Importance of NT models in preschool?

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-19-2005
Importance of NT models in preschool?
3
Thu, 08-25-2005 - 8:42am

I am wondering about any thoughts or ideas you all might have on my son's preschool situation. He is 3.

We chose a public school program called "Autistic LEAP" where in theory 4 HF ASD's kids are together with 6-8 NT kids. There are two teachers, an autism specialist and a regular pre-k teacher, plus aides, depending on the number of classes. Uses TEACCH method, lots of emphasis on social skills.

I am thrilled about the program itself. I adore my son's teacher. The problem is the program is new to the school where we are assigned. So far there are no NT kids signed up. It means the class is by default a self-contained autism class, although they are using the LEAP curriculum. In some ways it is nice, bc there are 3 adults and 4 kids. It's like private tutoring! My son seems really happy. The classroom has all the supports he needs, sensory areas like a ball pit, a tent if they need quiet time. He comes home and tells me what he has learned in the social realm, like "how to get a friend's attention" and "the my name is..." song that has really helped him with his pronoun reversal

The problem, if there is one, is while the 3 other boys are very HF, my son is the most verbal. One of the boys is non-verbal, but has great receptive speech. Part of the reason we chose this class over the self-contained option was for the NT models for Eric, partly to help with his pragmatic language.

Should I be concerned? The teacher is a little bit anxious too, he really believes in this type program for certain kinds of ASD kids. He feels part of the problem is the newness to this neighborhood and the 1/2 day program isn't great for working parents. There were 2 girls as models, but they didn't work out. The teacher says he has 4 more children scheduled to test as models in the next two weeks, so maybe they will come over time. This program is only in 4 schools in our district and the other schools have the full complement of children, both ASD and NT.

I guess I should try to put Eric with NT role models in other ways? We do playgroups, usually one or two kids only, often at our home, but not always. Maybe we should join some extracurricular group?

I guess I am asking for ideas about how to fulfill the social component. But part of the reason I liked having it in the school setting was bc the teacher, who is trained (and I am not!) would be there to facilitate things in the way that is best for the ASD kids and the NT kids.

I don't know if this makes sense. Just wanted ideas and to know what you think. Maybe I am worrying for nothing. I know Eric is doing great in this setting and I am relieved about that bc I had a hard time deciding what was the right thing.

Katherine

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 08-25-2005 - 9:18am

No worries. He is 3 and will be in this class for a good 2 years I am guessing. The children will come. Is it a free program or at lower cost than most private preschools? Usually that is the case. Parents jump at the chance to enroll kids in a program with certified very trained teachers at low cost. Once word gets around usually there is a waiting list.

It works out well this way because Eric gets a chance to learn the routine and such before the NT's start. He will be the old pro and have a jump start on them in that way when they do arrive.

My only concern would be the teacher excluding other kids. Why did those 2 girls "not work out". If she is too picky about what children she gets as NT's that could be a problem in getting NT's in class. Because if word gets around that the teacher is exclusive or if parents are upset because thier child didn't get chosen, that will send a bad word around. The only reason really to not have a child in a program like that is if they have special needs too and need a different kind of environment. Or if they have really significant behavior challenges and should be possibly evaluated anyway.

Renee

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Registered: 01-19-2005
Thu, 08-25-2005 - 10:02am

Hi Renee,

Thank you for your input. That makes me feel better, I never thought about it that way before but you are right, he does get a "heads up" on learning the routine. The class is free, so I am sure that will eventually be an incentive when word gets around, as you say.

As for the NT children who did not work out. I don't think the teacher is picky. As I understand it, the school system has set up a check list of standards the kids have to meet. There is also some testing involved. I did not want to pry, but I assume the girls did not meet the criteria set up. Just from my observation of one of them, she may have had additional special needs. Don't know about the other one.

The other issue may be that the location of the school is in a low income, somewhat high crime area. Although we are lucky enough to live in lovely suburbia, this school must have been the one where there was space, and they needed a program in our part of the county. I feel safe enough taking Eric there, the school security is ok, the classroom Eric is in beautiful. As I said, the teacher is great. But I am not sure that families who live near the school may be in the position to do the 1/2 day thing, some may not even see the value of preschool. And for suburban moms in my own neighborhood with other options, the location might be "scary." It was to me at first, until I checked out how great the program and teacher were. Plus it was our only option. We didn't get to "pick" the location. I am not trying to be elitist at all. Just exlaining what may be the reality of the situation.

The teacher is even going to local churches with flyers about the program. I offered to do the same. Maybe that will help get the word out. It's not like the school system advertises this or anything.

But your response really did put my mind at ease. I really appreciate all you contribute to the board Renee. Your advice has helped me so many times!

Katherine

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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-16-2003
Thu, 08-25-2005 - 3:55pm

Hi Katherine,

My DS (age 4) is in a similar pre-school. They had a to do a lottery of typical kids to be able to attend! (It used to be free, but this year they will charge a fee, although less than the other pre-schools around.)

I am sure you are right about the working parent thing as well as the neighborhood. I have also heard through the grapevine that some parents think that the special needs kids "receive all the attention" in this kind of setting, or that they just don't want their kids interacting like that with the special needs kids. (Nice open minds, huh?)

Ironically, when I first heard about it I had wanted to send my DS there as a typical. Well, he got in, but not as a typical! ;)

You have the right idea to do more social things outside of school. I believe that just watching typical interact is a good learning excercise.

Don't worry, I'm sure as word gets around it will fill up.

Take care,
Cathy