He is in a regular preschool (we found a co-op school with a really great bunch of teachers, but they have no experience with giftedness.) The teachers are beginning to ask me what we are going to do with him next, which is causing me some stress ....I don't know the first thing about how and where to get testing done, and if it even makes sense if he isn't that gifted.
If the preschool teachers are asking questions, then it makes sense to have him tested. Preschool teachers don't do that out of 'niceness' they are genuinly concerned. It would be lovely if he happenes to qualify for Davidson YSP, but the main thing is to get a relationship with a professional who can guide you in your family decisions. We all started out uninformed and in denial. Testing is expensive, but if you find someone who understands your child and your situation, you will save lots of money and lots of heartache.
I also reccomend that you go to your local library, or perhaps the University of Reno's if they lend to non-students, and get some books on gifted. Figure out what school district younger children would be attending if their families moved to Reno so that the older children could attend the Davidson Academy. Or you could place a 'babysitter wanted' notice on the Davidson Academy school buliteen board, and at least get to know some families who can give local advice. Or call the Academy and see if you can come by and teach a 'one time' class in your field for the middle school students.
Anyway, there is a wonderful book, called 'Losing our Minds, Gifted Children left behind' by Dr. Deb Ruf that I highly reccomend you read. It has a bit of a 'homebrew' IQ test, which might undereport your child's giftedness, but I don't believe that she'll exaggerate your child's giftedness, but the reason I want you to read it is to see that 'Yes - children who do these things early are going to have special educational needs.'
I also love about the book that it validates that all children who are gifted are worthy of thinking well about, no matter how extreamly far from the mean.
Love,
Grinity
