A few months ago, V got a school evaluation. They seemed all sweet and eager to help, but despite our concerns we were told that nothing could be done at that point. I explained I really wanted V in the preschool within the elementary for various reasons. The main 2 were: he has a hard time transitioning and it will help when he goes to Kindergarten. He would have been used to the teachers, the buildings, etc. The second: the teachers are more qualified to understand his issues and help him learn despite those issues.
The Special Education director understaood all those very valid concerns, but nothing she could do: no preschool class in the elementary school this year!
Well, after talking to my big boy's kindergarten teacher yesterday, I ended asking her some question about what to do for V next year. She was so shoked that the Special Education teacher never contacted us: there is a class this year and there are only 5 kids for 2 teachers!! There are still spots available.
She also explained that kindergarten is not mandatory in our state which might allow for greater flexibility (a lot more than what the Special Education will admit). For exemple, should V need it, a half day kindergarten might be possible (it has been done before and it does not affect the learning that much since the core of the program happens in the morning).
I went on to tell her that right now, V is on a shorter day because he cannot handle a whole day. There are some half day preschoolers in this little class!!! My oldest son's teacher was so shoked that I did not have all those info. She recommended setting up a meeting with the principal. She said she would be my best source of uncensored info. She also added that, of course, we were not having that conversation. lol I understand she does not want to get in trouble. But that is so pathetic when telling the truth can put someone in trouble!!
She wanted to give me additional tips until I said that V already had an Occupational Therapist (OT) and a behavioral therapist. And that the Occupational Therapist (OT) also said that V needed a lot more than what the school could offer/afford. She does not understand why V does not qualify for an IEP since he needs all that help.
This teacher is fantastic, I hope she can teach V next year if that's the route we go. She is no nonsense and will say/do what it takes to get the job done. She leaves the stupid administration outside her class.
She really thought that a kid like V should be in this preschool class: the teacher has her preschool, kindergartebn credential as well as Special Education credentials. She does not believe Head Start is equipped for V (which I agree). The teachers are sweet this year but do not understand sensory processing disorder (SPD) and its implication.
I can't believe the Special Education director as snowed us so good! She was censoring us from very precious information and we never realised it. I even had husband come with me to the meetings just to be stronger and not miss anything. GRRR!
Now, I will try my best to transfer him to this little preschool class. I'm hoping he does not need an IEP for that. Otherwise, it might mean getting ready for a fight with admin....
I like the principal, she seems to be very good. But can I trust my feelings on people anymore??
The Special Education director understaood all those very valid concerns, but nothing she could do: no preschool class in the elementary school this year!
Well, after talking to my big boy's kindergarten teacher yesterday, I ended asking her some question about what to do for V next year. She was so shoked that the Special Education teacher never contacted us: there is a class this year and there are only 5 kids for 2 teachers!! There are still spots available.
She also explained that kindergarten is not mandatory in our state which might allow for greater flexibility (a lot more than what the Special Education will admit). For exemple, should V need it, a half day kindergarten might be possible (it has been done before and it does not affect the learning that much since the core of the program happens in the morning).
I went on to tell her that right now, V is on a shorter day because he cannot handle a whole day. There are some half day preschoolers in this little class!!! My oldest son's teacher was so shoked that I did not have all those info. She recommended setting up a meeting with the principal. She said she would be my best source of uncensored info. She also added that, of course, we were not having that conversation. lol I understand she does not want to get in trouble. But that is so pathetic when telling the truth can put someone in trouble!!
She wanted to give me additional tips until I said that V already had an Occupational Therapist (OT) and a behavioral therapist. And that the Occupational Therapist (OT) also said that V needed a lot more than what the school could offer/afford. She does not understand why V does not qualify for an IEP since he needs all that help.
This teacher is fantastic, I hope she can teach V next year if that's the route we go. She is no nonsense and will say/do what it takes to get the job done. She leaves the stupid administration outside her class.
She really thought that a kid like V should be in this preschool class: the teacher has her preschool, kindergartebn credential as well as Special Education credentials. She does not believe Head Start is equipped for V (which I agree). The teachers are sweet this year but do not understand sensory processing disorder (SPD) and its implication.
I can't believe the Special Education director as snowed us so good! She was censoring us from very precious information and we never realised it. I even had husband come with me to the meetings just to be stronger and not miss anything. GRRR!
Now, I will try my best to transfer him to this little preschool class. I'm hoping he does not need an IEP for that. Otherwise, it might mean getting ready for a fight with admin....
I like the principal, she seems to be very good. But can I trust my feelings on people anymore??