The Kindergarten Dance

Just when you start to ease into the preschool groove (if you are so lucky), it's time to start thinking about Kindergarten. Now I'll put down good money that our parents didn't experience the same agita about this; in fact, I hazard a guess they were a little, well...relieved when we finally toddled off with our cartoon lunchboxes in hand. But then we are the culture of fear generation, aren't we?

And then there's the special needs thing. Inclusion? Medical support? Special Day? Geographically possible? Is he/she ready? Public or private? Will she/he get in? What can we afford? There's a potential spin-out around every corner (especially in my city, where the process seems to have been designed by a group of experts in psychological torture).

I don't want to disappoint you--I don't have any perspective or wisdom here--not at all. We are at the very beginning of the process and I have absolutely no idea how it will turn out. But I will be writing about it as we go, and hoping that those of you who have been there and done that will share what worked for you.

Comments

[Rachel Norton]

I have been hearing some upsetting things about statements that were made at that K enrollment workshop you attended. For one thing, the K readiness guidelines are utterly beside the point for kids with special challenges. These kids are not typical, therefore we can't expect them to act/be like your typical five year old. And not being typical DOES NOT mean they shouldn't be included. It's a much more difficult calculation - what does YOUR particular child need most? What environment will best serve him? It's not always so clear cut that if he can't sit like a typical five year old that he shouldn't be in a full inclusion classroom. I don't know if that is the particular issue you are struggling with but thought I'd just point that out. :-)

[drama mama]

Susan,
I cannot stress enough:
Public school with Inclusion supports. You can do the private school dance later, when you are able to lift supports. The private school thing in SF was a nightmare when Miss M was five.

We can talk specific schools at another time.

xo

[bonbonmomma]

I am in the same boat right now. My son is four and in a center based aba program. I am caught in between wanting to move on and wanting to never leave there. It's only november and I am already stressin for next year!