New here - What about preschool?

[Guest guest]

Our son turned 3 in Oct. He was diagnosed with speech apraxia this

month. He has seen a SPL through the school system, and I am

currently taking him to see an independent speech therapist 2 times

per week. He seems to enjoy his sessions with her and she says he is

making progress.

The SPL has suggested a preschool program through Head Start. We

went and did a " trial run " of it for a couple hours. I was

surprised, since I am a SAHM (he is always with me) I didnt know how

he'd be with being left alone. Well, he wasnt really alone - we were

watching through an observation room, LOL. Anyway, he seemed to be

OK with it. Though the other children all talked much better than he

does. The SPL through head start said at this point they consider

him " significantlly delayed "

This is a head start class with 5-6 other kids and 1 special ed

teacher and two teachers aides.

I am thinking about sending him 2 days a week to the afternoon class

which is about 2 to 2.5 hours, and continue with his speech

therapist, which is two 30 minute sessions per week.

Just wondering if anyone else tried the preschool route at this age

and how it worked for you? His speech therapist thinks it would be a

good idea. I'm a little worried he may get frustrated around kids

that can talk so well, but she said they might be good little models

for him.

I honestly was not going to entertain the idea of preschool at all

until MAYBE the year prior to his going to kindegarten, more for

socialization. But I realize here we are talking about 2 different

things as the teachers at head start would be helping him with his

language.

Anyway, please let me know what you think and any experiences, good

or bad.

Thanks!

Janice