What is an Area Inclusion Co-ordinator?

[binxyboo]

I have just picked up my son from Pre-school, and I have been asked to sign a consent form for a referral to an Area Inclusion Co-ordinator!

What do they do? Are they thinking my son has special needs?

I know he has difficulties bonding with the other children, but I really didn't think they were that bad, and I actually thought he was improving since I started him going 4 days a week.

I'm feeling like I have failed him right now

 

[CandyDay]

Ask them what that is. And don't sign till you know what you are signing, as you don't know what it is.
You haven't failed your child.

 

[Blizzard]

This seems odd. Normally this is to do with children with Special Educational Needs but certainly if there is an issue they should have spoken to you before asking you to sign anything.

I suggest asking for an explanation.

 

[freckleonear]

The Area Inclusion Co-ordinator Service: A Parent's Guide

 

[Nat0619]

Agree with other posters. Get an explanation before signing anything. I think it's awful that they haven't explained anything to you.

I didn't bond with other children until I was at least 5 or 6 and even then not much. My mum took me to a playgroup and I used to sit in a chair at the window and wait for my mum to come back. Never moved! I was simply SHY! It seems to me that children aren't allowed to be shy anymore. I grew out of it and became quite sociable but still have a touch of shyness. It's just my personality.

 

[the why bird]

Even if he does have special needs, you have NOT failed him. Children are all different, and some need extra support in some areas.

I agree that you should have asked for an explanation. It's possible that they're just having someone visit to support the staff in assessing all of the children for potential problems, or something along those lines.

There's really no guessing what it could be until they tell you. And there's a really good chance it will turn out to be nothing. But once again, even if he did need extra support that is NOT a failing nor is it something to be ashamed of. He's still the son you know and love - nothing is changing. And if he does have any potential difficulties, finding out early is the best thing to get him whatever he needs.

 

[binxyboo]

Thank you ladies.

It was hubbies turn to take Daniel to preschool today, so he was tasked with asking further questions (I was just a bit taken aback when I was handed the form, that it wasn't until I got home all these questions went round my head - I'm sure you know what it is like)

Apparently - the Area Inclusion Co-Ordinator visits around this time every year, with a view to helping those older kids transition smoothly from pre-school to primary school.
she asks the staff if there are any children that she thinks might particularly benefit from her help. Daniel is one of a handful of children highlighted for various reasons. His being his difficulty in bonding with children his own age and preferring 1:1 adult supervision (which just won't happen in primary school!)
The staff also use it as an extra training opportunity.

Thank you for the advice, and thank you for the support. I know deep down I am not a failure, but sometimes the world just tries to test you