Going from CPSE to CSE (private to public school)

So I feel like I'm going to have to adjust to the differences between being in a private special needs school to public school.

DS just started K. I sent in a communication notebook. Do they NOT do this in public school for K? It wasn't in his backpack when he came home. I still wrote a note and sent it in today I think I am "that" mom Is it unreasonable that I was upset that he came home from school with an unopened bottle of water? He didn't drink anything from 8:15A to 3:30p. He also didn't eat his snack (so not like my kid). So I wrote a note to please help him open the bottle and remind him to drink it. I don't want to be the hovercraft mother, but I feel like if I don't say anything, who else will advocate for him?

Re: Going from CPSE to CSE (private to public school)

Aww, ....I can totally empathize how you feel.

Definitely, take the time to call or meet with the teacher and explain to her all the little "extras" your ds may need. Believe it or not the first days of school are more overwhelming for the teachers than the kids (in many cases). As a former kindergarten teacher I would totally honor a parent's request for giving a little extra coaxing or encouragement for a child. If this is a general ed class, I am not sure the "communication" book is something the teacher may be aware of. It also may be difficult for her/him to find time to communicate in it daily. However, it never hurts to ask, and to explain how much it means to you as a parent.

Message edited 9/7/2011 10:31:36 AM.

Re: Going from CPSE to CSE (private to public school)

Is your DS in an inclusion class or "typical"? DD just started K in an inclusion class and they definately use a communication book and actually sent a nice long note home the first day.

I sent the teacher a list of things that DD needs help with just so she was aware, opening water bottle, opening tupperware at lunch, scared of puppets, things like that. Luckily our teacher sent out her email before school started and set up meetings for the kids to see the classroom before the first day so I bombarded her (i'm sure she thinks I'm nuts : ) ) with everything about DD.

Definately send in a list with what he needs help with.

Re: Going from CPSE to CSE (private to public school)

My district doesn't offer integrated classes so we went with a 12:1:1. Resource room would've been useless for him. He needs the support in transitioning and social behavior. It's a K-1 class. I don't even know if it's fully enrolled. I was surprised a communication notebook wasn't on his list of supplies and he came home yesterday with a generic note that said we had a wonderful first day and are off to a great start. Not really much to go on, especially since he doesn't really tell me much.

Thanks Sapphire and Karen. Maybe I will send an email to the teacher. I just didn't want to be annoying kwim