Should I request DS moves kindy groups?

[JLeigh29]

So, DS starts 'big' kindy next year. He does 3yo kindy this year, and enjoys it. He has also made a friend for the first time in his life, and they get along well. They've had a few play dates together outside of kindy too. We were stoked to find out they will be going o the same kindy next year too...until this arvo, when we find out they're in different groups. Not just different classes, but on totally different days. So, not only will DS not have his bestie at kindy with him, he won't be able to have play dates either because there's not one day that they're both not at kindy (except weekends, obviously, but that's family time and tends to be quite busy anyway).

If it was any other kid, I'd just say they'd make new friends, but DS is different. He has some sensory issues we're seeking treatment for, and he's generally not your typical 3.5yo. He's more withdrawn, often prefers his own company and imaginative games, lacks confidence to try new things and isn't your typical loud, bursting-with-energy kid. He gets frightened by loud, boisterous kids, which takes out most of his peers, lol! He needs quite a lot of reassurance in new situations, and change can be hard. Having his bestie around has been a good influence - 'oh, he's trying it so it can't be that bad' kind of thing. And, with a new Bub arriving late December and my mum staying for two months but leaving the week before he starts kindy, I worry that all the change will see him totally melt down.

Should I approach the kindy about changing days so they can be together, or am I worrying too much about the whole thing?

[MummyNaomi]

Do it, you know him best, with all the change that will happen in a short time for him, having a familiar friend in kindy will be a nice constant for him

There is no harm in asking if they can swap it around

[megs]

I would do it too. If the days of the other group still work or you I think do it. He hasn't started so he will be non the wiser

[feeb]

I would just ask, as a friend will make things easier for him with so many changes occuring then as well.
You are his mum and you know him best.

Good luck

[JLeigh29]

Thanks everyone. DH and I both feel his little friend will be a big support with all the changes he'll be going through. I do regret not putting in a request earlier, but we did the enrolment back in July....he didn't have a friend then! I will call tomorrow and see what they can do....

[black_rose]

Hope you can get him into the same group.

[nickle730]

Assuming that his little mate's parents are amenable to having your DS in the same kinder group, I would ask - the worst that will happen is that they won't be able to change it.

[sloane]

I hope you've managed to swap groups. Hopefully the kinder will understand the reason - cos it sounds like a very good reason!

[JLeigh29]

His friend's parents are quite happy for me to ask for the move. Her DS would cope either way, but she agrees it would help DS transition, especially with a new Bub on the way here too.

I phoned the school this morning, then put my request in writing and took it in. They've said all groups are full and basically can only change him if another parent volunteers to move. Fingers crossed someone else will want to change.

I also realised his OT only works Mon and Wed mornings, which are both kindy days. Having waited months for availability I don't want to have to start again trying to find someone.

[JLeigh29]

Just had a phone call from kindy to say he's been moved. Happy!