Additional Coverage:
- My son was expelled from preschool at age 4. I learned that being a good mom isn’t about having a ‘good’ kid. (businessinsider.com)
Preschool Expulsion to Waldorf School Success: One Mom’s Journey with Her Sensory Sensitive Son
A local mother shares her experience navigating the educational system with her son, Oscar, who has sensory processing disorder and pragmatic language delay. What began as a joyful preschool experience quickly turned challenging when Oscar began exhibiting disruptive behaviors in the classroom.
Initially perceived as simple disobedience, Oscar’s actions—later understood as stemming from his sensory processing differences—led to his expulsion at just four years old. His mother recounts the frustration and confusion of trying to address his needs within a traditional preschool setting. Standard disciplinary measures, like behavior charts and escalating consequences, proved ineffective and even detrimental, leading to increased aggression, withdrawal, and regression in Oscar’s development.
Despite testing that later revealed Oscar’s high IQ, early assessments labeled him cognitively delayed, further complicating their journey. The mother recalls feeling pressured to adopt stricter parenting approaches, but her instincts told her that Oscar needed understanding and support, not punishment.
After months of unsuccessful interventions and escalating tensions, Oscar was expelled from preschool. While compulsory education doesn’t typically begin until first grade, children with disabilities are legally entitled to support services. Through her own research, Oscar’s mother discovered the district’s obligation to fund a private placement if they couldn’t meet his needs in a public school setting.
Following a period of homeschooling, Oscar enrolled in the Otto Specht School, a private Waldorf school specializing in learning differences. In this supportive environment, tailored to his sensory and academic needs, Oscar thrived. His mother emphasizes the importance of understanding a child’s individual differences and creating an environment that fosters their strengths rather than trying to force conformity.
Three years later, Oscar continues to flourish at the Waldorf school. His mother’s story highlights the critical need for greater understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity within the education system.
She advocates for environments that prioritize compassion and individualized support, enabling children like Oscar to reach their full potential. Her message resonates: it’s not about changing the child, but about changing the system to meet the child’s needs.