Hello, Jason!!
Welcome to the fun world of Kindergarten.  Lauren by the nature of her
impairment can recieve services many different ways.  You could give her a
504 plan which would spell out accomadations, or she qualifies for an
Individualized Education Plan.
Just because she is in special education does not mean she can not be
mainstreamed.  She could be kept in class with supports such as the correct
chair, adapted worksheets, sensory supports, therapies, etc.
The first thing I would do in familarize your self with IDEA, the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.  It was just reauthorized with
some changes, especially about keeping kids in regular education classes.
You may also want to find other parents who have been through the process.
We are blessed in our area as some very hardworking parents have become
advocates and have created training opportunities in the area.  Get help,
get knowledge, it can be an itimidating process even when the school is
cooperative.
I'm an occupational therapist and I work with children and often help
parents prioritize their goals for their child.


Beth T. the OT

-----Original Message-----
From: St. John's University Cerebral Palsy List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Jason Kruse PA
Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2002 12:57 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Starting Kindegarten


Hello everyone-
Well Lauren started Kindergarten yesterday. FYI, she
is 5 years and 3 months, mild left hemi and hypotonia.
She was given the green light from Rainbows an early
child hood development center that she should be able
to attend K this fall.

We put her in a summer learning day care to help
acclimated her to a more structured environment and
she had a few problems early on with "listening" but
that improved and there were no more problems.

The first day of K my wife states that the teacher
looked stressed and stated that she didn't listen
well. This is NOT a suprise to us because she becomes
aloof at home as well and we have to spend extra time
with to get her to focus and about not listening to
our instructions or requests but with time and
consequences she "catches on". I feel that is she is
not as mature and most kids her age and I think this
is part of her global delay. The principle is very
supportive about watching her for 3 weeks to determine
if she need special education. Im intimidated by the
term but don't know what it really entails. When and
how does someone progress out of special ed and how is
it determined who goes there or not. We are going to
have a sit down discussion next week with the
principle and teacher to discuss everything about her
condition and our prospective and expectations.

I would love to here your alls Kindegarten experiences
with your kids

Thanks

Jason-dad
Jason Kruse, PA
Family Medicine East
Heartland Research Associates
Kansas PA Temps