What to look for in a preschool?

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-11-2004
What to look for in a preschool?
2
Wed, 10-31-2007 - 11:58am

My son is 2 1/2 and has never been diagnosed. His ECI therapists thought he was Aspergers early on but now aren't as convinced. I was hoping he would qualify for the school district special education preschool (PPCD)

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 10-31-2007 - 3:44pm

Small class size,

plenty of room for exploration and playing w/o children being on top of each other

lots of time for various play: some self directed, some group time, some centers with redirection from the teachers, interaction with the teachers in small groups & one on one, large motor skills area, outdoor play space, music,

teachers with experience, education, understanding for children with special needs.

I'd try to get some consultation services from the school district even if your son doesn't qualify for their special ed preschool. I know the OT that our middle son has also does consult for several children at a private preschool my youngest son attends. Several children at this preschool also have other therapists that observe special children from time to time for consultation purposes.

All in all, I go with my gut. My son w/ ASD did not do well in preschool but the teacher wasn't equipped to deal with him. I knew it wasn't a good fit from the start... 1/2way into the year we pulled him and waited for kindie to start. My 2 older and 2 younger had GREAT preschool experiences, but they are not autism spectrum, I do know that the preschools my younger 2 attended would have been great for my autistic son as well. The environment was more controlled and the schedule more attended to.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-25-2003
Wed, 10-31-2007 - 5:00pm

My DD didn't qualify special red preschool either, but she was entitled to receive services (Speech, OT and eventually a special ed teacher) in a regular ed preschool.


I had a really good relationship with the Director of Preschool Special Ed for our district (afer two years of dealing with my son).

-Paula

visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com