Thursday, March 11, 2010

To School or Not to School

That is really the question at the moment.


But Dakin isn't even 2.5 years old!! Why are you worrying about this already?

Well, 'cuz here in Texas special needs kiddos qualify for services through the school districts at age 3. Soooo...Dakin could attend school as early as next November 1st, in a class called PPCD. PPCD is a class geared toward special needs kiddos at age 3--helping them to adjust, as well as socialize and put them in a position where the adaptive technology team can begin to help. For Dakin, he wouldn't actually start start until next-March-ish, because he'd be homebound during the flu season, but he would be in the system. Presumably he would be in there for a year or so, depending on when their kindergarten cutoff is, then on to PreK and kindergarten.

I have been debating this for some time now, going back and forth between this and homeschooling. While I feel perfectly capable of homeschooling Dakin up to a point (I'm a teacher), I feel that in his situation it would probably be best to have him in a place where he would have access to the adaptive technology that would help him.

Besides the fact our local school district is tiny and renowned. Good stuff. I actually got to sub in the PPCD class the other day, and it's that that decided me.

So in a year, my baby will be in school! (for three hours a day) AGH!!!

16 comments:

Junior said...

So glad to hear you have a good program for Dakin to attend.
I remember dealing with our district and visiting their programs when Junior's was nearing 3. Not good programs at all so we opted for home instruction and Junior continues to have a teacher come out to see him several times a week. He also has speech therapy through the district and assistive technology needs met as well.

Unknown said...

How blessed to have a program Dakin can attend and benefit from, and that you feel so good about too.
--Mari

Dana said...

We decided to put Laneah in school when they could give her things that I couldn't do at home. When this changed we brought her back home. Also as long as they are schooling him the way you think he should be than keep him there. It's a nice break for you


I feel blessed that I have options. I am luck that I can homeschool and don't have to work. It is really fun to be able to watch your child learn.

Good luck. The good news is that you can always change your mind.

Colleen said...

We are going through transitioning now because Isaac will be 3 next month. I decided on the homebound program since he's so prone to illness. It's so stressful to think about this transition and what's best for their development and health.

Valerie said...

That must be such a hard decision. It's great that you were able to be there as a substitute and experience things first before deciding. It sounds like it will be wonderful for your son. I'm sure you can use the short break, but at the same time it will be difficult to not be with him so often.

Tara Bennett said...

Chloe will also begin school in the fall at age 3. I think, no matter what, children thrive in school. I think they love to socialize and learn. I'm excited for Dakin! How fun!

Foster mama K said...

How exciting!!!

Kristen said...

How exciting for Dakin and for you! It sounds like a great program.

Kristy said...

I'm glad that you've been able to make a decision. I pray that it goes well for him--I'm sure he'll have a lot of fun there!

April said...

I'm just tickled for you!! That's so exciting! What an exciting adventure!
ps. I'm a teacher as well, I used to teach 4th and 5th grade:)

Sapna said...

Great minds think alike! I left a voicemail for the PPCD coordinator for our ISD last Friday! Maya is barely over 2 as well, but I got some advice to start planning early. I hope we have a good program here. Maya really needs some interaction and she would do so well in school. I am FAR from being a teacher! Let me know what info you find out that may be useful.

beth said...

What a hard decision to make! How wonderful that you got a chance to sub in the classroom and see how it works. Technology is so expansive for special needs kiddos! I'm sure you know that, since I'm a teacher too, I think it's great he'll be going to school! Hope those other kiddos oblige by staying well :)
Love Aunt Beth

annalee said...

i taught kindergarten for five years and was always blown away with what a neat program ppcd is. one thing's for sure... dakin will be the cutest kid in his class! i never get tired of that sweet smile.

Sara said...

I think that's awesome! Dakin will love it! That's neat that he will be able to start so early :)

xoxox~

Sara said...

I got to observe for 4 hours in our local special needs school. I spent 2 hours with the 3-4 year olds and 2 hours with the 16 and olders.
It was really interesting. I think the people that chose to work in that environment are angels. They are braver than I am. I think the access to the adaptive technology would definitely put me over on whether or not to school. Besides.... couldn't you use a break a few hours a day?

Maria Babin said...

awesome choice! if it's a good program, it will be such a plus for him and for you!