By: Leslie Zindulka LCSW-R<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

First 2-4 Weeks: Things to do when arriving home<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
• Get a health examination from an International Adoption Pediatrician.<\/li>\n
• Get an accurate psychosocial-educational evaluation done in their native language.<\/li>\n
• (In New York) New Entrant Chapter 53 Screening arranged by public school staff.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

  Determining School Readiness: Are They Ready To Start School?<\/strong><\/p>\n

  \n
  • Cognitive Readiness – ability to learn skills and be available for learning.<\/li>\n
  • Social Readiness – capacity to function socially and participate cooperatively with peers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    <\/p>\n

    The Right Academic Placement: What Grade Should They Be In?
    \nFood For Thought:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
    • Kindergarten is not a mandatory grade in New York.<\/li>\n
    • There are no legal rules, but here usually 6 years old = first grade.<\/li>\n
    • Even if their records say they are on grade level, doesn\u2019t = the same grade level here.<\/li>\n
    • Their birth date may not be accurate!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Options:<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
      • Delay entry into kindergarten or place in a grade level back by one year.<\/li>\n
      • Place in an inclusion\/ transitional class if available.<\/li>\n
      • Place in age appropriate grade.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Rule Of Thumb:<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
        • For most school-age students, placing back one year is the more common solution.<\/li>\n
        • Match your child\u2019s actual age and cognitive and social functioning, with requirements for a particular grade = the right placement.<\/li>\n
        • One year won\u2019t ruin their life, but rather provide less academic and social stress now!<\/li>\n
        • It\u2019s more important to have a positive school experience now, which is a pre-requisite for long-term school success!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          What To Expect
          \nKeys to School Success:<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
          • Provide structure and predictable routines at home and school.<\/li>\n
          • ESL\/LEP is a necessary academic K-12 program essential for newly arrived children.<\/li>\n
          • Share adoption information carefully, sometimes \u2018less is more\u2019, it\u2019s their story to tell.<\/li>\n
          • Basic facts about orphanage life are sufficient.<\/li>\n
          • Model for teachers and encourage appropriate, positive adoption language.<\/li>\n
          • Give teachers ideas on how to broaden school assignments\/projects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            School Problems 3-5 years Old and Beyond?
            \nWhat To Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n

            \n
            • Evaluate performance and concerns based on functioning since arriving home.<\/li>\n
            • Consider acculturation, language acquisition, health and neurological problems, and length of time home before you question if your child has ADHD, anxiety, poor attachment or special education issues.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Red Flag:<\/strong><\/p>\n

              \n
              • If functioning is more than 2-3 years below chronological age or child has specific identifiable disabilities since arriving or red flags from their records, don\u2019t wait, your child may need special education, psychological intervention and\/or medical services.<\/li>\n
              • If services seem needed, a thorough specialized evaluation should be completed.<\/li>\n
              • Contact your local School District\u2019s Special Education Coordinator to request testing.<\/li>\n
              • Therapeutic interventions beyond the scope of the school for problems such as ADHD, anxiety and attachment contact an International Adoption Pediatrician for guidance.<\/li>\n
              • Early intervention increases the likelihood of a positive outcome!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                by Leslie Zindulka, LCSW-R
                \nNew York<\/p>\n

                Disclaimer<\/strong><\/p>\n

                The information and advice provided is intended to be general information, NOT as advice on how to deal with a particular child’s situation and or problem. If your child has a specific problem you need to ask your pediatrician about it – only after a careful history and physical exam can a medical diagnosis and\/or treatment plan be made. This Web site does not constitute a physician-patient relationship.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                By: Leslie Zindulka LCSW-R First 2-4 Weeks: Things to do when arriving home Get a health examination from an International Adoption Pediatrician. Get an accurate psychosocial-educational evaluation done in their native language. (In New York) New Entrant Chapter 53 Screening … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_s2mail":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-articles"],"yoast_head":"\n