DS has been in EI for almost a year and will be transitioning into the EI program for children over 3 come this late Spring. He has already seen the new program service coordinator and their therapist panel. He was given an IEP and thankfully granted all the same services he was receiving before. However, the therapy sessions and cut down drastically but we're still thankful. Due to there being no peer interaction at home, other than a new baby coming before he ages out, they want him to attend a pre-school for 2.5 hours, 3 times a week, where he will be able to have peer interaction and receive his services. I think this is a great idea. I went to the school yesterday and it seems to be a nice fit for him. However, of course this is the nervous mama in me, I saw the children sitting there so nicely and listening and all I could think was OMG that is not how my child will be. But given!!! These children could have started off just like my son and adjusted to a classroom setting and the rules.
I know I have to do this for him to grow and become more able to control his emotions when it comes to peer interaction and classroom environments.
I'm thinking of writing a full work up of all his disorders and behavioral issues and tools to help. The director encouraged me to do so but I can picture the teacher's face now...this mom is NUTS.
I know the teacher has tons of experience with children of special needs and children who do not, (the classroom is main stream so it's half children with IEPs and half of children who do not) but I still worry that in the beginning it is going to be a battle. I worry about my babe but also the other children. I know their parents know it's an inclusive environment but I'm just hopeful the children are as educated as 3-5 years olds can be, that all kids are different and that's okay.
I just needed to vent. It may be the pregnancy hormones or just my protective mama instincts but I just wanna be sure I'm making the right choice.