My sweet Rose is struggling figuring out how to cope with several trials our family has experienced lately. As a result, her teacher tells me that she is often weepy in class. I explained to Rose's teacher what was happening in our family and she told me that she was planning on changing up the seating anyway and did I know of anyone who would be a calming influence for my daughter. Two names came to mind and I passed them onto the teacher.
A few days later I saw one of these kids' mom at church and talked to her. I told her what was going on and that I had recommended her daughter as a calming influence and someone Rose could sit by for help. I asked her if that was okay. I am so grateful she said yes. In fact, the discussion led to scheduling a playdate for the very next day so that the girls could spend more time outside of class and learn to be there for each other.
This morning I walked with the kids to school because Cyprus and Juniper don't have preschool on Mondays. Poor Rose kept getting upset and beating herself up verbally the whole way to school. When we got to school Rose got in line and we waited with her trying to help her calm down. Then this wonderful friend showed up and asked Rose to stand next to her in line. Immediately they started talking and laughing and planning on what they were going to do for their play date after school.
I am really grateful for an incredible teacher who listens and understands. I'm grateful for a friend who lifts and supports me. And I'm grateful that her daughter could be friends with my daughter and immediately take it upon herself to look out for Rose. She even promised she would help Rose by studying the spelling words with her.
I am truly surrounded by every day heroes.
Showing posts with label School. Show all posts
Showing posts with label School. Show all posts
Monday, September 15, 2014
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Fighting for your kids
I was so thrilled last week that my son Juniper finished his tests for getting into preschool. I figured, "Great. We have a week until his birthday and then he'll get to start school the very next week."
Well, its now Wednesday and his birthday is Saturday and we haven't heard a thing. Before we could figure out what days he would be going to school and when he would officially start preschool we have to have his IEP meeting (individual education plan). This meeting is where they officially tell me that Juniper is delayed enough in multiple areas that they are going to send him to preschool. I was told they would send me a write-up in the mail over the weekend and contact me ASAP as to when we'd have the meeting. I was told it had to be before his birthday.
Today I emailed the preschool teacher (simply because she's awesome and I know her and she's Cyprus' teacher) and asked if she'd heard anything about Juniper. She responded in less than 30 minutes that she hadn't, but would contact me as soon as she did. So I went and called the special ed assessment center and asked about when his IEP meeting was scheduled for. They politely took my information and said that they will "look into it". That was this morning and I haven't heard anything yet. Well they have two school days left before his birthday. I hope they figure something out quickly. Supposedly he's supposed to start school next week.
We'll see.
But that just proves to me once again that when you are a parent (especially if you have SN kids) that you constantly have to be willing to battle for what your kids need. SO never give up. You can do this. (And so can I.)
Well, its now Wednesday and his birthday is Saturday and we haven't heard a thing. Before we could figure out what days he would be going to school and when he would officially start preschool we have to have his IEP meeting (individual education plan). This meeting is where they officially tell me that Juniper is delayed enough in multiple areas that they are going to send him to preschool. I was told they would send me a write-up in the mail over the weekend and contact me ASAP as to when we'd have the meeting. I was told it had to be before his birthday.
Today I emailed the preschool teacher (simply because she's awesome and I know her and she's Cyprus' teacher) and asked if she'd heard anything about Juniper. She responded in less than 30 minutes that she hadn't, but would contact me as soon as she did. So I went and called the special ed assessment center and asked about when his IEP meeting was scheduled for. They politely took my information and said that they will "look into it". That was this morning and I haven't heard anything yet. Well they have two school days left before his birthday. I hope they figure something out quickly. Supposedly he's supposed to start school next week.
We'll see.
But that just proves to me once again that when you are a parent (especially if you have SN kids) that you constantly have to be willing to battle for what your kids need. SO never give up. You can do this. (And so can I.)
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Preschool Testing
Today was the magic day. Juniper completed his final round of testing with the local school district to determine if he qualifies for services. Each time we go to the Special Ed department I have to bring Juniper in a stroller because he loves that place. Anytime we try and leave he throws an all out major fit and is getting too big for me to carry him back to the car. As soon as we got to the appointment my son ran for the play area in the foyer where there this huge wooden toy that has beaded spirals on top, and each side of the pentagon has a different activity.
When it came time to do the gross motor skills portion of the test, he didn't want to leave. The room where they did the test was this long narrow room that allows space for the kids to run, kick balls, jump, etc. The tester tried to get Juniper to walk down this red line on the floor. He shook his head and said, "No." Then they wanted him to jump off a low chair. Again he said, "No." But he would do it if the tester would hold both of his hands. Then he did it again with one hand. When it came time to do it by himself, he shook his head and said, "No."
