WWYD - Summer Program

This will be a bit long, but I appreciate any advice or insight.... Thanks....

DS will be 4 in June. he currently receives services through CPSE (integrated class, speech and OT). He did not qualify for services for the summer. I am not sure what to do with him for the summer. He definitely needs some sort of structure and I would like him to have some social opportunities as that is one of the areas in which he struggles (weak pragmatic speech, attentional difficulties and impulsivity.)

Complicating things is that I also have an almost 6 year DD and 13 month old twins. I plan on enrolling DD in the town Rec. program (M-F 9 AM - 12 AM). She loved it last year and the price is definitely right. DS's preschool does offer a program, but I couldn't get him there for the morning session because it's 20 minutes away and the start time is the same as DD's program which would be at the local elementary school. Becuse he didn't qualify for services, he obviously is not getting the bussing like he does during the year. They have an afternoon option (12:30 - 4), but that would mean driving back and forth which would be 40 minutes of driving, lugging all 4 of them in and out of the car, etc. DH could pick him up at the end of the day as he gets home earlier in the summer.
It would also be in the middle of nap time for the babies. It is also more expensive than the Town program. I also feel that with one kid out in the morning and DS out in the afternoon, it really limits what we can do all together during the summer (i.e. going to the beach, park, Grandma's house.)


Because of all this , I was thinking of enrolling him in the summer Town program along with DD (different age group though)> However, I don't know how he would do. they typically have one teacher with some high school kids helping. I don't think that is enough support for him. I am not expecting him to receive what he gets during the school year, but I worry that it might be too much for him, and his behaviors, while okay at school, are off the charts at home. He has difficulty interacting with new kids. Also, at his pre-school, he would be familiar with the staff and kids and the staff is more trained (i.e. special ed. teachers and therapists) to help him.

WWYD???? On one hand, the program at his school seems to make the most sense, but it just seems like it will make life very complicated, when summer should be relaxing. I am also juggling two babies as well. On the other hand, I just don't know if the summer program is appropriate. Thoughts????

Or does anyone know of other activities/programs I could do with DS to give him some sort of structure and fun this summer. (It doesn't need to be 5 days a week, but it could be). I live in the Huntington area.

If you got this far, THANK YOU!

Re: WWYD - Summer Program

I saw from your other post that you are in Huntington, I'm in Commack. My DDs PT runs an awesome Sensory Motor group at Kidz Therapy located on the border of Hauppauge and Commack. It's 6 one hr sessions, very reasonably priced. She is really good, the OT/PT clinic is very clean and they have a waiting room with toys to entertain siblings. I'm pretty sure the group is called Twist and Shout and it is in the am during the summer. If ur unsure about singing him up for the program your daughter is going to, You might wait to try a service like that to make sure he addresses following directions, peer relationships, motor skills, structure etc... I would also ask his current OT, ST and teacher for lists of activities and strategies to use with him over the summer to keep up his skills (I'm an OT and send home a packet of info at the end of every school year).

WWYD - Summer Program

Try contacting Sheri at the Early Childhood Direction Center at [email protected] or 516-364-8580 x3229. She may have summer program suggestions or have another contact for you. Good luck!

WWYD - Summer Program

I would ask the program that your DD is going to and see if they can provide a shadow for him. Even if it costs a little extra money it will be worth not running around all over town getting the kids to camp. Since your son was already in an integrated class, he should do fine if they are able to provide a shadow. I'm a huge proponent of peer models and the camp might be great for him.

Re: WWYD - Summer Program

Re: WWYD - Summer Program

Re: WWYD - Summer Program

Maybe give the town program a shot. Ask them if you can do a trial and explain your childs situation they should be able to work with you.

Good Luck