Private helper for borderline special needs kid in public school?

[Anonymous]

Background: DS is 4 yo, turns 5 in June. He's very smart, but has problems with maintaining focus & seems to have fine motor issues. For example, his recent WPPSI was 99% in major categories, but literally could not do a timed version of the Processing Speed subtest. We're in queue to start OT therapy for fine motor skills in a few weeks.

If he doesn't get into a private K class, our backup is the neighborhood Montgomery County public school. It has a good reputation, but I'm fearing that the huge class size, paucity of gym & PE time, and overall focus on drawing/writing will make it impossible for him to feel like he's good at school if left to his own devices. At the same time, I feel like his issues are so minor, compared to others with autism, full-blown ADHD, etc., that I seriously do not think he'd qualify for an IEP (of course, we will try, but I'm just being honest).

Does anyone know if it is possible to hire a private aid to accompany him to class and make sure that he's staying focused and not blowing off in-class assignments that require him to draw or write. And keep his behavior in check if he's getting too wriggly. I know it's expensive for the school to do this, and that is why IEPs are so hard to come by. But if we were to foot the bill?...

(PS, I know that some might say to keep him back a year. We're open to it via private route and have made it clear to schools where PK/JK are options; but he easily makes the Moco date for K. Staying at his current preschool isn't an option).

I've crossposted in the Special Needs Kids forum as well. Thank you in advance.

[Anonymous]

I've never heard of this being permitted. But, one thing you might want to consider is that while it may be difficult to find something for your child next year were he not to get into private school, if he is not ready for kindergarten, you may be setting him up for failure if you push him ahead. Your child sounds very much like my DS (who does have an IEP, but I got it for him when he was 3 and it was much easier to qualify - he would not qualify now if he didn't already have one). The extra year really made a huge difference in his ability to perform in school.