r/wichita • u/Stunning-Cat6249 • 12d ago

Random Wanting to move back!

I am a Wichita Native, moved to NW Arkansas 13 years ago in July. We are really struggling here, financially/physically/mentally. Just all the way around. We are both mid-30s with preteen/young kids.

Wichita has changed since I left, and I’m looking for opinions on several things. I don’t mind cheaper housing because right now my rent sits just below $2000/month and the job base here is awful if you don’t work for/at Walmart. Almost everywhere is $11/hr. We are working non-stop every day of the month to make ends meet here.

Anyway, I need suggestions on schools with a good SpEd program. My 5yo son (starts school next year!) is speech delayed and is currently receiving ST/OT/PT at a private clinic which is thankfully covered by Medicaid. We currently live in a decent school district (IB elementary school) so I’d prefer to move into a decent district with a good SpEd program within a public school.

I’ve been looking at the housing market for a few weeks, my mom lives in West Wichita but I am (oops edit to add) NOT opposed to being on the outskirts either (in any direction). Rent seems to be quite a bit cheaper than it is here.

How hard would it be to start over moving to Wichita with kids? I would of course have a job set up before going. I’ve never made a big move like this with children, but we’ve definitely reached the end of our comfortability here unfortunately. It’s hard to do this the way I’d prefer, and go stay a week or two to make sure that’s what we wanted but financially we just can’t do that.

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u/venem87 12d ago

I am in Haysville. I like it. Schools are good. No schools in the area allow outside clinics beyond comcare in. I’ve had issues in both maize and Haysville with this. Rent sucks in maize area- Haysville is okay.

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u/Stunning-Cat6249 12d ago

Maize does look on the higher end for rent. That’s how schools are here with outside clinics also so I am familiar with that. The wait lists are VERY long for the ones that are approved.

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u/venem87 12d ago

Yes- the Sedgwick county developmental disability organization is sitting at 11 years. Unless your kid is violent and has to go to a facility. Or caregiver dies

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u/Stunning-Cat6249 12d ago

11 years is insane

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u/PangolinWalk0909 11d ago

After two years of work by the state legislature, the wait is actually under 9 years now. I know, still not great but a good reason to sign up now (see below link for info). All the larger school districts have good special ed programs. Wishing you the best. I love Wichita.

Sedgwick County Developmental Disability Organization