Anyone Know of a Preschool for Highly Gifted Children?

All parents think their kids are highly gifted. What does that sort of labeling mean? Gifted at music, math. How did you arrive at this conclusion? Perhaps your child is, at this age who knows, and any test she took would quite unclear - she's just too young. I'd be less worried about looking for a program for highly gifted toddlers, and more worried about finding her a program that is going to maximize her socialization.

BTW, I know what I'm talking about - I have a 10 year old who has a 153 IQ, the best thing I think I did was teach her how to deal with her peers and understand that not all people are going to get things like she does. It is more important that kids develop compassion, kindness and respect than anything else. If she's really that smart it will all fall into place. I doubt Bill Gates went to a highly gifted preschool, you know what I mean? Good luck with it all.

I'm curious. What is the definition of "highly gifted"?
How does it compare to just plan "gifted"?
And who assigned this label to your child? Was it you, or is there some entity or group or organization that tests, and bestows these titles to toddlers?
I'm not judging, I'm just interested in child development, especially at this age.
Being around a lot of preschoolers, and having one myself.
I've had people tell me that my child's really smart, and I should have her "tested"...
Again, not a judgement, just seeking information and a connection with other parents of kids of pre-k age!
-L. B.

Hi,

Are you aware of the Mirman School (Mulholland near the 405. It's been around for over 30 years and is designed for HGC.
Also, Oakwood in No. Hollywood is a highly respected creatively run school creating higher thinking, imaginative, and creative alumni. It's highly rated. Also, investigate the programs through LAUSD as they are nationally recognized. Not all public schools are in the tank. I would suggest shying away from Charter Schools as their overall quality is not consistent from year to year as usually the turnover of personnel, administrators, and staff is not secure. Also, the teachers tend to be less expeienced. Good luck. Also, check with the Gifted Child's Association. There is a local chapter. Remember that the word "gifted" can be detrimental. The child must know that everyone is good at something and that are good at thinking and learning. They cannot be put up on a pedestal. They already know they learn differently than other children. Their skills are often inborn but they have to channeled to positively enhance their gift for learning and thinking or they can feel different and not fit in socially. The library and book stores are filled with excellent books to guide parents and educate them to working with these wonderful children in positive ways. It's imperataive that you educate yourself and not blindly try to figure out your HGC. Has your child been evaluated by a knowledgable professional counselor who specializes in this area? Ask his teacher or your physician for a referal and go ASAP.
I hope I've been of service to you. I am a retired teacher from the LAUSD schools so I feel qualified to share what I do know. Enjoy the journey and the challenge!

Hi, I am writing to you as the mother of an 11 year old gifted child (and to other bright and challenging boys) I also have a masters in education.

My first impulse is that any strong preschool program will be good for your child. It is more important that the school also be convenient, so that play dates will be any easy to facilitate, and that you feel good about the parent body. If this is your first child, these parents will be your friends. You will watch your children grow together, share experience, and build community. I am still most strongly connected to those other moms with whom I shared the experience of entering school with my first born.

(One educational preschool method that is "fashionable" now, is the Reggio Emilia approach which is modeled after one particular Italian school. I do think that it is a good method, but the I am slightly bothered by the whole nature getting your child into the school that "right" school that is a la mode...Instead, go with your gut as to what is the best environment.

Check out the local schools and go with your gut as to who will provide a rich, warm and nurturing program. As your child gets older, you will need to find a school that is a good fit-- one that will cater to your child's specific needs. Would your child benefit from an Arts based curriculum? Do you want a more traditional, structured academic environment? This will depend on who your child is and what goals for development suits your philosophy (of which there are many.)

Good luck.

Testing a preschooler just does not provide an accurate IQ, so I highly doubt there would be a preschool that specialized in highly gifted kids. I just had my 4 year old daughter's IQ tested because she was showing signs of autism and the test was part of the overall assessment. I found her overall score to be extremely low compared to what I know my daughter can do. The psychologist agreed that it was lower than expected and explained that she had areas of strength and, because of the autism, areas of weaknesses. The overall IQ score averaged all her areas. Because she didn't test well in a few areas (one in particular), it affected her whole score. So she scored high average, although her reading was scored at just below third grade level and her math skills at high kindergarten level. Would a non-autistic preschooler test more accurately? Maybe, but I doubt it. The assessment was pretty grueling, and I think most kids wouldn't be at their best for the entire test.

I agree with other posters and think you should just concentrate on the social skills. Worry about the academics when your child is older.

This is an interesting request.
How do you know you little one is "gifted"?
Have you read about Bertie a charter in Alexander McCall Smith's wonderful books. These might help you. Ask your local library for help in finding the right books. Bertie is fictional, but he seems real.
What about music and language lessons?
B.

Hi,

I was a high school teacher for several years, but I know almost nothing about preschool (educational content). How old is your child, and how did you find out he or she was gifted?

Thanks
Lynne E

has your child been tested? from experience they would not test my child untill first grade age six. now we are in a highly gifted program. you may want to contact the miriam school in brentwood, they work with exceptionally gifted children maybe they can suggest something