Re: Re: Special Needs Preschool & Preparing for the IEP Meeting

[Guest guest]

Thanks Bridget!  I truly appreciate the advice.  You've given me some good things to think about.On Wed, Jan 5, 2011 at 8:02 PM, bridget <beanniferj@...> wrote:

 

Hi ,

My son is about the same age as yours. We are actually going for an ADOS test this week; his current dx is sensory processing disorder. You asked if it would be a good idea to attend a class about IEPs before your meeting, and the answer is definitely! There are also some excellent books which will help you prepare, such as those by Lawrence Seigel and slaw (they also have a great website). All states have a PTI (parent training and information center) and they sponsor free training sessions about IEPS, advocacy, and educational issues. This is the website for your Georgia PTI: http://www.p2pga.org/. Also, get a copy of your son's report from the school district BEFORE the IEP meeting so you have time to review it thoroughly and make sure you agree with everything in it.

I would not worry about your son being academically ready for kindergarten as much as socially prepared to handle both the peer interactions and the long school day (too much sitting is expected of kindergartners these days, imho). He can learn his letters and numbers from you at home, but the independent care skills and social stuff that he will learn in any good preschool is what he really needs to be kindergarten ready. I am a big believer in preschools that emphasize play and life skills over worksheets and academic drills at a young age.

As to whether he would be better off in a special needs preschool or a different setting with support, that I cannot answer. Have you had a chance to visit the special needs preschool in your area and observe the classes firsthand? How would his daily schedule compare there to a regular school? Would he be getting more therapy there? It sounds like you are already getting private OT and behavioral therapy, so would he be able to continue with that (or get services through the school district at a private preschool) if you opted for a regular school?

My son attends a regular preschool where is he fortunate enough to have very compassionate teachers. If his teachers did not understand that the origins of most of his inappropriate behavior are not just a matter of being " bad " or acting out, however, we would be in serious trouble! I searched long and hard before picking a preschool, because I knew that my son would need more " management " (his teachers' term!) than the other children.

I also have several friends whose children (not with AS) attend the special needs preschools, and I think they are happy enough with their schools. One of my friends does say that the OT her daughter gets in school is not enough and that she needs to supplement it with private OT anyway. It would be a good idea to speak with other parents whose kids are in the special needs preschool as well (maybe your PTI or local chapter of the autism society could help you connect with other parents).

Good luck to you and your son with whatever you decide!

Bridget

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> Hi There,

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> I have a 3-1/2 year old son with aspergers. We just got his evaluation with the county (we are in Cobb County in Georgia). Luckily, they all agreed with the diagnosis from our doctor and will most likely recommend our son go in a special needs preschool. We'll get their official reports in the next month or so, but that's what we discussed. This is something my husband and I have been struggling with. We don't know if he should in special needs preschool or would he better off in a regular school with extra support. Our son is very high functioning, but definitely needs help with social skills and behavior. I'm starting to think the special needs preschool may be good for him to work on those things, but I guess our concern is academics and making sure he is prepared for kindergarten. Our OT and behavioral therapist think he belongs in a typical classroom with support, but I'm honestly not so sure.

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> We just got his diagnosis in October. We are very new to this process and just want to make sure he is getting the help he needs and can thrive in the classroom. I'm worried about the IEP meeting and wondering if we should take a class or something to prepare for it. I just want to make sure we know all our options available to help our son. I know there's really no right answer to this, but I would love to hear your thoughts on the special needs preschool and preparing for the IEP meeting.

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> Thanks,

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