Reality vs. make believe

AJ is very into dramatic play. He loves dress up clothes and his workbench and kitchen. He comes to me regularly and says "Mommy, I tending ..." I have been pleased with this development but bit worried that with all his super hero play -the latest being the Hulk- (thanks Daddy for letting the boy watch PG13 movies-UGH) that e doesn't understand that doing pretend things like on TV for real can hurt. He has been much more aggressive in his play and borders on violent at times. I was VERY surprised and pleased when the following conversation took place last week:

AJ and I were driving to his grandma's before I had to be at work on a particularly bad day weather wise. I got a call explaining that one of the teachers at my center was going to be late as her car slid off the road into a ditch. Thankfully she wasn't hurt. I explained to AJ that Ms. Carie was waiting for a tow truck. He stated "Mater is a tow truck" refering to a charachter from the movie Cars. I replied" Yes he is. Maybe Mater will help Ms. Carie" To which my 4 year old replied with an exasperated tone. "Mommy, Mater is NOT in our Earf (Earth)" It took me a second to realize he was commenting on the fact that Mater is a fidtional charachter. I replied " you are right, Mommy is silly" AJ said "He's just in movies and books Mommy."

Once again schooled by a four year old. I am always amazed how much more he "gets it" than I realize. I ave to be more careful not to underestimate him. Even while he's ripping his shirt off and running around the house screaming "Hulk SMASH!"

I'm so over it.

Okay so I finally observe in AJ's class just before the holidays. Not so impressed. There are 11 four year old boys in the class a teacher, a parapro and a speech therapist (some of the time) Most of the children have attention and/or behavior issues. The majority of the day is spent working with the boys on following directions, sitting still, taking turns, etc. I saw a speech small group (Including AJ). The kids were doing a project that involved following directions (Color two ornaments blue) and initiating conversation, (please pass me the glue Jake) There was no work on specific sounds or words. There was no work on pacing or fluency. There were no mouth and tongue exercises.

I waited until after the break to call the speech therapist to see if AJ ever gets individual speech therapy and/or if they ever work on his speech needs. Basically I've been told the budget doesn;t allow for individual therapy and that they are working on other goals not in his IEP.
I'm done. If he is not getting any benefit from the program why is he being dragged between 3 houses and two schools to attend? WHy are five people and a transportaion department killing themselves to get him back and forth to a 2.5 hour program? I am pulling him form the program. I could fight them and insist that they provide what he needs but kindergarten is looming large this fall and I don't think the battle will be won by the time he is to start.

I am keeping him enrolled in EMU's speech clinic. They are helping him immensely. I will push for him to get speech therapy when he begins Kindergarten in the fall as well. I am at peace with this decision and know that he is going to succeesd with or without the districts help because he is so determined.