https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 16 Apr 2026 05:25:20 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2793948 Thu, 28 Dec 2017 20:12:08 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2793948@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hellobeeboston: hey! I actually ended up quitting my full time job in June so that we could take a break this summer and calm down his nervous system. We ended up getting a pre-k spot, and as luck would have it a 4th grade teaching spot opened up at the same school so I am currently teaching there. </p> <p>It is working out okay. Overall he is doing Well, and we really love the pre-k program. He did qualify for an IEP, so he is getting 30 minutes a week of one on one time with an EC teacher working on social skills, and we can add OT if we need to. Other than a really rough 3 weeks where he had an ear infection and scrappy sleep, he has been doing well. </p> <p>I'm pretty terrified about Kindergarten though, and despite my overall preference for regular public schools, I did apply to a local charter that has super small class sizes. I'm pretty sure we wont get in, but that would be ideal for him for sure. </p> <p>Let me know if you have more questions! Even as a teacher this school choosing stuff is so hard! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2793873 Thu, 28 Dec 2017 10:52:38 +0000 hellobeeboston 2793873@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: Just curious --- which way did you go with this decision?? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2714610 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 20:22:28 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2714610@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JenGirl: thanks &lt;3 I think if we do go with the farm it would only be for one year so that he could adjust in public k. </p> <p>Thanks everyone for the suggestions! We turned in his application for pre-k today and have an appointment with his pediatrician on Friday to ask his advice. He's had a few good days at school so I am thinking if he is doing okay we may go ahead with pre-k on the fall. I think I am going to tour the farm school though too, so that we have a backup plan. The logistics of making that work would be much more complicated so I am a little hesitant about going that route, but if it is best for little man we can make it happen. </p> <p>Thanks again ❤️ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2714511 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 16:30:57 +0000 JenGirl 2714511@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have a kid with SPD but my vote is for the farm preschool. If possible, in conjunction with private OT that nanny can take him to. I think that environment sounds like it would be great for him and could give him time to mature so that when he transitions to a public school option, he may be better able to cope with a typical classroom. Would it be possible send him to the farm preschool and then reassess in a year if you needed to send him to the public option to prep for First?</p> <p>That being said, I really don't think you have a bad option here. They all have pros. I think getting into the environment where he'll eventually be going to elementary would be good. So I think it'll work out no matter what! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2714194 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 10:05:35 +0000 hellobeeboston 2714194@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: so.... that is an excellent question. I know for him, the one on one attention has been amazing, and he's responded really well to it. His sensory issues at school generally had to do with the rush of kids, the loud noises, abrupt transitions, and "free play" was a trouble time for him where he would act out....</p> <p>Along with the nanny, he now has preschool 3 days a week for 3 hours which is great for him; playing with other kids, learning, teachers, etc. The nature preschool is FANTASTIC.... I'm sure the farm school would be similar but i love the style of learning. We also have OT once a week, then we also have him doing swimming and drum lessons. Soccer &amp; T-ball in the Spring! And a couple of one week camps this summer.</p> <p>I guess we're compensating for the lack of social interaction that we thought was the main benefit of daycare, and we're making up for it in classes.... Our nanny also gets him together for playdates and takes him to playgrounds, the library, etc.</p> <p>So, lots of stuff right? BUT, it helps to add to his less structured day since he's home with the nanny I think. And a year ago, he was doing some classes, but not doing a great job participating in them... now he's SO INTO the activities and really involved. I'm not sure if thats due to him growing up or something else. Hard to know.</p> <p>Sorry, i'm so ramble-y today. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2714176 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 09:35:40 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2714176@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hellobeeboston: oh our situations are so similar! ❤️Yes I do think a nanny could take him to OT, but we will have to find someone new since we are moving. So many moving pieces! Thank you for sharing. I'm curious if you think your LO would still be outgrowing his struggles if he was in a traditional daycare setting, or if being in the less stimulating environment has actually helped him grow out of them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2714169 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 09:11:40 +0000 hellobeeboston 2714169@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: oh this is a tough call, and I feel you.... we're in a very similar place.</p> <p>question - if you do option 3, could the nanny bring LO to the OT services? then that could still happen?