[blindkid] School Programs for 3 Year Old Student in Texas

[Carol Castellano]

Hi Liz,

Welcome to the list!

One thing I would do is this--as you visit the various classrooms, 
see if you can picture your son in that room joining in activities 
and taking part in the school day.  I found that helpful when we were 
looking at preschools for our daughter.

Another factor to look at is what is emphasized in the 
classroom.  For example, we saw rooms where the children were being 
taught to be be quiet and sit still.  This would not have been right 
for our child who needed encouragement to move around and be curious 
and active.

Expectations are important, as others have said.  You--and the 
teachers--should expect your son to participate in all classroom 
activities.  Teachers may need to learn how to adapt lessons and 
materials so that your son can be included in all activities 
throughout the school day.  If he cannot do this independently yes, 
the team needs to think in terms of facilitating the development of 
age-appropriate independence.  If he has serious delays or multiple 
disabilities, you can think of this as "stage-appropriate" independence.

Hope this helps.

Carol

Carol Castellano
Director of Programs
National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
973-377-0976
carol_castellano at verizon.net
www.nopbc.org



At 02:15 PM 4/11/2011, you wrote:
>Hi there,
>
>I just found this list and have already found so much helpful information!
>
>I wanted to see if anyone had feedback regarding school programs for a 3
>year old student either specifically in the Houston, Texas area, or just in
>general.
>
>We are looking at the options being offered by each school district in the
>area, as well as private school options with an Itinerant teacher.  Just
>trying to figure out where to start!  Our son is not quite 2, so we have
>some time, but wanted any suggestions you all had in terms of what is
>important to look for, as well as any specifics you might have in our area.
>
>Thanks so much!
>Liz
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