An Early Entry Experience.

How does one go from recognising at toddler age that “my kid is unusually clever” to applying for early primary school entry? It is difficult. Firstly our kinder teachers said our 3 year old CHIP was “where he needed to be” and most schools discourage early entry for emotional and social reasons. But our instincts told us otherwise. We knew our son could easily meet government guidelines for school readiness.

In our culture we often hide success as an embarrassment. We talked reluctantly to friends about our concerns and thankfully one directed us to the CHIP support group. We attended a couple of parent forums which gave us confidence and justification to fund an IQ assessment for our son.

The results of the IQ test and advice from psychologists showed us how important early entry would be. Naturally we had to jump through hoops to get him into school. But it was made easier with support from our local school principal who understood about individuals with special learning needs. Our son is now happily engaged at a brilliant school. He is tasked at the right level and is being challenged in his learning. So we are happy with our decision to send him to school early.

Finding your sense of humour. 

Advice from Joanna, mum of CHIP 7 & 10

• When you find socks that your CHIP will actually wear, buy 20 pairs!
• Expect to share your house with ‘Suzie-Sue the doctor lady’, ‘Alice’ who lives in the hot water bottle, tiny helper monkeys – and other assorted imaginary friends ?

Advice from Mandy, mum of CHIP 5 & 7

• Don’t ever lie to your CHIP or contradict yourself – they’ll catch you out and remind you three months later
• Don’t be alarmed when your CHIP asks you about procreation. You’ll start with the basics and end up teaching genetics.
• The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree – remember your own CHIP nature when you find yourself frustrated by their OCD.

It is Rocket Science!

Testimonial from Nenad S

Daniel has just started at RMIT this year after taking a gap year last year. He’s been accepted into Aero-space Engineering, and you’d be pleased to hear that he’s averaging over 98% in all his results so far (certainly not an easy feat in a very challenging degree).

But we have a lot to thank yourself, the late, great Dr. Glenison Alsop, and his primary school teacher Alison Davidson who put us in touch with CHIP Geelong and put him on his path to success. His extra-curricular activities and involvement with the CHIP group has definitely played a key role in his development and cannot be underestimated.

So, with a bit of humour, all my life, one of my favourite expressions has been “It’s not rocket science”, but now it’s funny that I can’t say that any more to Daniel. It *is* rocket science and I’m thrilled to say that he’s far surpassed my level of understanding. J
(I’m sure he’ll get in a few jibes of his own in the future – I can hear it already …. “Don’t worry dad, it’s just rocket science….”).

Anyway – just thought I’d update you on his progress, and (again) pass on my regards and best wishes to the group and any new families who are now at the beginning of their kids’ development.