To Pam--I have found early identification to be helpful in that if you consider grade-skipping, the earlier grades seem to be easiest transition to skip. The decision is never straightforward and maybe it's just being a worry-wort, but I always agonize about those decisions. My 4 yr old just tested at the ceiling of the test and I am currently debating kindergarten over 1st grade. I know 1st grade would be best with at least a little real learning, but he's my baby (of 4) and I don't want to push too much too quickly. Anyway, since his brothers are all highly or profoundly gifted it was hard for me to see him being so brilliant (he might be remarkable to some, but just one of the boys here). I think early testing helped me see that he needs accommodations, too. I did have to pay to have him tested since he's not in the school district yet, but if you can afford it, it's faster. The district sometimes takes months for the referral process.
To Sugar--Wow! That's amazing and wonderful. What are the specialists proposing to do with him? Is he going to skip? I love the young age, too, because they are still motivated to learn and soak in everything around them. As my boys get older, they are reluctant to do "extra" other than reading novels (though I do have one at a Talent Search Summer Institute doing academics during his precious summer break and loving it!). I wish I could harness the early enthusiasm. My 7 year old is still eager to learn and he sound like yours in that he loves playing with "normal" kids, too. Maybe they'll meet at a gathering sometime.
