ThreeBoys

Ok, so I think we've been spoiled at our last school. My son Chase just turned 5 last week, and at the end of pre k last year decided another year of pre k would suit him best. So we end up moving to another school disrtict over the summer, which I've heard nothing but good things about. There are a handful of schools w/ special ed pre k in this district. They pick which program suits your child best and bus him there. So far so good. I wanted Chase to be in an integrated program w/ typically functioning kids too, not just special needs, because he does so well when able to mimick his peers. This district has 2 schools w/ autism programs for the more severely autistic and we decided that he'd do better in another setting. Well, earlier today was 1st day/parent orientation and from the minute I walked in I got nothing but bad vibes. The teachers had returning students and from what I observed, they all communicated their needsd well. Chase was the only one that wasn't communicating, or responding to the teachers questions. So I was sitting back and letting them do their thing, which was NOTHING. They were at the snack table and she asked Chase if he wanted a preferance of cracker and of course he wasn't answering her, so she just sat there and quietly tended to the others that were communicating, using manners,etc. What I WANTED to see was her be more "hands on" and assertive w/ him. He brought a book to the snack table and for the 1st day I thought that was ok if it pacified him to where he could be present for a few minutes. So she told him to please put the book away. When he didn't acknowledge her, once again, she just sat there. So I waked over, took Chase by the arm, walked him to put the book away and back to the snack table, telling him what we were doing the whole time. So he was figeting after that, come to find he was poopy. So I took him into the bathroom, changed him, came back out, to find everyone but the teacher and one other parent left to go play outside. Chase's plate and cup were still on the table so I had him throw it away and outside we went. Played on the yard toy then she rang a bell in her hand right underneath the AC unit (so no one heard her ring it) to signal the kids to line up so they can be excused.

The teacher is very nice...but how can I say this w/out offending anyone...she's OLD. The grandmotherly type. And portly. She had her arm in a sling and said it was from throwing out the first pitch at the Mariner's game...ha ha...what???? I could stand to lose a good 20 lbs, but if Chase took off and ran I can catch him!! I just don't think she'd be able to. Well the para educator that's there to help her ain't no spring chicken either. They are at the end of their careers and I just don't have a good feeling about the school year. Chase is going to need more than a quiet ,patient teacher. I'm not sure if she's been to a seminar on autism recently.

We had his IEP and I was excited about it and what the coodinator had to say about the schools and then today was like a big let down. He (the coodinator) said we can make changes to suit Chase's needs and they'll pretty much bend over backward to make everyone comfortable and happy. So I'm thinking I'm going to give him a call tomorrow and voice my concerns. I wrote a note to the teacher and put it in Chase's backpack, along w/ a questionaire I filled out and just wrote-Chase needs a lot of hand over hand type guidance until he gets into the routine of his new surroundings. But all that is in his IEP. They ARE supposed to read that ,right?

So I need advice from all you experts out there! You know, you moms.Do I go w' my gut and see if I can get him into a class w/ a younger teacher who has more energy and is more aggressive? Maybe is more aware of autism? Do I wait and see if things will change, that maybe it was the 1st day for everyone and they have to get to know him? Last year from day one the teacher was gung ho and took charge and you could tell loved what she does! She was on the floor w/ them, y'know just more "hands on". I believe we were spoiled w/ the last years preschool team, now I've set the bar really high. But I will NOT settle for less when it comes to Chase. So what do you think??

By the way, Chase gets his clinical diagnosis from UW autism center at the end of this month but he is on the mild end of the spectrum. He is at a critical point in his school career and I just am not sure what to do. My mother says pull him if you don't feel good about it. My husband is leaning toward that too.

I could sit in on the class, but I want to see how she wil be w/ him, and see if she'll change...? See, that doesn't even sound right. The teachers from last year are very attatched to Chase , so maybe I'll see what they think...maybe they know someone in this disrtrict that will suit Chase better.

I realize this is long..half venting half reaching for advice. Sometimes I feel so lost in what to do for him. Then you have a whole family life and other children and husbands and life all pulling at you too...Maybe one of you can help me. We'd really appreciate it

Well it all starts again in a few hours so I'd better try to get some rest...(what is that anyway????)

-Everyone take care, Kim W.