Integrated vs self contained - CPSE

What do you think is the best environment for a three year old with mild cp, who can walk (but not run, jump ascend stairs), with a significant fine motor and expressive language delay that is most likely motoric in nature - comprehension and task following is excellent, without repeating or using cues. Weak core and facial muscles inhibit speech but when he's desperate he can talk. Anyway, I was wondering if I should fight for an integrated classroom or a 12? He scored very low on cognitive - 65- although the psych acknowledged this was likely due to fine motor deficits and lack of speech. She said point blank she does not believe he is intellectually disabled and that I should look at the score as a "blessing in disguise" because it will get him what he needs.

I feel like he could benefit from the support of a selfcontained room, and worry that he will be overwhelmed in an integrated program. However I feel that he really needs typical peers to model, especially in speech. We have had excellent speech therapists and we just haven't had any breakthroughs in a 1 to 1 setting. Also, he is a triplet, and the thought of him being separated from his brothers hurts my heart :(

Curious as to what btdt moms/special educators think. Tia!

Re: Integrated vs self contained - CPSE

Hmmm without seeing him and just on the info you stated, I would go with the more supportive self contained class setting. He is globally delayed, and for his first school experience, I would want him to meet with success. He can be moved to integrated when your sure he's ready.

Re: Integrated vs self contained - CPSE

Totally agree with pp. I would start him small. As he progresses, they can integrate him. A teacher told me there is no set time to move kids up/down classrooms. They do it based on the child's needs. So a school that may have an opening in a small classroom now may not have it in a week if they decided to transition someone down, kwim?

Re: Integrated vs self contained - CPSE

My ds also has cp- very similar situation- scored same on tests but no cognitive delays. His is in k now with 1:1 and is average to above average in all areas. He would also get very overwhelmed and frustrated at school. For preschool he was Ina self contained class and his language just blossomed because there were other peer models for him. Look for a program where your child will be in the middle- not the highest or lowest. This will provide him success and build confidence as well as provide role models. And he can always move up to a integrated setting after his first year of preschool if they feel he is ready.

Re: Integrated vs self contained - CPSE

Thanks so much for your replies. You all make a very good argument. If he was a singleton I think it would be easier, but I just hate to separate them so young...the most recent studies suggest that separating multiples, especially same-sex multiples, especially identical multiples (he's all three!) is very traumatic at this age....but of course I have to weigh that against his individual needs at the moment. Argh! Well thanks again - I appreciate the feedback :)

Re: Integrated vs self contained - CPSE

As a psychologist who works in a special ed preschool program with both of those settings, based solely on the information you give, I would recommend self-contained to start, so that he has maximum support. We currently have 2 of 3 triplets in different classes in my program. The 3rd triplet has more severe needs and is in a different program.