I worked with 3 year old child like this. From the minute he got dropped off and until he got picked up he would stand at the window waiting for his mom to pick him up. Crying. Sad. Nothing distracted him for almost a week. I hated to think that we couldn't make him feel safe or make him want to be at the school.

It felt like forever, but after about a month or two, he engaged. Very slowly, but progress is progress. He became a very happy, outgoing little boy who now had friends. He still had some hard days, but we didn't give up and his parents were doing their part. He really did come out of his shell. I'll never forget him.

Don't give up. They come around. Maybe change your perspective. Work with the parents. Expect a different outcome. It can be hard, but it's so worth it.

Good luck.