Kindergarten

My son was observed today by the school district and it appears they are leaning towards an integrated class, which is what I want, but there are 2 cons:

1. There will be 24-26 in the class with teacher/special ed teacher/2 assisants. Now, dont' get me wrong, the ratio is great but it is still a huge class IMO.

2. He won't be going to the school down the street from us, as the integrated class in housed in a different school. There is a chance he will stay there until 5th grade, which means there is a chance that my kids will be in different schools.

I know it isn't terrible, but I'm not thrilled with it either.

Re: Kindergarten

Hi~

What are some of the needs of your child? Do you feel he would do better in a self contained setting? I have worked with children in the pre school SPED setting that went into an inclusion class and it was just way toooo much for them. Is your child in a 12:1:2 right now? If so I am sure that jump will be a bit overwhelming. I would go with your gut, you know your child best.

Message edited 1/26/2009 9:43:00 PM.

Re: Kindergarten

I'm not a fan of taking a child with disabilities out of the school he/she would go to if they didn't have a disability so I understand your concern there. Flip flopping schools is not at all good for a child's self esteem IMO. I was always told my son would be in the same school (his home school) but that changed when 3rd grade came around and they wanted to place him (and 15 other students) elsewhere. I didn't allow it to happen.

Most integrated or inclusion classes typically have that number of students in it. The special education teacher works with the group that have IEPs though, so I don't think you need to be concerned about your child being lost in a class that large.

I don't know your son's needs, but I'm all for inclusion (and wish I had pushed for it YEARS ago). Many children thrive having typically developing children as positive role models, which you just don't get in a self contained class other than for specials and lunch.

Just curious, which district are you in?

Re: Kindergarten

I understand your concern. We were in the same position as you last year. We decided to enroll our son in the integrated class and it has been working out wonderfully. He is really doing so well.

DS's class has 26 students 2 teachers and 3 aids ( 1 aid is a 1-1 medical aid but she helps out with the other students). Kindergarten is still 1/2 day in our district except for the kids receiveing services. DS receives OT 2 x a week in the afternoon. The other 3 days he has an additional reading unit, extra library (more reading) and art.

He may be moved out of the special ed program and into his home school next year. For 1st grade I dont have a problem with moving him. Going beyond 1st I would put up a fight to leave him where he is.