Feeling really good about preschool

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-12-2004
Feeling really good about preschool
1
Tue, 08-22-2006 - 10:20am

I got Duncan enrolled in a pre-K program -- we decided to wait on kindergarden. I'm so glad we did, even though I was really stressed out about having the kids so far apart in school. They are less than 4 years apart in age, but they will end up being 5 years apart in school, just due to the older one being a fall birthday and the younger being a summer birthday.

I'm actually going to work as an aid at the preschool. It is in a church and we went to the church last Sunday for their open house. I also have been looking for a church for us that we can all be comfortable with, not too large or overwhelming. Some place with a great Sunday school for the boys. Well, they get to be in the same Sunday School class and we stayed with them the first time. I think it's just right for them. One of the boys was so friendly and shook their hands and asked, "Do you want to be my friend?" Duncan said, "Yeah, SURE!" very enthusiastically. (Ian also played with this boy a lot -- they are close in age.) I think a religious upbringing and having a spiritual belief system is so important for kids, and of course it's good for ASD kids because most people are on their best behavior in church, synagogue or mosque, so there's little or no bullying. But with sensory issues, finding just the right one is hard. I don't know if we will stay with this church (it's maybe a little TOO small) after Duncan's done with preschool, or even if we'll continue for very long, but it's a good start and very encouraging. Anyway, so now, Duncan knows the church layout and everything. He knows I'm going to be in the building (but not in his classroom) and he already has a friend (besides the one he met Sunday -- that boy won't be in his pre-K class) who he will be in class with. The director of the preschool (and my new boss!) gave me a staff packet and they specifically address children's individual needs as well as the needs of the group. I'm really excited and I think this will erase the bad experience he had last fall in the other preschool.

Kelly

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 08-22-2006 - 3:53pm

Good luck! Sounds like a great environment. I hope it is extremely positive for your whole family. Maybe you will find a great community there to be involved with.

It is so nice having a good feeling about school. The 1 extra year apart in school probably won't make a difference to them in the long run and it is the right decision for Duncan now.

Renee

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