Adeline's Preschool Dilema

My littlest girl is trying preschool five days this week. She attends her developmental class two days, mainstream two days, and stays home on Thursdays with the exception of popping into her developmental school for a half hour of occupational therapy. After talking to her developmental teacher, I noticed that Adeline is pulled out for different therapies during much of her class time. Ms. Lois pointed out that at age three, they work hard to keep the group dynamics a factor in their students' days. With Adeline missing two of her designated days (we opt for the mainstream class one of those days and home the other) she is not as exposed to the group as much as they would like. Thus, she is continuing down the one on one therapy road which does not set her up for a classroom environment later on. Some of our greatest concerns about Adeline stem from attention and processing, both of which are drastically altered by the number or children she is around. In order to increase her group exposure, I sent her to school today instead of leaving her home.

This weights heavily on me. I feel like I don't have any down time with Adeline. One of her therapists was surprised to see her today and mentioned that she thought it was a great idea. I countered with the fact that it is in lieu of mommy time. Her therapists said we were lucky because by the time her school day is over, there is much of the day left. Well, when I pick Adeline up at 11:15 and then we have to head to Savannah's school that is twenty minutes away to get her. The twins and I wait while Savannah takes piano a couple blocks from her school and then we all arrive home around 12:45. Once lunch is done, we are racing to bed for naps because we have to leave for Hippotherapy at 4:50. No time for play, just rush, rush, rush. This schedule is hard for anyone to appreciate unless they watch it is action. So here I am, stuck with how much is too much.

On the flip side of things, I am thrilled with Adeline's mainstream classroom schedule. Mrs. Stueve was Adeline's teacher last year and knows her and her needs well. I got a call from Mrs. Stueve last Friday and was very nervous to pick up the phone. It occurred to me that she was going to tell me that Adeline can't hang in her mainstream classroom. It was the opposite! Mrs. Stueve was thrilled with Adeline's behavior, attention, and willingness to participate. Adeline sits for circle time and appears to be engaged and know what is going on. Last year, it was a chore to get her to sit and forget asking her to pay attention. Just last week Mrs. Stueve said out loud, "Alright class, we are going to paint our hands today." Guess who was the first child at the table asking, "Paint hands please." Yes, Miss Belle. The same girl who used to scream and cringe at the paintbrush. I picked her up yesterday from school and Adeline pointed out her hands hanging on the art cable (something she did four days earlier) and her name hanging from the ceiling. I couldn't believe it. I can't believe she sits for circle time, drinks her apple juice for snack (won't touch it at home), and isn't a scattered mess needing one on one direction. Gotta love Mrs. Stueve!!!

All in all, I am positive on Adeline but realize I have to find a balance for her therapy, peer, and family time. Adeline is still my peace and calm. She can kick and scream and throw a real temper tantrum but her smile, head on my shoulder, or better yet, "I love you mommy," heals my soul. I just want to make sure that I give her every opportunity to help her shine her light on the rest of the world.

You know that your child is doing well when you get a phone call home AND pictures from their teacher.