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Special Education Blog

Jun 30, 2010

Posted in: Blog

As I have looked at these documents I have realized that there has been only one significant change.  The special education regulations are now the same for 3-5 year olds as they are for school age children.  This means huge differences in available services.  This action by the state has simplified transitions.  Everything else about the transition from pre-school to school really is the same.

So, my sage advice to you has not changed:

• Visit your child's kindergarten school.
• In the summer, spend some time playing on the school playground.
• Be open-minded. This is a time of transition for all children, not just children with disabilities.  It is also a time of transition for all parents.  Sending your child off to kindergarten can be hard for all parents, regardless of your child's abilities and needs.
• Understand that kindergarten doesn't look like it did when you were there. We expect our kindergarten children to do more academically than we used to.  That is just the way it is.
• Be collaborative.
• Understand that school personnel are responsible for the needs of all children; you, the parent, are, rightly, focused on the needs of your one child.  And, we do care about your child!
• Recognize that, especially now, resources are limited.  Help your school find creative and even alternate solutions.

Kindergarten is almost here.  Please have fun with your child!

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