The one thing I really enjoy about this week is how it seems to overtake all my thoughts. My fears and doubts about Dino and his schooling next year are pushed out of my mind for at least a little while. Dino, it seems, is qualified for special ed. He has some gross motor issues and he is very shy. To be honest, he really only speaks to me and to his oldest sister. Everyone else in his life gets the three to four sentences if they are lucky. I know he needs the help but I also know I want him to start the pre-k program at the school with his sisters next year.
I want him to go to both--three days at the special pre-school and two days at the private school. I want him to get the the extra attention he needs but I also want to keep him in an authentic classroom for social skills. The special ed teacher does not agree; she thinks Dino should be in her classroom daily. Dino's doctor is indifferent--he can see pluses to both. At this point, I am leaning toward both schools but I just don't know.
I want to do what is best for Dino. When I sat in the special ed meeting, I got the feeling they viewed Dino as a file of numerous tests and surveys and not just a little boy. They went at length to discuss his shortcomings but very little mention of what he could do. I mentioned at the meeting how Dino knew all his letters by sight and phonetically. The comment was met with disregard. I found this upsetting.
The private pre-school on the other hand has always felt different. From the start, the head mistress has asked how we as parents feel, how we work with Dino, how Dino feels about sitting and coloring. It just was completely different.
So here I sit, debating what direction I need to go. Full time special ed or an education with a great deal of special ed enrichment. I wish more than anything I could just talk to someone and just KNOW what to do. But there's really only one person that knows Dino well enough to truly know what to do and that's me. So I debate back and forth...but not today. Today I must retact that tutu.
Posts
15 comments:
Wow that seems like a tough dilemma you have. I would urge you to follow what your heart says.
I love a program or a teacher that is positive when it comes to kids. Life can be hard enough let alone having someone point out all of your negatives. That would get anyone down.
I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers and your lil’ guy too. Good luck sweetie.
Hey I know what your going through with decisions about Dino and scooloing. I am dealing with My 3 year in this same situation. I listen to all sides and advice and then I along with my husband decide what is best based on the fact we know our son and they don't and that will change any view somewhat. Does that make sense?
That is a tough one. I like your idea the best just because I know how he will be treated in the girls' school. Let's get together next week after this dance extravaganza is over! Take lots of pictures because it is going to be so adorable.
Good distraction those tutus!
If it was me, I would go with your instinct. The 3 days of Pre-K and then the 2 days of special Ed. You can always drop the pre-K and do all 5 days of special Ed if you need to do it.
Also, I can't remember how old Dino is, but I can tell you we've seen DRAMATIC changes in our boy from 3 1/2 to 4 1/2! Huge!
you will make the right decisions...just keep seeking & keep your faith. it is not easy making these decisions for our children and you're a good mom...you'll make a good decision.
by the way...you've been tagged...check out my blog.
hang in there.
i would totally go with what you think is the best combo for dino.
is there another special ed school that you can consult with? maybe a different set of teachers/school will have a better strategy than this current one.
we'll keep you & your family in our prayers.
You will make the right decision on what school to send your little one too. I know you will.
It must be so difficult for you and my thoughts are with you.
Love Amanda xx
He's your kid. You know what is right for him. It sounds like you've already got your mind made up!
Oh. The most difficult decisions are often the right ones. Have you heard that before?
What FEELS right? Who offers more one on one time with your son? Who seems to make more time for him? For you? Who will take the time to learn Dino, in all of his intricacies?
Keep going. Keep feeling it out. You'll do exactly the right thing for him, of course.
That is so tough. I'm sorry. But, it sounds like Dino has a fantastic advocate in his mama. That will make all the difference.
Goodness, Lisa...I'm so sorry for your troubles. How you must be fretting over making a huge decision for your little guy...that's exhausting to say the least. I know you'll make the best decision because YOU and only YOU know what is best for Dino! No one knows him like you. Go with your gut---it's generally right :) Good luck with the recital as well...I'll be saying a little prayer for your Dino---and YOU!
Hang in there, you will make the right decision, mother intution after all kicks in, doesn't it.
I wish I had a girl, I love thinking about a lovely tutu (that I would secretly borrow).
Love each day, that all we can do.
Thanks for the blog visit~
Oh, that sure is alot to weigh on the head and heart, isn't it?
Thank goodness for tutus to provide some temporary distraction!
That is a tough one. You are right... only you knows what to do. You know him best.
Trust your gut. I had my special needs son in a regular preschool, and a regular Pre-K program. The beginning of the year was rough, but with continued speech and OT outside of school, by the end of the year he was right there with his peers. Now, in some areas...like reading...he's ahead of them!
Post a Comment