You’re asking really good questions, and it sounds like you’re already doing a lot right by calling the IEP team together early. At four years old, biting/hitting/scratching often comes from frustration with communication or being asked to do something that feels too hard, too noisy, or too long. The fact that the behaviors happen both at school and home shows it’s not “just the classroom”—it’s his way of expressing overwhelm.
A few things to know:
PWN (Prior Written Notice): Yes, even in preschool, the school should provide Prior Written Notice any time they propose or refuse a change in identification, evaluation, placement, or services. Since they’re proposing an FBA (Functional Behavior Assessment), you should receive something in writing about that decision.
FBA is the right next step. An FBA helps the team figure out why the behaviors are happening (communication needs, sensory overload, task avoidance, etc.) and then design a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) that teaches new skills instead of just managing the behavior.
Sitting for non-preferred work: It’s reasonable to want him to build stamina for non-preferred tasks, but forcing a preschooler to sit until a task is done usually backfires, especially if communication and sensory challenges are in play. It may be more effective to use shorter tasks, visuals, choices, or sensory breaks to build up his tolerance gradually.
Noise sensitivity: If he’s sensitive to sound, that’s an accommodation issue. Things like headphones, a quieter space for certain tasks, or letting him rejoin the group after a short break are all common strategies. It’s not about shielding him forever, it’s about helping him participate successfully now, while he develops coping tools.
The good news is that your team seems open and willing to meet, which is a huge plus. Keep documenting what you see at home, bring those notes to the FBA, and don’t be afraid to ask for supports to be written into the IEP. You’re right at the beginning of this journey, and advocating now is going to set him up for much better experiences in kindergarten and beyond.
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What is the plan to get her ready for kg in this year?
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