</p> <p>I know i've written to you before about my LO (4.5), after testing done through his daycare, then on our own, we put him into OT that we basically pay out of pocket for, insurance will cover once we reach our high deductible... We've been doing for 6 months and seen vast improvements (hes in for some sensory, but the big delays for him are fine motor and motor planning)....We also left the daycare, and got a nanny (we have a 1yo too)... our nanny is AMAZING, and we knew her so that worked out.... Anyway, we put him 3 days a week into a nature preschool, sounds so similar to your farm option. And they are WONDERFUL, it's very calming and sweet, very small teach ratio, and since the day is so short it's busy, therefore structured which works well for my LO. He does not do well with "free play" but working on it. Anyway, trying to decide now between going back and going to the school-run integrated preschool where I don't think he'll qualify for services, but they do have OT/PT on staff to assist, mainly for IEPs, but also for the other kids... i'm not sure what to do. we LOVE our nature school and he loves it, but its VERY different from school (he's still got another year + before K).... so all of that to say, i'm not sure which is the best.... pros/cons to everything.</p> <p>also - our nanny does bring LO to OT on occasion when we can't make it, and our OT emails us a report to let us know what we missed.</p> <p>also, for my LO, as he's gotten older he's really growing out of A LOT of his sensory issues. I'm not sure if the OT is helping or just some of it getting better as he get's older, but it's giving me more confidence for K! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2714166 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 09:06:06 +0000 gingerbebe 2714166@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: yes! We haven't gone to any yet bc my kid is just shy of 3 but it's on my radar!</p> <p><a href="http://www.ymcasuperiorcal.org/yolo-county/community-classes/" rel="nofollow">http://www.ymcasuperiorcal.org/yolo-county/community-classes/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2714165 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 09:05:27 +0000 bubblegum 2714165@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: Oh there was much more. DS has foot braces, communication issues, and behavioral/sensory issues. We got the IEP just about two weeks ago and it will kick in when he turns three. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2714163 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 09:03:15 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2714163@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: that's a good point. Thanks! I'm glad things went well for you guys. I would love to hear more about how the transition went! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2714159 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 08:59:20 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2714159@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bubblegum: did you get the IEP due to those struggles alone? Or are there more factors? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2714155 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 08:52:31 +0000 Baby Boy Mom 2714155@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The farm school would be my choice. From experience with my LO, time (and dietary changes) have been most helpful with spd issues. Good luck with whatever you decide! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2714138 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 08:32:03 +0000 bubblegum 2714138@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>EI mama here! I was totally go for pre-k! My little guy has issues with too many children as well and he also have an IEP in place. I think this option would be ideal. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2714132 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 08:25:45 +0000 Orchid 2714132@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't understand all the votes for #1. If you'd LO is struggling and is overstimulated there, I'd definitely choose a healthier option for him. I think the farm preschool sounds awesome! I'm not sure what you mean by "less regulation" but if it's a safe, healthy environment with trusted caregivers, I don't believe I would pass that opportunity up. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2714122 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 08:15:02 +0000 looch 2714122@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Farm school with private therapy. </p> <p>I did a similar thing for my son (private nature based preschool and private therapy) and my son has been able to successfully transition into a public kindergarten program.</p> <p>And you know this as a public school teacher, if the public school can not service the child in the school, they are obligated under the law to provide services in the least restrictive environment. I'd start researching the services available through the school system and identify an attorney. Usually the outplacement lists are private in the sense that you can't identify which student attends where, but you can request the information as to how much the district spends on outplacements and where specifically it is going. Might shed some light on the options for you (without you having to pay for the services privately). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2714084 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 07:11:49 +0000 ValentineMommy 2714084@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: Personally, I think the OT is more important than the less stimulating environment. My son also has SPD. OT helped him immensely. At some point, the kids will have to learn how to "deal" with their environments that they find overstimulating. If you love the school he's at, and he has the access to OT there, I'd keep him where he is. