SEIT in preschool for speech delay?

DS has been getting speech services for about a year now, and we're now talking about the transition to EIOD and the school district. He still needs speech, but our current therapist and contact from the therapy organization were talking about needing a SEIT in preschool for next year. His only issue is speech (talking only; no cognitive or receptive delays), so I am not really sure how/what a SEIT would do for him in the classroom.

Any ideas or BTDT experience?

Re: SEIT in preschool for speech delay?

If the district would provide one it would only be an asset. The SEIT would be his "voice" so to speak. She could help him navigate his way with peers, and model for him and for his other classmates how different ways to communicate (simpler language use, or a few signs etc). The SEIT would also be able to collaborate with the classroom teacher in finding ways to make sure your ds was included in all activities with less demands for language. For instance, "show and tell", could be done in a modified way for a child who doesn't have the skills to execute the speech needed. The goal would be to have the SEIT eventually fade out of the picture. Sometimes language delayed children can get so frustrated, so the SEIT could offer "breaks" from the classroom structure without your ds losing 'academic" time. (She could work with him individually on something off to the side, if necessary).

The goal of a SEIT is to be able to modify the lessons/activities to fit the needs of the individual. They are also a great support for a child who needs redirection.

Re: SEIT in preschool for speech delay?

I would take a SEIT if one is offered. We had a fantastic SEIT for DS, and my only regret about his integrated PreK is that she is no longer in our lives. She was great for him, and she gave me a lot of tips on how to work with him also.

And I agree, if your child is nonverbal a SEIT will be a big help in the classroom and will give your child a "voice." No matter how well-informed or well-intentioned teachers are, they do have other children and cannot give your child that one on one attention. Plus,l if behavior issues ever develop in a group setting, a SEIT will be on the spot to deal with them.

Re: SEIT in preschool for speech delay?

If they're offering it then take it!!!!

Re: SEIT in preschool for speech delay?

Posted by ruby

If they're offering it then take it!!!!

Re: SEIT in preschool for speech delay?

Take it. They will help him with social interaction, and getting his needs met.

We had one and it was great. She was his voice in school, and she helped me pick an appropriate program for him. Now my son is in kindergarten doing really well with no services. I don't think that would have been possible without the seit.

Re: SEIT in preschool for speech delay?

My DS attends an integrated preK, and I have to say, it has only served to correct his own poor behaviors (which had me and his teachers at his old daycare stymied). I haven't noticed any new poor behaviors, except perhaps calling people poopyhead at times (but I think he would pick up a word like this at any school). It has really, really helped him, and eventhough your daughter just has a speech delay, I think the teachers will be better equipped to assist her.

As for the PreK not wanting to deal with a special needs child, frankly I wouldn't want to send my child to such a school. There are plenty more out there, and if they can't handle that, I would assume it would be a poor fit for him. So I would be frank about the services your child receives and her limitations when looking at schools. If any seem unwilling to work with her, look elsewhere. I think there are lots of PreKs that will, and a speech delay is not that uncommon.

Re: SEIT in preschool for speech delay?

Re: SEIT in preschool for speech delay?

Re: SEIT in preschool for speech delay?

My DS attends Pre-K with a SEIT.
When I was looking for a school, the owner/director told me they had SEITS there often.

If you want info, FM me. If they're going to offer it (the SEIT), definitley take it.

Re: SEIT in preschool for speech delay?

I just wanted to add, in regards to the children at 3 or 4 I think they like having a SEIT visit. They seem to like having any new adults in the class in general, and yes, they understand to some degree, but not completely. They just know certain children have "friends" or "teachers" who work with them, and that's that. The children will most likely forget by the time your daughter is old enough to attend Kindergarten.

As for their parents, my son would tell me about other children and their "friends," and I knew that meant they were getting services of some kind, but it never bothered me. My point of view on this is that most parents would probably accept it, some may not. If there are some who do not allow their children to play with my son because he has services, that's their choice and we probably don't need these people in our lives. It would be sad to have people think badly of a small child because of this, but that's their choice and I can't waste much energy on people like this. For what it's worth, my son has more friends from his typical daycare (where he had services for awhile) than from his integrated, and I think it's mainly because the kids have more time to play there and I see their parents when I pick him up.