Full day vs half day inclusion rooms

Right now we are deciding where DS is going to be attending school in September. He will be 2 years 10 months at the start.

His therapist is suggesting Mill Neck in an inclusion room. The only thing that bothers me about it is that it is a full day program and I feel like he may be too little. 8:30 to 2:30 is such a long day to me at barely 3 years old. Having been a teacher for 10 years, I've seen kids left at school for that long or longer at that age, and they are barely making it through without their nap.

The other option was a half day inclusion room, perhaps at Little Village. I believe those classes are only 2 hours, although I would prefer at least 3 (I'm a PITA, what can I say, lol).

Anyone had their child in Mill Neck that they could tell me about it? I've heard a lot about Little Village but not much about Mill Neck.

LO was suppose to come with me when I went back to teaching in September, but my boss has 'laid me off' for the upcoming year now and ruined pretty much all my plans.

Message edited 12/12/2014 1:38:25 PM.

Re: Full day vs half day inclusion rooms

Ugh, I am so sorry about the layoff.... You know I am happy with Little Village. When I was looking for DS, at LV for EI they told me their half day programs were 2.5 hours, not sure if that changes for the pre-k. But to be honest even though DS is in a full day program, he is doing really well there. I don't know if its because they do allow them a 1.5 hour nap in the middle of the day, again not sure if this changes once they go into pre-k. Take some tours/talk to people and then perhaps you will feel better when you make your decision. Good luck!!!

Full day vs half day inclusion rooms

They do allow a nap for the middle of the day? DS would only be in the nursery program come September and I'm debating what to do as far as work goes. Full day would let me work more but half day I could be with him and my mom (who I also take care of) more. They're next on my list to call.

This is such a monkey wrench in my plans. I had every sorted out.

Re: Full day vs half day inclusion rooms

In the EI program they do, but I am not sure if they give one in the pre-k program. I haven't started the process yet, they are telling me to wait until the Spring to start everything with the CPSE, and even then he's not guaranteed a spot come September... which I hope he continues there!!! I believe the CPSE would have to tell you whether or not they approve him for full or half day though, right?

Full day vs half day inclusion rooms

From my impression, CPSE can tell me what they recommend school wise but that I have the final say. As far as what they feel, whether he needs inclusion or another type program, I don't have a say in that.

Message edited 12/12/2014 11:14:49 PM.

Full day vs half day inclusion rooms

DS is 3 yrs. He was in EI at DDI 3 days/week, 2.5 hrs/day 9-1130. Now that he is 3 he is still attending DDI, but 5 days/week, 4 hrs/day 9-1. It has worked a world of wonders for him. So much more improvement from last year. I had reservations about the additional hours and days but it has been worth it. He is in a 10:1:2 and receives speech and PT. Being there 5 days gives him plenty of time for services and the social skills he needs.

I know it's not the schools you asked about.

Full day vs half day inclusion rooms

May I ask what and where DDI is?

Re: Full day vs half day inclusion rooms

For me, it would probably depend on how many related services he's getting and how many times he's getting pulled out for them. If he's getting speech, OT, PT, I would opt for full day. By the time he gets all of his therapies, he's not in the classroom as much as I would want him there.

My DS started in a half day at LV, went to full day just before he turned 3. EI full day classes had a nap, preschool classes do not. It was a long day for him for sure, but I think he benefitted from the full day program. If you want the full day program, I would take it from Mill Neck if you like the program. Full day spots are hard to get.

CPSE will approve whether or not you will get full day for him. The school may be telling you they think he might get approved for it, but the district decides whether or not you get full day or half day.

Message edited 12/14/2014 11:05:58 PM.

Re: Full day vs half day inclusion rooms

Full day vs half day inclusion rooms

Thank you for answering! LOs therapist mentioned this school as well.

We have so many appointments lined up in January. It's insane to me.