Hello Pre-K
Yay! Lucas made it into the school districts pre-school program! His first day will be April 2nd. Lucas is excited and keeps asking when he will go to the "beh ool" big school. The program there is great and well rounded. Kids who qualify based on special needs are funded by the state program (gotta love IDEA part B) however they also accept general tuition kiddos. The class is for children ages 3-5 and they have all different abilities. Lucas will be getting one on one speech therapy twice a week for 30 minutes and the therapist also does a group/class session once to twice a week. We already adore the preschool teacher who is a certified in special education, her background is centered in special education children, she also has a general education degree. Talking with her helps ease many of my concerns as she knows exactly what to do with Lucas and is very familiar with children who have speech issues. Can you tell we are excited about this program?
After he starts school I will be able to give a more detailed explanation about the beauties of this program and how it is perfect for Lucas' growth.
Goodbye EI
In saying hello to the big school it is a bitter sweet goodbye to Early Intervention. Next week will be Lucas' last week. I have been emotionally preparing myself for this moment. I have worked side by side with these wonderful women for over a year now. They have been in my home working with Lucas while I recovered from both surgeries. They have given me so much advice on many other areas in my life. I have come to think of them as friends and not simply Lucas' therapists. They have given me comfort, guidence and reassurance that I am doing what is best for both of my children. Beyond everything I can never thank them enough for how much Lucas' has grown this past year.
As a mother we all yearn for the day when our child calls us "Mama" or "Mommy" so when that expected milestone comes after the age of two it holds so much more meaning. For me, that precious word came when I was in bed recovering from surgery last spring and when it was said it was so clear, and filled with so much joy that when he climbed on the bed for my hug I never wanted to let go. When he left the room I cried for the joy of hearing the love in his voice. THAT was the first and most precious gift Early Intervention gave me. It is a memory I will always hold within my heart.
Early Intervention has taught me how to advocate for Lucas and how to set realistic expectations. Developmental has taught me how to play with Lucas and guide him with self help techniques. Speech has shown me how to look for approximations of words and how to help Lucas create a clear sound when it is appropriate. Together they have taught me not to back down when I want something for Lucas but to keep an open mind to the specialist working with him. This can be a delicate balancing act when our expectations do not meet eye to eye.
It has been an inevitable moment that we will say goodbye. From the first day we said hello it was clear that they would be exiting our lives when he turns three. That is simply how the program works, EI is birth till 3 and then the public school system takes over. No matter how mentally prepared I am I know that the moment they walk out more door on that last day I will feel a loss of a great friendship. The best I can do is continue the work we set in place to help Lucas and bond with his new teacher and therapist as best as possible knowing that in time I will have to say good bye once again. The only consistant people who will always be there to help Lucas grow will be his Mommy and Daddy (Gabriel too to an extent).
Take a moment with me to be corny and remember that Boys II Men song "It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday." I may have to say good bye to these precious women but they have earned a place in my heart for all time.
Gabriel's IEP
I realize I have not focused a post on Gabriel yet. That is because so much has been up in the air for him. Today I have received his initial IEP, made my comments, notes and added on area's that I would like a modification for. When I have a real handle on what is going on with him I will be able to compose a post about what has been going on with him this year.
No comments:
Post a Comment