Met with DS's school.. This gets harder and harder

DS is going to start his integrated preschool program this summer after his 3rd birthday. We met with a few of the school staff yesterday - the integrated preschool teacher and one of the administrators.

The preschool teacher was sweet, telling me all the fun things he'd be doing in class - painting, circle time, books (all of which I'd LOVE to see her get him to do..) and I'm like, "that's great. What is the door situation in the room because DS has an obsession with them. How do you handle fire drills because DS will fly across any open field/parking lot/ if he is not held or his hand isn't firmly gripped"..

So, we'll have to wait for the official IEP meeting but they were indicating that it sounds like he's going to need an aide with him during the day.. I'm happy that they see this now and not after they've been struggling with him in a classroom. But I'm sad that even at 3 he's going to be singled out and all the kids are going to think off the bat "why does he have someone with him all the time?"..

Re: Met with DS's school.. This gets harder and harder

I'm a 1:1 aide in a special needs preschool and my student was sent to an integrated classroom early Feb. with me there. The other kids don't really ask me why I'm there because I'm not obtrusive. And chances are, they've seen 1:1s with other students before.

Re: Met with DS's school.. This gets harder and harder

One of the students in DS 2nd grade inclusion class has a 1:1 aid. The kids just think of her as another helper in the classroom.

Re: Met with DS's school.. This gets harder and harder

I worked years in an elementary ed school and constantly had paras there for different kids who required 1:1 attention. The kids never "knew" that the para was there for a particular child because the paras did a lot for all the kids. In fact, if anything, they will be envious.

I think the thought of preschool is just overwhelming in itself. I am glad that your son will get the aide he needs. He will mature in so many ways once his therapy takes off.

Re: Met with DS's school.. This gets harder and harder

the kids never notice, especially at that age. i've had many 1:1's in my classrooms and they also step back and let the child be on their own when they can. they will get to know your ds and know what he needs and how to help him best. the 1:1 usually forms a good bond with the child and that also helps give them the comfort and reassurance they need at that age. there truely are so many positives on having a 1:1 and as a teacher i always loved the extra hands and eyes (they help with everyone when they can too.)

it takes time to adjust to school but within some time you we see great progress!

Re: Met with DS's school.. This gets harder and harder

Wish I could "like" your post LoveBeingMrsT!
I love being a 1:1...your DS is going to do great!

Re: Met with DS's school.. This gets harder and harder

My daughter will be 3 late this fall and I am so nervous. Glad to hear of some good experiences.

Re: Met with DS's school.. This gets harder and harder

Children are not judgemental at that age. They won't even think twice about a "SEIT" (that's what we call them here in NY). They may even be envious actually.

3 yo don't go around talking to other 3 yo about so and so. No yet!

It will be an adjustment. Like learning to sit in circle time, the routine. It's hard work for them. They come from a "free form" before and then they have to conform to school and how to behave in such setting.

But it will be OK.

I wrote a LONG cheat sheet for the 1st day of school with DS. Like, he will stimm with that, and do this, etc... DS has stimming behaviors so I did not want him to do it and be left to do whatever he wanted in the classroom. I am sure the teacher laughed. I am sure I was not the 1st parent who wrote such note. I probably won't be the last. After a couple of months, I started breathing. They don't allow him to run back and forth in the room or do circles when he is in his lalaland sometimes.

His helper will help him navigate through it.

As far as safety, we (us moms) have always concerns. They are trained. The class is an integrated class. So they know they have children who need extra help.