Kindergarten recommendation in NOVA?

[Anonymous]

12:26 here. I thought I'd give an update on my kids - especially the youngest about whome we had concerns about going to K. We in FCPS at a school that will be Title 1 next year. DS1 (the third grader) had a good year but anxiety was increasingly a problem which lead to increasingly negative behaviors. The school did an FBA, came up with a crisis intervention plan and modified his behavior modification plan. Our consultant was very invovled with indicated she is sometimes leery of FBAs but the school team really did an excellent job. DS1's anxiety is still present but is much better managed and controled. I've been very impressed with the way they handle it.

DS2 is about to finish K and has really had an amazing year. He's got apraxia of speech, MERLD, hypotonia and the usual sensory/motor planning issues. About half his time is pull out/push in services and he's really done well in both groups. His general ed teacher/aide have been so wonderful with him, recognizing challenges we weren't aware of and accomodating him. For example, he's uncomfortable sitting on the floor for circle/group time and they have no problem letting him pull a chair to the circle and sit in it. They recognize he's highly motivated by the behavior chart everyone in the class uses. They use it very effectively (in other classes, I've seen it used not so effectively). His general ed, special ed, SLP and OT work very closely - even seamlessly - and he's really thrived this year. His language/communication skills are clearly not typical but he's making good progress and we're hearing more spontaneous, complex, longer sentences. In hindsight, sending him to K was the right decision. He's definitely pushed and stretched but in a very supportive, encouraging environment. This may sound weird or gushy but I sometimes feel like I could cry in relief. BTW - our the IEP team works very well with our consultant. There may have been some awkwardness in the beginning but everyone was professional and respectful. IEP meetings now are almost fun. I certainly don't approach them with the dread and anxiety I used to. Even when we are in disagreement, it's not contentious or antagonistic.

I totally understand a desire to go private but you might think about not ruling out public altogether - but I would recommend getting a good consultant to help and advise you.

[Anonymous]

I'm the OP from August of last year! Great to see this thread revived. We decided to move to FCPS and give public a try. DS will start Kindergarten in the fall and with a strong IEP in place we are nervous but feeling good about our choice.

[Anonymous]

hello, OP do you mind sharing the consultant that you hired to help with the IEP? if you did,
and glad things are looking good!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:hello, OP do you mind sharing the consultant that you hired to help with the IEP? if you did,
and glad things are looking good!

OP here. We did not use a consultant. We will hire one in the future though if we think he's not getting the services he needs.

[Anonymous]

OP - Which preschool did your son attend? We are looking for a switch with low ratios and small classes. TIA!