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2714082 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 07:06:34 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2714082@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@gingerbebe: :heart: :heart: </p> <p>It is definitely in the back of our minds that if he can't be successful at school we may have to make other plans...but as a public school teacher and a fierce public school advocate it pains me to consider. Hoping to not get to that point, but we are willing to cross that bridge when we come to it. </p> <p>Also, side note, does your Y do cooking classes? Part of my job right now is getting those into more of our branches (I work for the Y ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2714048 Tue, 21 Mar 2017 22:30:07 +0000 gingerbebe 2714048@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: :heart: You are doing such a great job trying to research the best things for your kiddo. He is lucky to have such a responsive and observant mother. </p> <p>In case this was lost in translation, I don't think the farm school is a bad choice. Its just the eventual transition that would worry me. I think if the farm school is the best fit right now, but the end game is public school, then perhaps you can figure out afternoon or weekend activities that integrate a more class-like setting, like a cooking class at the Y, Sunday school, a foreign language class, a regular story time, or an art class. </p> <p>I would also personally explore the nontraditional/private schooling options for informational purposes. For instance, maybe he ends up just thriving at that farm school, but perhaps needs a year or two of a more private support before transitioning to public school? If that were the case, I'd be like let's make a financial plan to have some money set aside in case that's necessary and find a Waldorf school or some kind of school with a very large nature or outdoor component. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2714044 Tue, 21 Mar 2017 21:55:33 +0000 mrsmacSLP 2714044@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: I will state that @EImama is correct in that OT cannot stand alone but it depends on the state. In WA it can stand alone until age 8 under developmental delays. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2714041 Tue, 21 Mar 2017 21:41:33 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2714041@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@honeybear: Yes, safe and healthy, just not STAR rated like our current center. Also, just less accountability since I think it is completely family run. Not that that is a bad thing in all cases, it just makes me a little bit nervous. We would have to find a new OT because we are moving to a new area, and private OT's out here are hard to come by. Also, thank you for the vote of confidence ;) </p> <p>There is definitely more outside time at the farm preschool, but all three options offer at least 2 hours per day outside and mostly free play during the day (I wouldn't consider any options that didn't). However, the farm was more like the entire 4 hour morning would be outside, plus there would be an opportunity for more outside time in the afternoon with the nanny. </p> <p>@gingerbebe: I totally get where you are coming from. This is definitely a concern for me. We are not planning on extended private education, so we definitely want to prepare him for that environment. I am struggling with whether giving him 2 more years for his brain and nervous system to mature and regulate in a more outdoor/relaxing environment will be a better way to get to that same goal, or if starting in the more structured environment would be better. I honestly don't know the answer. This parenting stuff is hard. :( </p> <p>@matador84: @mrsmacSLP: That is good to know. I was thinking we needed an IEP for OT services, but a 504 we should definitely be able to get. I would really love for OT to come through the school system. He will most likely not qualify for any other services, because he tested in the like 98% percentile on his developmental assessment. It is helpful to hear your perspective in regards to delaying to keep them home longer. </p> <p>@eimama: Thank you for your feedback! One of the Pre-K teachers at the #2 option school is actually a special ed teacher as well, so there would definitely be some indirect support there. If we were to do #3, what can we do to ease the transition to 1st grade in a couple years? </p> <p>Thank you all for your feedback! It is really helpful to see all of your perspectives! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2714036 Tue, 21 Mar 2017 21:10:59 +0000 eimama 2714036@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm new here and am an Early Childhood Special Ed teacher who worked in public school preschools for 10 years and now work in Early Intervention. I would personally choose option 2 or 3. As it seems you already suspect, if your son's only needs center around sensory processing and he is not exhibiting significant language or learning/cognitive delays, the likelihood of qualifying for an IEP are extremely slim as OT is not a service that can stand alone, meaning it almost always has to be paired with a primary service of Special Education or Speech Language. Definitely check out the 504 route though! If your school district runs integrated preschool classrooms then the benefit of option 2 would be a classroom staff that has likely worked with kiddos with similar needs and access to special education staff that can provide feedback and support. In my 10 years in the schools, it was a given that we would be working with students technically not on our caseloads because the child needed support within the classroom in order to be successful. If you do attempt to try and get him qualified for an IEP you will need to prove that he cannot access the general education curriculum without special education support. Personally I think option 3 sounds amazing and that type of environment could be so helpful for SPD! If your OT isn't willing to go there and you want to choose it, then find an OT that will go. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2714023 Tue, 21 Mar 2017 20:49:54 +0000 winniebee 2714023@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would probably do 2. 