Alright, So after 2 days of testing and observation of DD, I met with the Developmental Psy today for over 2 hours. So let me see where to start....
Okay he broke down where DD 3.10 is developmentally on each level I guess you could say.
Academics-
Math- 2nd grade
Reading- 4th grade
Fine Motor- 7 years
Social/Emotional- 5.5- 6.5 years
Creativity- 7 years
Expressive and Receptive Language- "Higher then I can currently measure. I would say in the high school to adult range"
I am getting a full write up later this week, along with copies of the tests she was given.
Alright - here's the Grinty suggestion, based on this testing.
Ask for her to be placed with her emotional maturity-mates for 1 to 3 hours a day N.O.W. - with 6 year olds, (1st grade I guess) and try out that placement for the rest of the year. You will have to be flexible and adjust as needed. And yes if you have a choice between academics and non-academics, choose most of her hours when the non-academics are happening.
For next September, you can keep the same 'base grade' that she tries out this year if it's successful or modify up or down based on observations of where her social/emotional fit is best. Add subject acceleration in reading so she can just walk down the hall and join the top reading group in whatever grade classroom has kids who reading books she could find enjoyable.
Do the length of day that works best for her. It could be anything from 2 hours to 6 hours, depending on what you observe. She can be 'registered' as a Kindy as long as they shuffle her around so that she can be doing things that are reasonable for her during the day.
Remember that you will be moving back to the mainland (was it about 3 years from now?) So she can do 3-6th grade in Alaska and then return to 1st grade at her new school if that seems like the right thing to do. Try to encourage your Psy to adopt a 'meet her needs now' approach, and perhaps pointing out the extra flexibility from the expected move will allow him to loosen up a bit.
I would try and talk to him again today, but with a 'wish list' in hand.As experienced as he is, don't expect him to have the answers for your family. Get together with DH and have a plan that reflects your insider knowledge and family values. I would have a plan, and try to get him to recommend that specific approach 'package' to the school (as outlined above or whatever you and DH think is reasonable) - with the idea that the sooner you start meeting her academic needs the more she will get out of school, after all, she has a much better chance of having her academic needs met now than she will when she is 7. The older and more emotionally mature she'll be when she has to work online independently, the better. Take advantage of what already exists.
Also - talk to you library about loaning 'The Mysterious Benedict Society' first book for fun.
Love and More Love,
Grinity
