peers. “She’s getting better at being able to express her emotions and express what’s going on with her, how she’s feeling, what she’s doing, and when she started here, she wasn’t able to do that.”

Tim Joos, a pediatrician with three foster children says his kids had a similar breakthrough. His 4-year-old who was frequently sent home from his last daycare for acting out hasn’t had those problems at Northwest Center.

“Since we brought him here we’ve never been called to take him home early for behavioral issues. The teachers here are very experienced with behavioral problems in children.”

Needless to say, both Christina and Tim are worried about uprooting their children, especially by June.

“My daughter flips out when there is a substitute in the room,” says Christina. “She doesn’t handle transitions very well. It takes her a while, so disrupting her routine is a challenge.”

“I’m afraid what they’re teaching the children and the school district right now is that in order to accomplish your goals it’s alright to step on children, or disabled children, it’s alright to step on vulnerable children to accomplish that goal,” says Tim.

They know staying in the building is a long-shot at this point. What they’re asking for is more time.

After all, Northwest Center, once they find a building, must license that and remodel it to accommodate wheelchairs and make other modifications. An infant room, for example, needs three sinks.

So far, the only response from the school district came in an email saying they’ll let Northwest Center know the next step after enrollment numbers are in on March 7. By that time, Northwest Center will have just three months left to figure out a plan.

“I’d like your listeners, if you’re outraged by this to call, write, email the superintendent, the school board, the city council, the mayor, the state representatives, and just get your voice in there,” says Tim.

These parents will go to war for their children, but they’ll tell you it’s the kids who will fight the real battle.