Inclusion in preschool?

[~cassie~]

I know there is some parents of older kids that have older been through this, so maybe you can answer a few questions/give thoughts.

My son will be starting preschool this coming Fall. He will be 3 and part of the Spec Ed program. The only children that go at age 3 are kids with extra needs--down syndrome, severe speech delay, autism, etc. I called today to find out if he will be in a class with only special needs kids or will he be in a class with kids that don't have the extra needs. My main concern being that if he was put in a class of non verbal children or children that need a lot more help than he does, if he would really benefit there. My main worry was that he wouldn't be challenged enough with 2 teachers working with however many children they have. Of course, I know little to nothing of the special ed program, I am going on assumptions, which may be completely wrong, I don't know.

Anyway, I was told he would be a part of the inclusion program. But I didn't think to ask, since there are no other 3 yr olds, only the SN ones, does that mean he will be with 4 yr olds? Did anyone else's child get put with children a little older? If so, what did you think about it? Advantages, disadvantages?

[2boyzmama]

Our local district integrated preschool class is broken up by age, so 3 year olds in the morning, 4 year olds in the afternoon. It's half spec ed kids, half typical kids in both classes.

So sounds like a different setup than yours.

I would think that the older kids in the class would be a good model for your son, at least that's the idea in an integrated class!

[~cassie~]

Apparantly the lady I talked to had no clue what she was talking about. I finally was able to speak with the preschool coordinator, she's been in meetings all week, and she said, no, only the 4 yr old preschool kids are in an inclusion setting, the 3 yr olds are in a self contained classroom.

Which kind of worries me. I think I need to actually observe the class to get a better feel of what goes on in there.

[KCMichigan]

I think observing would be a great idea!!

Our area has only Sp.Needs programs for 3 yr olds run by the county- they are broken down by qualification (speech/cognitive/behavioral/ASD/mulitple diagnosis). They also have classes for 3-21 yr old SN kids that require a self-contained program.

At age 4 they have more options:

1. Free Special Needs only classes through the county sorted by qualification (all children have IEPs with severe to moderate SN)class of 6-10 teacher + 1 or 2 aides

2.Free 'at-risk' class of both IEP and non-IEP students that have factors that may prevent success in schools (IEPs can include mild/moderate SN). Standard PreK curriculum with extra support from OT for all students and strong focus on K prep and social skills. Small class (16)- teacher+aide

3. Regular tuition based school run Preschool with students that have IEPs fully included in standard PreK curriculum.(IEPs would be for mild SN). class of 18-22 teacher+ aide


The kids in #2 & #3 often go on into the regular K- 12 programs through the schools with assistance (inclusion w/ pull out for OT/PT/speech and possibly resource room---but it can vary, most of these services are also offered in small group or in-class).


My DDs are in option #2. I observed the class the spring before they were enrolled and it was a lengthy enrollment process with a wait list. One of my DDs is non-special needs and my other DD has an IEP for OT/PT and has mild SN. They both have 'risk' factors that qualified them (premature, history of delays, etc).

It has been FANTASTIC. I love that both DDs have built friendships with kids form all different types of backrounds. The tolerance level in the class for 'SN' is wonderful and many of the kids dont bat an eye that some go to Speech/OT/PT and others dont. They have a wonderful teacher and I think that has made a huge impact.

[cchrissyy]

Originally Posted by ~cassie~

I think I need to actually observe the class to get a better feel of what goes on in there.

for sure! never agree to a placement until you've seen it in person.


FWIW, in my district the 3s and 4s do inclusion classes in cooperation with Head start. These are typically-developing kids from low income or other at-risk groups. classes are either mixed 50-50 or else 18 typical 2 SN, depending on IEPs.

[Linda on the move]

Originally Posted by ~cassie~

I think I need to actually observe the class to get a better feel of what goes on in there.

Yes, and ask about the student teacher ratio. It's different in different places. One of my friend's sons is in a K room with 9 children and 5 adults.