This morning we went to Julie's preschool for "Meet The Teacher" day. We have really been struggling with whether to send Julie to preschool at all, and we were hoping today would help us make the decision. I think we both left the school reassured. The main factor for us is Julie's attachment problems weighed against her developmental delays. It has been hard to know what she needs more: the security of being at home with her family or the help she would get at the school. In it's favor, the school is truly excellent. I have spoken to many parents who have sent children there and not one has a single bad thing to say. In fact, every one has been thrilled to pieces with Jefferson Preschool. That is really an amazing thing if you think about it. It's still very difficult for me to think of letting go of Julie for 10 hours a week, but at this point we're going to give it a try. She will be in a class of 7 children, all special ed. There will be 4 adults in the room 2 of the days, and 5 adults in the room on the other 2 days. That's a pretty impressive ratio. Julie will receive speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy throughout the week. Her class goes to the library on Wednesdays and has a cooking lesson on Thursdays. Her teacher and therapists will be in daily contact via email. If it isn't working after a week or two, we will reassess. I keep reminding myself that this isn't a permanent decision. Still, this is not the vision I had of raising my children. I guess that vision is going to change a lot as fantasy meets reality. I still hope to homeschool someday though. I guess we'll see.
On the potty front, Julie peed in her potty THREE times today! At school, she easily located the potty chair in her classroom and dragged it out for all to see. Back at home, she had one accident on the floor, but I think she was tripped up by the fact that she had underwear on. When she's naked, she seems to be much more aware of when she needs to go. As soon as she has any kind of clothing on, I think she unconsciously reverts to diaper behavior. She did realize the difference once the pee was running down her legs though. She then exclaimed "potty!" and started looking around for it. She went to it and sat down, which I thought was great, even if it was after the fact. So much is going on for her right now, between switching beds, learning the potty and starting school. Wow!
Melody is all messed up today because of the strange morning schedule. I guess that is another thing we'll need to figure out all over again. I'd better go help her get back to sleep if possible....
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Meet The Teacher
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6 comments:
Sarah started Preschool last week. I'm hoping that she'll soon be able to by-pass her delays, too.
Good Luck!!
HUGS!
Rhonda
I know this decision did not come easily for you, but I think you are so wise to give it a try and if things don't work out, as you've said, it's not a permanent decision, and you've at least tried it. It sounds like a wonderful preschool, and the ratio is VERY impressive. You are doing the best you can for your precious Julie, and God will honor that. I'll be praying for Julie AND her sweet mama!
Pam
Many hugs for you as you transition through this time. It's very hard to let go at times - especially when we want to hold them closer than ever. I pray that Julie will love her preschool time and that she'll make amazing progress there. For Caleb, he really did gain great ground at preschool - and now, I'm homeschooling this year. You may be able to do the same in the future... I'll be keeping you all close to my heart.
Sheri
did julie switch to a big girl bed? congrats on the potty thing and how encouraging that she went and sat down after her accident. she's got it for sure! I think the preschool thing is a good decision. However, I'm not a huge homeschool fan, so i'm biased. but i think her being in there w/ therapists who specialize in how to help her is a good decision. If I understand it correctly, would it be difficult to get her therapy if you didn't do the preschool? also, i think the socializing is going to be great for her. Hopefully by 2 weeks she'll have decided she loves it and knows you will always come back for her so she can go to school w/ confidence and enjoy her day. Good luck!
let me clarify, the socializing will be good for her because she'll make lots of friends and love it. not because she needs socializing or doesn't get it now. :)
I hope you remember me - we emailed back and forth a few months ago about adopting from China. I've kept up with your journey to Melody and have prayed for you guys along the way. I just want to encourage you in your decision to start Julie in preschool. I'm sure that you've prayed about it and will continue to pray about it, and God is more than capable of leading you in this decision. I know my situation is a little different, but I'd like to share my experience. My oldest son, Ethan, had slight speech delays and also some attachment issues due to a move, and I started him in Mother's Day Out (not near as organized as the place you've enrolled Julie!; within two weeks I had a different child. He learned that there is a world outside of Mommy and that it could be fun! We also saw much improvement in his speech. I believe it was due to the teacher not anticipating his every need and "positive peer pressure," hearing the other children talking better than him. Now I am homeschooling a very talkative kindergartener. I have wondered about how my parenting strategies may change when we adopt depending on our attachment issues and if we will do preschool with her or not. Sorry this is so long; maybe I should have emailed you instead . . . praying you'll have assurance and clarity, Carrie H
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