Helpful Educational Tips for My 4 Yr Old

My one suggestion for you is not to give up! My son has a twin sister. I told the school district that he was behind in his speech and needed help. It took me 3 years, but I was finally able to get him into the speech system at the school. He is now going into 3rd grade and his speech is improving, but it has effected his reading. They now believe that he might have Auditory Processing Disorder. The school district will not test for it. I have been told that I should take him to Scottish Rite to be tested. Scottish Rite is free to everyone. It will take a while to get in, so the sooner you start the process the sooner you will get it started.

the first comment by Diana spoke about IEP... that sounds like what I'm thinking of but I thought it was called ECI or Early Childhood Intervention... My Dr recommended it because my so was not on target for his age, (with his walking) and my Nephew used it for his disability. but I didn't think there was an income criteria, but it is my understanding that any child with developmental issues can be assessed and helped with what ever they are behind in, speech/OT/PT. you might ask your Dr. (the ENT or Pediatrician either one) to get you in contact with them or google it.

I'm not familiar with what you are referring to as Pre-K, if you don't qualify for that then I would recommend finding a kindergarden teacher that is off for the summer or one who is on maternity leave or staying at home with a little one who you could pay for tutoring to help him catch up...

There are several resources that seems like you haven't tapped. I would call the Texas Department of State and Health Services. They will guide you. Especially that your son sounds like he should have been receiving help in his speech since he was 2 or 3. http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/policy/compact.shtm#customers...
Good Luck.

If he can only say a two word sentence, then perhaps he could qualify for speech and that would allow him to go to pre-k. Also talk to your kid's doctor, they are excellent resources.

Try this: Don't go via the education route at first, but consult with the ear specialist who helped your son regain his hearing. Ask to speak with a nurse or make an appointment with the doctor. Get a medical statement about how your son's early situation has affected his present situation. Then you'll know whether he's truly behind, or if it's something he'll quickly catch up with, or if it's something he will need extra services for. And the doctor's office may be able to give you clear direction about how to proceed with your son's education. Ask "if this was your child, what educational assistance would you be requesting?"

Call your school district headquarters and ask about an inclusive preschool (or other early intervention opportunities). Our son tested into a program in our district, has an IEP, and got speech therapy (and OT and PT for other issues) all year. This program is federally funded and if your son tests in, it doesn't matter what your income is. He would have a full year of school (or two, depending on his birthday and if you choose to start him in kindergarten at age 5 or 6. (Oh - and our program is 2.5 hours/day 4X week, so it's not an overwhelming all-day program for a young kiddo).

I'm so glad you little one has his hearing back - what an adjustment for him, and how wonderful for all of you!

I would think he might qualify for some kind of early intervention through public school. I would talk to your doctor and ask him if he can write a letter to the school or something. Talk to the school and ask if there is another program he would qualify for. Good luck.

Just in case you didn't know, pre-k is also open to anyone who has an active duty military parent. My hubby is in the Texas State Guard and we got our daughter in that way. It was a great experience for her and she sailed through kindergarten because she was so prepared. Tx State Guard is a volunteer force that is only activated for natural disasters- hurricanes, generally. My husband loves it- one weekend a month is all that is required. No age limits and no "boot camp".
I would highly recommend a private preschool if you can afford it. As a former kindergarten teacher, I can tell you it makes all the difference for the kiddo. Kids are expected to be able to do so much more now than when we were little. It can be stressful.

I second ECI and talking to your pediatrician or the ENT who placed the tubes for speech language therapists.
Good luck!!

I don't know about Texas, but in Nebraska special education services are mandated from conception to 21 years of age. (0-3 is early intervention and 3-21 is sped) If a child qualifies for early intervention/sped income is not a factor. The factors are the child's disability, how it could have an adverse effect on his/her education and how sped services will help the child. My son has been verified in sped services since he was 9 months old under the category of developmental delay. (I don't know if Texas does categories, but in NE we have 13 categories of verification for disabilities). I didn't read all the posts, but I did read Denise B's and she is right you can also access private options. With a doctor referral my son saw OT, PT, and SLT at a clinical child therapy location up until recently. If insurance will cover (which mine did) it was a GREAT option to get some experts to work one and one and also give me tips of things to do at home. Don't think of sped as a bad thing it's rather an excellent resource to help your child excel. I am going to be a sped teacher and I look forward to helping kids!! Good luck and good for you for wanting to access as much info as possible!!! :-)

I'm assuming you're talking about public preschool, which would be what Diana is talking about. You can qualify by disability, ESL, or low-income. Since he didn't qualify, that leaves you with private options. My first place to go would be a local college. Most colleges offer services at reduced prices, as it provides training for their students. Supervision is provided by a professor, and because it's a school they usually provide the most up-to-date interventions and methods. You can also check with your insurance and see if they provide any coverage for speech therapy. Your pediatrician should be able to provide you with a referral. You can also contact your local Early Childhood Intervention Program, through the school district. They only work with children under 3, but they also help families transition to other services when the kids age out, so they could provide you with referrals. Good luck!

What do you mean the Preschool did not accept him because your Husband makes too much money?
I thought, Preschool, is just that. Preschool.
At many preschools, they accept 4 year olds and 5 year olds.
My Son's school does and my daughter's as well (when she was in preschool), and they have a Pre-K curriculum.

Per Kindergarten: entry age is turning 5, or 5 already, or 4 and will be turning 5, or turning 6.
Bear in mind, that many parents enter their child in Kinder at turning 6 years old. BUT, speak to the school your son will be attending... because, SOME elementary schools, will enter a child into 1st grade, per being 6 years old. Unless the Parent requests, that their child is put into Kindergarten.

Also bear in mind, that "Kindergarten" is not "Mandatory" in many States.

all the best,
Susan

If you can find a good private preschool with qualified teachers it would be worth the money you pay. Many towns have less expensive coop preschools where parents are expected to serve as teacher assistants once a week. Putting your child in a preschool or coop preschool where you have to pay means that his peers his role models are middle income normally developing, talking ans listening preschoolers. Research shows that most language learned at school comes from peer interaction and a good teacher will know how to encourage and plan for that interaction. When I found out my son didnt qualify at age 3 because he could put two words together I decided I ddn't want him in a class full of kids with such low language skills,

Your son may qualify for PPCD (Preschool Program for Children with Diasabilities...this is different from Pre-K based on financial need). Based on his history of hearing loss, speech & language delay, and possible learning difference, a comlete assessment by a Special Education Team would be appropriate. Call his home elementary school, or your district's Special Ed. Dept. to schedule evaluation. Lots of paperwork, but well worth it if it helps your son meet his potential. Even if he doesn't qualify for the 1/2 day program, he may qualify for Speech & Language Therapy. Good luck!