When they wanted him to kick the ball he threw it across the room. Ten minutes later, when they were testing a different activity he suddenly started kicking the ball. When they wanted him to walk backwards he pulled out the chair and started jumping off of it all on his own.
Get the picture.
However, I was quite impressed that when the tester said "freeze" he would actually stand still. That's a newbie. And when they asked him to hop over the line it took him a few moments to understand the concept, then he didn't want to stop. And when they wanted him to stand on one foot I was totally surprised when he copy-catted her (though he did keep one hand on the wall while he did it).
After the gross motor skills test he went in a different room for the fine motor skills test. He had the stacking of blocks part down to a skill. But when they mixed it up and told him to make them into a train he built a longer tower. When they wanted him to color a straight line, he squiggled all over the paper. Then, 5 minutes later started drawing straight lines. When the tester wanted him to crumple up a paper, he looked totally confused. However, a few minutes later when they wanted him to fold a piece of paper he was busy crumpling his paper up and walking it over to the trash can.
So I've learned something about my son. It takes him a few minutes to digest what he has seen and what he's been asked to do. If given the time to think about and work it out in his mind, then he's quite capable of doing it. He doesn't just mimic. He thinks it through until his mind understands it and then he'll to it. It maybe slower than a "typical" child, but I think its kind of cool that he can pick things up that quickly.
In the end, I was showed his ratings from all of the tests and was told "We agree with all of your concerns." Well, I'm glad it wasn't just my imagination. ;-) The next step is for the education team to get together, review his results and formulate and Individual Education Plan or IEP. Then they will discuss his placement. Seeing how he is going to be 3 in one week, they're going to have to step on it and quickly (especially since Monday is a holiday).
I asked the coordinator what were the chances of him getting into the preschool program and was told that they "can't" discuss that until at the IEP review meeting. I told her that my other son was already in the preschool program and it would mean the world to me if Juniper got in as well.
"Oh, so you already know about Miss Jenn."
When I said yes, she started circling the different areas on the paper where Juniper had "developmental delays" and started doing a dramatic nod. "When we have kids with delays in more than one area, then there is a high likelihood that they will assigned to the preschool program."
I smiled and laughed and thanked her for not telling me before the IEP meeting. Yahoo!!!! Now I just have to work with the teacher to establish the necessary goals for Juniper to work on, find out what days he'll be going to school, and get him set up to ride the bus with his brother.
Happy Dance!!!
When it came time to do the gross motor skills portion of the test, he didn't want to leave. The room where they did the test was this long narrow room that allows space for the kids to run, kick balls, jump, etc. The tester tried to get Juniper to walk down this red line on the floor. He shook his head and said, "No." Then they wanted him to jump off a low chair. Again he said, "No." But he would do it if the tester would hold both of his hands. Then he did it again with one hand. When it came time to do it by himself, he shook his head and said, "No."
When they wanted him to kick the ball he threw it across the room. Ten minutes later, when they were testing a different activity he suddenly started kicking the ball. When they wanted him to walk backwards he pulled out the chair and started jumping off of it all on his own.
Get the picture.
However, I was quite impressed that when the tester said "freeze" he would actually stand still. That's a newbie. And when they asked him to hop over the line it took him a few moments to understand the concept, then he didn't want to stop. And when they wanted him to stand on one foot I was totally surprised when he copy-catted her (though he did keep one hand on the wall while he did it).
After the gross motor skills test he went in a different room for the fine motor skills test. He had the stacking of blocks part down to a skill. But when they mixed it up and told him to make them into a train he built a longer tower. When they wanted him to color a straight line, he squiggled all over the paper. Then, 5 minutes later started drawing straight lines. When the tester wanted him to crumple up a paper, he looked totally confused. However, a few minutes later when they wanted him to fold a piece of paper he was busy crumpling his paper up and walking it over to the trash can.
So I've learned something about my son. It takes him a few minutes to digest what he has seen and what he's been asked to do. If given the time to think about and work it out in his mind, then he's quite capable of doing it. He doesn't just mimic. He thinks it through until his mind understands it and then he'll to it. It maybe slower than a "typical" child, but I think its kind of cool that he can pick things up that quickly.
In the end, I was showed his ratings from all of the tests and was told "We agree with all of your concerns." Well, I'm glad it wasn't just my imagination. ;-) The next step is for the education team to get together, review his results and formulate and Individual Education Plan or IEP. Then they will discuss his placement. Seeing how he is going to be 3 in one week, they're going to have to step on it and quickly (especially since Monday is a holiday).
