(Untitled)

[agent_smart]

I've been concerned about Jack's language development, so I took him to the public school headquarters to be evaluated, to see if he would need a language therapist.  The process took a couple of months (because they spaced out the assessments by months), and I finally had the meeting with them, today, to talk about whether they thought he

Comments

[circegirl]

Ahh the beloved SST/IEP meeting. This is what I spend much of my day doing. I have my degree in this and I can tell you navigating the special ed. programs can be overwelhming. It doesn't sound to me like they have any strong concerns. Children tend to develop one area at a time. So a very physical child make be a little behind linguistically, a thoughtful child may have poor motor skills. You can't speed up any area, they all get it in the end. It sound like you are doing everything right. In terms of the behaviors, I can also say that very bright children are generally the biggest trouble makers and it can be frustrating for them because their little bodies aren't capable of doing/expressing what is going on in their minds. They do grow out of it. Be consistent. Don't discuss things that are non-negotiable with him (ie- you must go to bed at...) , but give him options as often as possible (make sure the options you give him are ones you can live with). Parenting is not easy. Jack's a good kid. You are doing everything right.

Now, as a teacher (and parent myself) I will say this. Not every child is suited for traditional school. Some need more structure, some less. You know your child best and if something doesn't seem right, it probably isn't. You are his best advocate. If the program that these people have outlined for you seems to be a poor fit, I would advise you to look elsewhere (Jack may do well in a less traditional charter school). That said, I believe most of the people you talked to have Jack's best interest at heart. You have to, to do what they do. Feel free to ask me if you are confused about what they tell you, I may be able to help.

Be strong.

Jennifer