Eligibility meeting today (long)

[Iggy]

The boys were being evaluated by the school system for the developmental delays preschool program. It's M-F for like two hours a day at the elementary school. Even though they are not delayed in any other area, the severe expressive language delay (they STILL do not say any words) from verbal apraxia is affecting other areas of development and they have been approved for the preschool program. They want to split them up into two preschool classes too to help encourage speech independent of each other (they tend to rely on each other for communication).

I'm happy, this is what we wanted and it may give me time to do a practicum before I graduate, and sad because I'll miss them, I'm used to them being home all day. It's a relief to have all the evaluations done, though they're not stressful, everyone is so nice and Genella even helps me take the boys back to the car when we're done and hugs me :lol But I worry about them not talking and now at least I feel like we can move forward with something that might help them.

So now we have 30 days to decide whether we want them to start now (well, May) or in September. Right now they're in the EI program for once a week in-home speech therapy but we can no longer receive that once we start the preschool. If we start the preschool thing now, they'll go until school ends around June 16, then break for summer, which means they would go two months or so with no services. Or we could keep receiving EI speech therapy until they turn 3 in September and then start the preschool.

I'm leaning toward starting right away, because frankly they've been in EI therapy for 10 months now and haven't said a word, and at this point I could do the therapy sessions myself over the summer.

I have to talk to DH about it, I think he'll want them to start the preschool right away too, he thinks that'll do them the most good cause they'd be away from Mommy to wait on them hand and foot with them just pointing and MMMMing :para Then we just wait for the school to call and write out their IEPs and get things started.

[Bonkey]

That is really great, Iggy, that you have got them in this program. I too tend to lean toward starting them right away, it seems like it would be more intensive (every day for 2 hours) and even if there is a summer break, you could do the tutoring. :shrug That is interesting that they would be separated...I would have never thought of that. I bet they will like their independent time. :woohoo

[2littlelovebugs]

That's great, Iggy. I would probably lean toward starting them right away, too, especially since you already know the routine for speech therapy at home. I bet they will love it, too! Good luck. :yay

[gypsymom]

Good luck! I would definately start them right away, too. I bet they'll enjoy it. You'll miss them more than they will miss you. :lol

Remember, Einstein didn't talk until he was like 5. :para

[Spuds]

i agree with all the pp. Starting right away and going for 2hr a day will be great for the 3 of you. Seperating them sounds like it will do good, too.
:yay

[Lola Starr]

I agree with starting them right away. I think the program sounds great. :blueheart Good luck to the boys & you will LOVE your little break. :para

[WhoserMomma!]

I would start them right away! The program sounds awesome!! :woot

[crazycase]

:hugs it sounds like a great program. I hope everything works out. :crossed that they start talking soon !!!

[Pie]

Maybe the new speech therapists they will be working with can give you some new ideas/materials to work on over the summer. I bet you'll see a huge improvement quickly if they are having sessions everyday. Keep us updated!

[Free Bird]

That's great news Ig! :hugs I agree with starting them right away. It makes total sense that they want them in seperate classes. Trust me, it will definately be harder on you than them but in no time you will actually enjoy that two hour break. I thinkit will do wonders for all three of you. :hugs

[rtmommie]

This is a tough one for me to answer after having done this with Ethan for apraxia also. I loved the preschool program!!! He made great strides there and the socialization with others was great. He was eligible for 2 summers of speech services through the school. The summers in which he hasn't had speech he has digressed (sp?), despite a speech routine at home. Are there speech services through the school during the summer?? If not, I would wait until Sept and give them the extra speech services this summer. Hang in there! Ethan didn't say a word until he was 3 1/2. Now I wish I could him quiet somedays!
:bighug

[mominjuly]

Hi Iggy
I taught early childhood special eduaction for 3-5 year olds for 11 years. I am not sure where you live, but in IL they have something called ESY(Extended School Year) its like summer school, but it happens right after regular school gets out and last 3-4 weeks. It is so children don't regress so much. Did they mention anything about that? That might make your choice of school in May or in Aug easier. Also ask the speech therapist for a summer packet so you can continue to work on their speech during the summer. It should give you some good ideas. HTH

Tracy 1st time mom to Hannah and Jenna born 7-12-06 @37 weeks no NICU time!

[Mingle Bells]

:hyper That's great, Iggy! I'm positive they will will gain soo much from being in preschool. Kids learn so much from other kids. I'm so excited for them! I think starting right away is the best idea, too.

:hugs

[Iggy]

Hi Iggy
I taught early childhood special eduaction for 3-5 year olds for 11 years. I am not sure where you live, but in IL they have something called ESY(Extended School Year) its like summer school, but it happens right after regular school gets out and last 3-4 weeks. It is so children don't regress so much. Did they mention anything about that? That might make your choice of school in May or in Aug easier. Also ask the speech therapist for a summer packet so you can continue to work on their speech during the summer. It should give you some good ideas. HTH

Tracy 1st time mom to Hannah and Jenna born 7-12-06 @37 weeks no NICU time!

They were pretty specific in emphasizing that the boys would not receive services over the summer if I put them in the preschool right away, so I don't think we have that. I'm in Virginia. I will definitely ask the ST for materials for the summer :yep

[Loosey]

That's so great Iggy! I think it's a great idea to get them started right away. I'm not patient enough to wait things out :lol Good luck with everything...keep us posted on how they are doing.

[Moonie]

I am glad they have options like that for you. I agree that sometimes we can do as much at home as the therapist.

[Frenchy]

Iggy that is great news! I can see where it would be a tough decision, but I would probably lean towards starting them right away. Like PPs said it sounds much more intensive. good luck with your decision