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Anonymous August 6, 2008

ADHD and kindergarten

Anonymous
My son starts kindergarten next week and has been diagnosed with ADHD. He had been kicked out of 6 daycares from ages 18mos-4 1/2 due to behavior issues, eg. hitting, aggressiveness etc. He is now on medicine which has changed him dramatically. He now has some friends and is happy. He still gets into trouble for some of the same behaviors, but not nearly as much. He is often blamed for things that are not his fault due to the labeling he has received. What do I need to discuss with his new teachers/principals when he begins school. I know his behavior will worsen in the first few weeks of school because he has a very difficult time with change. He is an incredibly sweet and smart boy and I do not want him to be labeled at his new school during his difficult adjustment. Any suggestions?
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Parent Answers to "ADHD and kindergarten"

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KdgRdgteacher
KdgRdgteacher August 8, 2008
Just this past school year, I had two parents approach me before school started regarding their child's needs, medications, and a list of tricks and triggers. This was very helpful to me. It brought about a sense of awareness.I was better able to service these children and their needs. Why not give it a try!
michellea
michellea August 6, 2008
Have you notified the school that your son has ADHD? Under the "Child Find" provisions of IDEA (federal special ed law), schools need to proactively screen and evaluate if they are aware that a child might have a disability that would be covered by an IEP (Individual Education Program).

I would start bey becoming familiar with special ed law at www.wrightslaw.com. In the search box, research ADHD, IEP's and 504 plans. While your child might not qualify or need such legal protections yet, it is important that you understand what his options will be moving forward.

In the meantime, you can help ease his transition by bringing him to the school, letting him see the playground, and if the administration allows, bringing him to see his new classroom. If you get class lists prior to school, see if you can set up a play date with kids from his class. He will feel more comfortable if he knows someone the first day.

Try to get him in a daily routine of waking up early before school starts. This will make your morning routine easier and make it more calm for him.

I always send in a one page letter to a new teacher that outlines my child's strengths, challenges, interests and tips for working with him. I also offer to meet by phone or in person to discuss the info in more detail.

And yes - please post over at the Learning and Attention Difficulties group. You'll see some similar questions and be able to interact with parents that have similar issues. Here's the link: community.greatschools.net/groups/11554
tayloreesmom
tayloreesmom August 6, 2008
I know how difficult this is for you. My nephew was dianosed with adhd at an early age. I am a preschool teacher and I have had my share of children with disabilities. I try to work through their disability by making a plan for the child and parent along with things that I will try in the classroom. You could talk with his teacher and explain that you do not want him labeled but that he does have a special need. Teachers can often provide you with great resources for your child's development and growth. Check with your school administrator because there are programs for you child available. My nephew's teachers made a student plan with him to help keep him on track. I hope this helps and best of luck to you and your son!
MSMomm
MSMomm August 6, 2008
You may want to post your question in the Learning and Attention Difficulties group. Many parents who post there have children with ADHD and should be able to lend some advice. Also, you may find suggestions and answers from reading past posts in that group.

Any contributed content above is the subjective opinion of that member or external author, and not of GreatSchools. GreatSchools does not check for accuracy in community posts or verify the contributor’s identity. If you are searching for health-related advice we strongly suggest you seek professional medical support. View our Community Guidelines for more details.
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