1 isn't working anymore and the goal seems to be the public school setting so i would try that and try for an IEp and OT. I would not do 3 as that is such a marked change from his current situation and it may be harder to get him on track for a more traditional learning environment. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2714014 Tue, 21 Mar 2017 20:31:31 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2714014@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Disclaimer: I have no experience with this for my own child! Just a friend and worked with special needs kids (more severe than what it sounds like you're dealing with.) </p> <p>I would pick #2. Less transitions because he'd already be at that school (and if you decide you don't like the school you can change course sooner rather than later) plus access to therapy/earlier IEP, slightly smaller class and probably likely to stay that small due to the school district. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2714008 Tue, 21 Mar 2017 20:14:50 +0000 honeybear 2714008@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@gingerbebe: I wasn't discussing academic preparedness in particular, and didn't say anything about academics. It seems to me that the issue is that the current classroom environment doesn't work for the child. I think a reasonable response to that problem is to work on the environment, rather than work on the child, especially when it's pretty clear that a similar, but slightly altered, environment seems to work fine for this child. </p> <p>In sum, since the basic school environment works fine, the only issue is the number of kids, I wouldn't worry about K or 1st right now. I'd deal with this year. And this year, if the choice is big preschool class, nearly as big pre-K class, and much smaller farm, I'd go with the farm. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2714007 Tue, 21 Mar 2017 20:09:34 +0000 Greentea 2714007@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@honeybear: I'm with you on this.</p> <p>@Mrs. Lion: I am attracted to the farm because it may be a less stressful environment with more outdoor time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2713978 Tue, 21 Mar 2017 18:33:19 +0000 mrsmacSLP 2713978@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@matador84: This! I'm an SLP and although don't work with SPD I work closely with an OT who does and helps with the 504s. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2713976 Tue, 21 Mar 2017 18:30:08 +0000 matador84 2713976@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You need to look into Section 504 services if you go the public school route!!! Since your LO does have a diagnosed disability but probably would not need an IEP for SPED services, I would absolutely go the 504 route. </p> <p>My district will serve certain children OT/PT services depending on the disability through 504. </p> <p>I see a lot of parents who delay services for their children because they want more time with them at home (in a protective sense, best intentions), but often not getting them early interventions do them a huge disservice. Part of my job entails working with special needs students and coordinating 504 services so if you have questions, holler! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2713974 Tue, 21 Mar 2017 18:08:48 +0000 gingerbebe 2713974@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@honeybear: I don't think academic preparedness is the issue here and when I said "succeed" in public school, I meant thriving mentally and emotionally, not just academically. In any event, the transition from a smaller farm-based half-day pre-K and kindergarten program with a nanny in the afternoons to a traditional full day first grade classroom with 30 kids in a public school would be challenging for any child (not that those challenges are insurmountable). If overstimulation and sensory processing is the big issue, I think the challenges posed by that transition would be that much more pronounced. Being as he's in a classroom setting now, either his current school or a pre-K program at the public school would be more similar to the setting he will be in longterm - if that's what his parents want for him. If the draw of the farm setting is more outdoor time, that can be accomplished in other settings too, whether its through sports teams, playing in the yard, or running with a dog at the park. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2713970 Tue, 21 Mar 2017 17:52:08 +0000 honeybear 2713970@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@gingerbebe: I disagree that doing a more free-form preschool/pre-K/K--or even no school at all--means a child is less prepared for regular public school. It depends on what else is being done with the child, and in this case, I know that Mrs. Lion is doing plenty to enrich her child's life (I read and liked her blog posts). In any event, I really don't think a 4 or 5 year-old needs a whole year of classroom experience to prep for public K. He already understands how a classroom works and as far as acquiring the skills that it would benefit him to have before K, I'm 100% sure Mrs. Lion will be on top of those. :) </p> <p>But really, the reason I'd pick the farm is that I suspect that there will be substantially more outside time at the farm than anywhere else, and I think that is incredibly helpful for behavior. In my experience, humans are generally much better behaved and able to cope with challenges (and often also smarter) when they get outside and spend time in a more natural environment a lot. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-decision-wwyd#post-2713950 Tue, 21 Mar 2017 16:18:41 +0000 gingerbebe 2713950@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is hard because it depends how you want to cater to his needs in the long run. </p> <p>If your goal is for him to attend public school and succeed there, then I think whatever will best prepare him for that setting is best. </p> <p>If you plan on catering his educational opportunities to his processing issues in a more specialized way long term (private Waldorf or homeschooling) then farm school and nanny might work. </p>