Today I received an email from Merchant Circle, asking me if I'd like to answer the following member question (I have left the question in tact with no changes made):

"Sending my son to preschool that has children with disabilities. Will it affect my son's development?"

I sat there for a moment, wondering how to respond. Here's what I wrote:

"It will affect your son, yes. In a GOOD way. Your son is going to be what's called a 'peer student.' He will be able to interact with other children who are different, make new friends and engage with kids who are not just like him. It will build empathy, understanding, tolerance and kindness in your son.

There are many pros to this situation so enjoy it and make the most of it!! ;-) "

So much of life is about perspective, isn't it?

Just this week we were told that our own daughter cannot be accepted into the local preschool. She spent the last month potty training in anticipation of attending but when I phoned the school they replied, "Sorry. We're all filled up. Unless your daughter is special needs we can't accept her. You'll have to apply next year and hope to get a spot." We were very disappointed, to say the least. I used to work in a school that offered a peer student experience. Many of the kids in the classroom were special needs (some extreme and some mild). The peers would come in, play, model developmental behaviors, engage, sing, dance, do arts and crafts with the other kids, etc. This built relationships between all of the children and provided wonderfully positive life-long lessons of acceptance.

If your child is accepted into a preschool that offers this educational model, accept it happily. Be grateful for the chance to grow your child's social emotional development and understanding. You'll have opportunities at home to talk, discuss differences, answer your child's questions and model love for others.

If you decide you'd rather not have your child in this situation, let me know. Many parents like me would gladly take your spot.

ABOUT the Author:

Shara Lawrence-Weiss is the owner of Mommy Perks, Personal Child Stories, Early Childhood News and Resources and Kids Perks. She has a background in education, early childhood, nanny work, published freelance, marketing and special needs.