Friday, March 27, 2009

Struggling

I'm struggling a bit with Nick's placement for next year. I'm pretty sure it's the right choice, but have reservations. It feels a bit like a step backwards. Right now, he's in full inclusion in a pre-K class. The recommendation is to put him in a self contained special education class that is partnered with a regular education kindergarten class. Initially, he'll have a minimum of 1 hour per day of regular education instruction along with going to "specials" with the regular education class. I met and saw in action the teacher Nick is likely to have. She's fantastic, and is probably a good fit for him. In know, he'll get a lot more one-on-one instruction which he really needs. But, it's still not inclusion. I have to remember inclusion is what I want and not what Nick may need.

It's never easy is it?

2 comments:

datri said...

Kayla is transitioning to Kindy. Her IEP meeting isn't until May 14 and I'm already stressing. We live in a rural school district and there has only been one child with Down syndrome in that school and she is in Kindy now. And the school has no idea what to do with her even though she tests close to age level. It's depressing. So, as much as I believe in full inclusion regardless of ability, I just don't think it's going to work without support which is nonexistent in our district. And now I have to tour special ed schools next month to see where to place her. It really stinks.

Cate said...

Nope.

But a fantastic teacher sounds like a good thing to have. And you can always change it up later, right?

Ack. This stuff sucks. I'm sorry.