Kaiser ECE Experiences v. private preschool
Recently we went through the IEP assessment process through OUSD for my 3 year old. We thought he just had a speech delay, but turns out he has ASD. They offered a general education inclusion program. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with Kaiser Early Childhood Center.
Before all of this we did put down a deposit on a private preschool. It seemed great and the hours are better for working parents. My child currently is in a tiny home daycare, part time. He does okay, but honestly there aren’t the same demands in that environment as there would be in a classroom setting. I’m worried that he will have a hard time transitioning preschool and a private school won’t be accepting of his behavior. I don’t know if any parents of ASD children have any insight into this.
My child can talk but is noticeably behind his peers. He tantrums easily/frequently and at home this means throwing objects/hitting (though to my knowledge he has not hit at daycare).
Parent Replies
You are right - if it's not the right preschool, they will ask you to leave. It's happened to us NUMEROUS times as well as all the families in my neurodivergent mom group.
I have a number of mom friends whose kiddos (NT and ND) went to Kaiser ECE for preschool and kinder and loved the school and program. For my friend w the neurodivergent kiddo (similar to your kiddos challenges) he responded really well, was supported and thrived. Where you will have more challenges is choosing an elementary. We are in the same boat so we went with an OUSD school w a strong sped team and stable leadership. We are very happy with our school. Hope this helps!
My advice - always take an advocate to your IEP meetings, don't sign anything that day!
Happy to chat further if you ever need anything. I started a mom's group and we are all in various phases w our kiddos. It's great and not so lonely.
Good luck momma!
My 5 year old went to a private preschool and then went to Kaiser for TK. We've have nothing but great things to say about Kaiser. Since attending Kaiser my kid has more interest in reading and writing which he would not have gotten at preschool. Kaiser really helps prep the children for Kindergarten and his teacher has been a kind and wonderful. A HUGE bonus is the awesome play yard. If you've ever been to Presidio Tunnel Tops in SF, the yard is similar to that. Think nature-based, water pump, floor trampolines, wood structures, etc. We're actually sad we won't be at Kaiser next school year because it's been such a gem of a school.