Feedback on SN preK for Jamestown and Taylor classrooms in Arlington please

[Anonymous]

My child was found eligible for services due to cognitive and communication delays. Significant receptive language issues, attention, and praxis. Some autistic tendencies but short of a diagnosis. Needs lots of visual support and help attending. Needs a little help scaffolding play but is a social kid. Was hoping for an integrated classroom but told there was no space. I plan to tour and not sure if these rooms are the right fit, but have no idea and would really welcome your feedback! IEP meeting in 30 days.

[Anonymous]

We didn't end up in either of these two schools. But when we were looking to buy in N Arlington, I did a lot of research on both. If you can chose, go with Jamestown, I think there special Ed is better, less crowded and I didn't like the open space and pods concept for K and first grade at Taylor, that won't have worked for my kid. That not to say that Taylor program is not good. I just tend to think Jamestown is better.

[Anonymous]

We looked at both of those schools and chose Taylor. Jamestown is very clannish and the principal is weak/doesn’t manage competing interests effectively. I think you would be disappointed with the reception your special needs child received.

[Anonymous]

How old is your child? Is pre-K like the 4’s class, or the 2’s? I have no knowledge of Taylor, but we have been amazed at how wonderful the 2’s class is at Jamestown. I used to co-teach special ed, and the teacher in the 2’s class is one in a million. I say 2’s class, but many of the kids just turned three. If you can wait at all and get into this class next fall (doing private intervention until then), that would be ideal. Obviously if they are older, I can’t speak to the individual teachers in the pre-K level, but I have friends whose kids have gone through, and they report excellent things.

I do not know the new principal that well yet, but I’m surprised to see what was written above about her. That being said, the SN pre-K program goes to morning meetings, school assemblies, plays with the Montessori’s kids on the playground, help out in the front office-I have never gotten a bad feeling about inclusiveness at JES. It is worth mentioning that I have 2 older kids there, one of whom has ADHD and ASD, and her experience has been wonderful.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Thank you! My kid is 3, will turn 4 in Jan so he will be in a 3s room for now.

[Anonymous]

Bumping bc I have another question please- Taylor says school ends at 3:40 and there is no aftercare for the pre-school. If you are a dual working family, what do you do in these circumstances?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bumping bc I have another question please- Taylor says school ends at 3:40 and there is no aftercare for the pre-school. If you are a dual working family, what do you do in these circumstances?

We don't go there. But I attended orientation earlier and they said they have it. Not sure if this includes pre k. You are better calling and asking since I doubt that after care cover pre schoo, its also managed independently from the school and you need to call them directly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Bumping bc I have another question please- Taylor says school ends at 3:40 and there is no aftercare for the pre-school. If you are a dual working family, what do you do in these circumstances?

We don't go there. But I attended orientation earlier and they said they have it. Not sure if this includes pre k. You are better calling and asking since I doubt that after care cover pre schoo, its also managed independently from the school and you need to call them directly.

I called Taylor-that’s where I got the info. Wondering what others do. Thanks!