need some input please

[Cathy]

ok so here is the scoop

Katie will be five on November 29, 2005. I am planning her placement for next year. Here are my options:

Headstart: High Scope, work on your own, do what you want atmosphere. Art, Blocks, Toys, Reading, and eating. She would have a special ED teacher and pull out therapies (PT, OT and ST).

or: Early 5's: Which is a pre-k program, more academic based, ABC, Writing, Numbers, Shapes, Colors. Still have pull out therapies and would incorporate an addition 2-3 hours of Cognitively Impaired classroom which would give self help, emotional and social prep, toilet training help etc.

Here is my thought: The following year, it would be mandatory that Katie would go to Kindergarten with the CI supplement and her therapies. Which of these two programs do you feel would benefit her more in preparation for Kindergarten.

Emily is in Kindy now, and they are writing letters, reading, counting to 20 (which of course is all boring to her, she is advanced in these areas).

I am going to visit both programs. I am afraid that Headstart would undermine the past two years we have spent getting Katie into a routine and following direction.

Just looking for input... should I be so worried about the "academic's", isn't this the time we should be dedicatingto that? What has been your experience, moms of older children?

Thanks,

Cathy

[ALLISA]

Hi Cathy, it is so hard making these decisions, isn't it ??

My Erin just truned five in February so I know where you are coming from !

To me it sounds like the Early 5 is a good program...the academics may be beyond where she is at the moment, but she will benefit fromt he strutcture & social setting more.....

It truly depends on Katies tempermant....I had the choice of Kindergarten (starting this Sept) or repeating preschool.....which is a stuctured intergrated public run school. I was VERY torn as the Kindergarten option is 5 FULL days in her brothers school .....preschool is 4 days and the hours are slighlty more than half days....I opted to keep her one more year in the preschool just becuase he has NOT fully intergrated yet & I felt I wanted her to be 100 % successfull here before moving on to the next step.

I left the door open, though & if she has a FABULOUS start to preschool next September & I feel she is ready for the move, she can switch at any time.

Good luck with your decision,....isn't it amazing how quick they grow ? I can barely stand it !
Allisa

[YoshsMom]

I actually quit a job because the principal insisted in High Scope. I don't think it works for special needs, or for any kids really. Children need structure, they need boundaries. It is just as important to teach a child resposibility and discipline as it is to teach creativity and imagination. To me, High Scope is nothing more than a glorified playgroup. (Sorry if this sounds like a vent, needless to say I have issues with this kind of class)

[christie]

CATHY, Hmmm without ever meeting KATIE and not seeing either of the two programs you mentioned first hand, personally I have nooo input. Sorry girl BUT I have found seeing first hand how each program is run, the teach in action that teaches the program and the kids that are in the class, is the only way to know for sure.

BEST of LUCK girl, you will make the right move for KATIE, I am sure and if after a few you are not happy, REMEMBER things can always be changed.

CC ~

[Jodi]

I know it's hard trying to choose the right placement.

I've shared in this forum my concern transitioning from Kinder to 1st grade in Sept. of this year. What I have learned from others at this site is to go by what you know about your child; her strengths and her weaknesses, and then check out the programs and see what you think would be the best fit. Like CC said, if what you pick isn't working like you thought it would, you can always change.

It sounds like she is doing very good, and I'm sure you have had a lot to do with her success.

I wish you well in this process... I know it isn't easy!

Jodi