Pre school teachers and discipline

by Amy
(IN)


I am a parent of a 3 year old boy with, what I believe is, SPD. He was a 34 week preemie, breech and c section. WE have been dealing with all of this for some time now and just started full day school in November. His main issue is Feeding and auditory issues. He is VERY bright for his age.




My main question is about school. Jenson has some quirky behaviors especially when he is feeling stressed etc. Blowing raspberries at people, hitting, kicking (rarely). I have a hard time getting his teacher to understand that these are reactions for being overwhelmed and he is unable to express it in different terms. These behaviors are not something that he does very often at home but I am not suprised by them.

Any tips on getting a teacher to recognize that this lovable little guy is struggling to stay in control, not be hateful? I would really love your ideas and tips!



Comments for Pre school teachers and discipline

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

May 09, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Switch schools if you have to...
by: Jessi

I would take him to an Occupational Therapist who can actually diagnose him with SPD. After that, you take his evaluation and information about SPD (this website is a great resource), especially information that directly relates to the troubles your son has at school, and take copies to the school's director and his teachers. I did this with my son's schools. They've been extremely understanding of my situation. They also give him more time and have never labeled him as a 'problem' child. I am currently taking my son 4 times a week for speech therapy and 2 times a week for occupational therapy. This isn't easy and very tiring (I'm a single working mother). I think it also helps them be more accepting of him to see that I'm so dedicated in their/my quest to help him reach his full potential.

Also - after my son got in OT, we've had far less incidents of any kind at school. Therapy works wonders for kids with SPD. My son is a totally different person now. His sweet little heart shines through now. The same could be true of yours with a little help. We know what great kids we have, and they deserve to be treated that way by other people. When our kids have SPD though, they are totally dependent on us to get them the help they need so that they will be treated like the wonderful kids they are. Without the proper treatment, I think children with SPD are often rather quickly written of as problems in school. Get him evaluated and into therapy - you'll be so pleased with the results, and so will he.
May 06, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Preschool teachers and discipline
by: Lauri

I truly sympathize with you. I have struggled with the same types of problems since my daughter was in PreK (she is now in 5th grade). It is getting better, but I felt like pulling my hair out so many times because people just did not understand, nor did they seem to want to understand. I kept getting brushed off and often heard comments like - "Did you ever think about putting her on medication for ADHD?"

I finally started making progress when I took her to be evaluated by a SIPT certified OT and made copies for everyone at school who I felt needed the information. Then I pushed the school into testing her. She now has a 504 Plan and the teachers are finally willing to listen and work with us. All this and I worked in the school as a Physical Therapist! Goes to show you how much people are truly set in their ways. There are other problems out there besides ADHD and meds won't always help. Good luck!
May 06, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Behavior Modification
by: Anonymous

My son Clayton also blows raspberries; recently he took a large dring of water from his cup, turned to the school principal and soaked her with it- be prepared for this- my son is five. He did hit for a while but that has stopped because we use "behavior modification therapy" at hope and in school. We reward him for all good behavior. When he does make poor choices, punishment is short and swift.

The school and I are on the same page with it and punishments are discussed and written out in his IEP (individual education plan). We use a naughty seat for minor offenses and for larger ones he loses something he enjoys such as recess, or using the computor at school. When he is at home we do the same thing- naughty seat or screen time. We also reward him for good behavior with stickers, hand stamps, a quarter or a treat and the school uses the same rewards we do at home.

By being extremely consistent on how we disipline at home as well as at school, it has given all of us the upper hand on Clayton's behavior- we see constant improvement. It is so important for children who have issues (any kind) to learn behavior that is expected of them at an early age otherwise it is almost impossible later. I felt terrible having other parents tell me continuously my kindergartener was in time outs at school- but I am proud that they have become fewer and fewer- we have progressed because of those timeouts.

If your teachers are on the same page with you and the diagnosis of your child- they know he wants to be good, they also know behavior modification works. Let them know what punishments you are comfortable with and do the same ones at home- be very consistent and it will pay off!! Tracie

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to The SPD Q & A.