Postponing school?

I am wondering the thoughts of parents of preschoolers. My son will be 4 next month and I am conflicted about putting him in 4K in the fall. It would be for 2 1/2 hours 5 days a week. I am not so sure about the physical requirements and the demands on him being able to concentrate. Not to mention my trepidation regarding infection control. Yes a lot can change by then but I am already behind in terms of signin him up, it would only be 4 months away. :blink:

Is anyone else contemplating putting off school for their little ones? Just wondering what others thoughts are out there.

Thanks!!

I've got a teenager rather than a younger child, so I can't answer your question about school. But in general, I would say that the more normal you keep life, the better. Don't allow ITP to change your plans unless it is absolutely necessary.

I agree with Alison. As long as his doctor is not opposed to it, keep life as normal as possible. There are ways to talk to and work with the school staff to keep things safe for him.

As for getting sick, you can't protect him forever. Kids need to be exposed to germs to build immunity. He'll need that later in life. Kids with ITP do not need to live in a bubble. He will also gain a lot in terms of education and socialization.

Hey I am not a parent, but am a special education teacher with ITP. From what I know about child development and education sending him to preschool would highly benefit him academically and socially. You should look for a school that will make reasonable accommodations for him. I think in the classroom he will be fine. My only concern would be the playground activities. As long as the staff is well aware of this, they can make sure not to allow him to do any physical contact type activities. Unfortunately germs do get spread, but children do build immunity to them. Having a fulfilled and as close to normal life will in the long run will highly benefit him in school and life.

My son was diagnosed in January 2012, he was 4.5 yrs old and in his second year of preschool. In the beginning, ITP is so scary because we had no idea what to expect. But we kept him in school. His hematologist didn't want him going when he was under 20K. He still has ITP and is in Kingergarten now and has only missed a day here or there when he got down to 5k.

I would start preschool. I found that there were so many things Ryan couldn't do (soccer, etc etc) that I made sure he did everything he was allowed to do.

Thank you guys for your thoughts. I really appreciate the perspective. I haven't thought about this side of it. Thank you again!!