Private vs. Public for Variety of Resouces?

[Anonymous]

Our daughter is getting ready to enter pre-K and we're a little worried that she might have some learning/development issues. We accepted a seat in a private school for her but I've heard some discussison that public schools actually might have access to more resources in that situation, and private schools are not really equipped for someone who might need extra attention. This flies in the face of what I thought, but then again I do understand the argument that the public school system has access to the whole system's set of resources while a private school just has itself. Does anyone have any experience with/thoughts on that? (We've had our daughter tested but the answer right now is basically it's too soon to tell.) Thanks in advance.

[Anonymous]

Local school districts must make services available to children in private schools. Some children may have to go to a public school setting to get those services though in some cases they may send a specialist to the private school.

You said it is too soon to tell. The bigger issue will be how well your DD does and as things go forward whether the private school will work with you. Some do and some don't. Private schools can do anything they want - including asking you to leave if they don't want your child.

I would meet with the teacher after a few weeks and tell him/her about your concerns and share any strategies that you use to help the teacher with the day-to-day management of your child.

[Anonymous]

I guess I am stupid--how does it save money?

[Anonymous]

The answers to your questions will rest with
a) what are the issues
b) what are the public options
c) what are the private options.

Yeah, some privates will do nothing to help her. Some will do a lot.

[Anonymous]

I would start the process to get your child assessed by the local public school system. It's a long process from screening to IEP. By then you will know if your child needs a special needs preschool or just some extra services.

[Anonymous]

OP, if you live in Montgomery County, I'd really recommend contacting Child Find. It's an excellent assessment program and definitely worth the time.

Sorry to go off-topic, but I wanted to pass that along. Please continue discussion.

[Anonymous]

If your child is in a private school and requires services how do you go about asking your school district for them? Anyone with personal experience? My kid was just diagnosed with an expressive language disorder and will need speech therapy next year. She attends private school and the school is willing to accomodate the therapist. I have no idea where to begin the process with MCPS. Thanks and sorry to piggyback. OP, this might help your decision too.

[Anonymous]

I would not jump the gun on public school testing and IEP's and all that. You have had her looked at, they say it is too soon to tell.If you TRUST that assessment, I would simply talk to the teacher in the private school and get a sense of a plan for the fall.

One year in prek (unless things are REALLY going off the rails) will not do HUGE amounts of damage....I would take a wait and see approach, follow your instincts, and allow your child to grow and change.