We had a tour of my daughter's PreK class at Solano Elementary in Phoenix today, where she will be a peer for children with developmental delays, and found out there are only 4 other kids in the class and she is the only peer enrolled. Should I be worried that she is in such as small class? I know it might seem like an great opportunity for one-on-one learning, but since it's not a traditional environment, I am a little concerned. They did tell me the Osborn School District is actively looking to fill the class (and since it's almost free I can't believe they don't have more interest) but school starts Monday with 5 kids! I should just go to bed and stop worrying, but I was so taken aback today I thought I would put my concerns out there. Also, if you know someone in central Phoenix looking for part time preK (for $10 day or less)you can help fill up the class and I won't need to worry! Thanks in advance.
That does seem to be a small class if your goal is socialization in the classroom. I would be concerned for academics, as well. Being the only child that does not have developmental delays means that your daughter will not get the on-level teaching you would expect. The teacher won't be able to work with her as much as you would hope. I would consider a different Pre-K myself.
Sounds like a really interesting program. If you are otherwise feeling really good about it (the feeling you get from the teacher, the environment, the way your child has responded at visits), I'd say go for it. Time will tell if it is turning out to be a good match or not. Within a couple months you will either see your child thriving or not thriving and the class size changing or not changing :) Do be aware that it can take a month or so for a little one to adjust to a new daycare environment. As a mom and a former preschool teacher I typically saw children really enthusiastic the first few days, then a week or so of being unsure, then coming full circle to loving it!
Wow- L.- As an educator and as a mom with children with and without developmental delays... I would not be worried - I would be thankful and keeping that my best kept secret! IMO many of the special needs teachers have the skills, training and the flexability in class to do what is best for your child and how she learns. In a state with such education issues and a typical PreK class being 20-30 kids and if you are lucky, usually with just one classroom aid I would be very greatful for the opportunity for my child to be in that class. AND many of the things she will learn in that class will go far beyond simple academics, but will be a benefit to her the rest of her life. If you like the teachers - I think you are one of the luckiest parents in Phoenix! :-) You may PM me if you would like to talk more about this.
last school year my son was in a small group of student's and it helped tremendously with him that way, just wondering out of curiosity does your daughter have any development delays?
