I understand your child has special needs, and it may be very difficult for you to find another program. But, since you have already tried going up the entire line of command at the present program and they are so totally developmentally inappropriate, I will add my voice to all of those who recommend seeking another program for your child.
BTW, I'm in this field for more than 40 years, and have taught child development on the university level. I have also worked as a consultant in a program for children with special needs. The requirements of this program and the responses that it's the child who must change show lack of education about basic child development milestones and lack of caring for the needs of the children.
A personal note - when my oldest was 5 (she has 2 married children now), she was in an inappropriate kindergarten in the local public school. Although it was a major stretch, I pulled her out and enrolled her in a private program about 1/2 hour from our home (requiring me to take the 3 younger ones on that car ride twice a day). We made big sacrifices - bought the kids' clothes at the Salvation Army, ate lots of spaghetti, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
Best of luck to you and your child, whatever you do.
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Ellen Cogan, MS Ed
HILLTOP Early Childhood SERVICES
www.earlychildinfo.com------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 09-30-2019 01:41 PM
From: Tilly Fousie
Subject: circle time, therapy time, keeping a child seated,
Thank you, Jennifer! I brought it up to the education coordinator and the response was they are not going to change the program and my child will just have to learn. It is very frustrating, since this is supposed to the a good program.
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Tilly Fousie
Carrollton TX
Original Message:
Sent: 09-30-2019 12:47 PM
From: Jennifer Hardy
Subject: circle time, therapy time, keeping a child seated,
I have so many thoughts. Thirty minutes is entirely too long for a two year old to sit. Young children do not learn in large group settings. I personally do not believe in circle time at two unless it is for a dancing activity. I have been in programs who are trying to introduce calendar and weather to this age, and it instead becomes a power struggle between the teachers and the children. I would look for information regarding developmentally appropriate practice and what we should expect from twos. If they are not willing to listen, then, as a parent, I would be looking for another program. Good Luck.
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Jennifer W. Hardy
Association Program Specialist
San Diego, CA
Original Message:
Sent: 09-30-2019 12:05 PM
From: Tilly Fousie
Subject: circle time, therapy time, keeping a child seated,
Hi, Could you give me thoughts about long circle times for 2 year olds. I ask since my child has circle time for 30 minutes then a group therapy session is added onto the circle time. Example circle time 900-930, then 930 -950 is music or speech time. Through all of this the child is either sitting on a stool or a chair and is not allow to stand up, and if the child continues to stand up, the child is strapped in a chair or is placed in a safe place for two minutes, or turned away from the class. In her last class, during this time, no child was aloud to stand during music or speech and were always pulled down to sit onto a stool or sat in a stool turned upside down. I have sent articles about the importance of movement for this age group but the response was sitting was important for my child's future and this is what they have in mind.
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Tilly Fousie
Carrollton TX
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