It seems that so many people are unhappy with their child's special ed preschool that I just wanted to share about the Head Start option.
Back in April, ECI referred my son to the school district for special ed testing. Well, they said he only qualified for speech. Around that time is when I discovered that he was probably ASD. I told them that I suspected it. They said that if I had him evaluated and he got a diagnosis, to let them know. Well, In August, I went back to them with my diagnosis (2, actually) in hand. They said they weren't good enough and they'd have to do their own testing. 2 months later, they still haven't done it.
They wouldn't even tell me what the options will be for him if they do classify him as ASD.
Meanwhile, while waiting on the school district, I called Head Start. They were thrilled to get my son! Based on the evaluations I had, plus the speech IEP from the school district, he was given priority on the waiting list and was able to start Sept. 4th.
The cool thing is that he gets to be around NT children, they provide a one-to-one aide for him, and I got to choose the hours and days he goes. I feel like my son is a VIP there.
I also like how they're very supportive of parents and we're welcome to be up there as much as we want.
By the way, if your child has a disability, you don't have to be low-income to enroll there.