Heads were rolling today for sure!

DD started DDI today. She is 2. She is in an integrated classroom of 5 children with 1 teacher and 1 aide. When I brought her in, I told the teacher that she doesn't walk independently but that she can crawl, stand and cruise (some). The teacher asked if she is getting a 1:1. I answered with what my county lady told me...that "they will give her one if they feel she needs it". Now I already know DDI feels she needs it because the director there told me she did, as they are not allowed to carry DD. And the director there told me to request a 1:1 for DD for safety. When the teacher heard my answer she said, "I'm calling my supevisor down here right now". The supervisor was there in minutes! The teacher explained the issue to the supervisor who was horrified. As I was talking to the supervisor and she learned that my DD doesn't feed herself, and puts EVERYTHING into her mouth, she became enraged that DD wasn't given a 1:1. Now, I really didn't think much of it, because at home, we really aren't that on top of DD; and I guess I just felt that if she were in a daycare center, they'd sort of be on top of her about the same amount that she needs...that she really didn't need a 1:1 aide. I left it that the supervisor was going to call my ongoing coordinator. Well, I got a call from the coordinator on my cell phone before I even got home! She is sending out the paperwork for me to sign for Erin to get the 1:1 aide.

** Now my concern is that the 1:1 will inhibit DD too much rather than letting her explore, like she loves to do. How do I make sure that she isn't too "helicoptered"?

Re: Heads were rolling today for sure!

I would meet with the aide and the teacher and have a plan of action. Voice your concerns, desires, listen to what they say and make sure you have clear goals (following her IFSP!). Don't beat around the bushes. If you want her to explore and be "shadowed", say so!

Re: Heads were rolling today for sure!

Uuggh my DD is 2 also and not walking.
I plan on looking into DDI and Building Blocks for her (which I already spoke to my coordinator And director for BB).
She will have a 1;1 aide when we are ready to have her start a program.
I feel the same as you. I want DD to be independent, but, at the same time, not get trampled. (My DD is 2, but, looks like 18 months..peanut).

I would ask to hold a meeting with the aide and teacher, express your concerns and maybe the 3 of you can come up with a "plan".
I'm hoping to do the same within the next few months.

Good Luck!

Re: Heads were rolling today for sure!

Get the aide now and set up clear communication with her/him about what your DD needs. She needs the help now as she is developing, and if she shows later that she doesn't need it anymore, they can drop it.

Take everything you possibly can get while she is in EI. If the school is pushing for it, she probably needs it.

Re: Heads were rolling today for sure!

I agree with all the PP, speak with the aide first. If you do not 'connect' with that aide, ask for another. Hopefully, they will get you someone with prior experience. Make sure he/she is "intuitive'. Knowing when to challenge a child, and when to step in, is something that a person learns with experience or they just have that "sense". I am sure she won't be hovering her. 1:1 are great because then so much can be individualized, and honestly, that aide is probably going to be utilized by other students as well.

I am so glad they did that. I think your dd will get more out of her day that way.