I asked the coordinator what were the chances of him getting into the preschool program and was told that they "can't" discuss that until at the IEP review meeting. I told her that my other son was already in the preschool program and it would mean the world to me if Juniper got in as well.
"Oh, so you already know about Miss Jenn."
When I said yes, she started circling the different areas on the paper where Juniper had "developmental delays" and started doing a dramatic nod. "When we have kids with delays in more than one area, then there is a high likelihood that they will assigned to the preschool program."
I smiled and laughed and thanked her for not telling me before the IEP meeting. Yahoo!!!! Now I just have to work with the teacher to establish the necessary goals for Juniper to work on, find out what days he'll be going to school, and get him set up to ride the bus with his brother.
Happy Dance!!!
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
#2 is Out of Here + Paranoid Mommy Smiling
Lest you think that #2 is in relations to the bathroom you can relax. My second child, Cyprus started pre-school today. So that makes two down and one to go. On a day when I'm struggling with dislocated ribs, a migraine, a sinus infection and a dislocated collar bone, it was a huge relief to have him go off to school.
As for the paranoia update, well because Cyprus started school today I needed to be home to get him on the bus. However, I've been walking with Rose to and from school for the last week making sure she was used to the routine before I forced myself to let go and trust the other awesome kids to get her there. Oh my was that ever hard for me. With her Sensory Processing Disorder it is easily for things to distract her. She doesn't do it intentionally, its just how her brain is wired. But I trust the older girl who is walking with her and I needed to teach Rose to take responsibility.
Having said that, I dropped Rose off at my friend's house so that her daughter, and a few other kids could walk to school together. Then, as I rushed home, I prayed for her safety and success. A few minutes later the bus for the special needs preschool showed up. I stood back as Cyprus climbed aboard and immediately took the same seat he had last year. Though I waved and said my goodbyes and love you's, he failed to even look at me once. He was set and eager to go.
Once he was gone I called and made an appointment with the chiropractor to deal with my own out of sync body. On the way I detoured over to the elementary school. . . just to make sure that Rose had gotten there safely and was lined up where she was supposed to be. From the street I couldn't see her as her class lines next up to all the Kindergartners starting their very first day of school. So, being the paranoid mom I am, I parked the car and snuck up to the school until I could actually see her, while simultaneously staying out of sight so she wouldn't notice me. I was so relieved, happy, excited, overjoyed, emotionally ecstatic. You name it. I am proud. And over the moon for my angel helpers watching over my daughter.
So double happy dance going on for this mom. Two kids in school and safe with good people surrounding them. And the necessary doctors visits done and medication in my system to help me recover. Now I just need to get little Juniper's fine/gross motor skills test out of the way later this week and then, hopefully, he'll get to start school two weeks from today.
Then, I'll just pass out in utter delirium.
As for the paranoia update, well because Cyprus started school today I needed to be home to get him on the bus. However, I've been walking with Rose to and from school for the last week making sure she was used to the routine before I forced myself to let go and trust the other awesome kids to get her there. Oh my was that ever hard for me. With her Sensory Processing Disorder it is easily for things to distract her. She doesn't do it intentionally, its just how her brain is wired. But I trust the older girl who is walking with her and I needed to teach Rose to take responsibility.
Having said that, I dropped Rose off at my friend's house so that her daughter, and a few other kids could walk to school together. Then, as I rushed home, I prayed for her safety and success. A few minutes later the bus for the special needs preschool showed up. I stood back as Cyprus climbed aboard and immediately took the same seat he had last year. Though I waved and said my goodbyes and love you's, he failed to even look at me once. He was set and eager to go.
Once he was gone I called and made an appointment with the chiropractor to deal with my own out of sync body. On the way I detoured over to the elementary school. . . just to make sure that Rose had gotten there safely and was lined up where she was supposed to be. From the street I couldn't see her as her class lines next up to all the Kindergartners starting their very first day of school. So, being the paranoid mom I am, I parked the car and snuck up to the school until I could actually see her, while simultaneously staying out of sight so she wouldn't notice me. I was so relieved, happy, excited, overjoyed, emotionally ecstatic. You name it. I am proud. And over the moon for my angel helpers watching over my daughter.
So double happy dance going on for this mom. Two kids in school and safe with good people surrounding them. And the necessary doctors visits done and medication in my system to help me recover. Now I just need to get little Juniper's fine/gross motor skills test out of the way later this week and then, hopefully, he'll get to start school two weeks from today.
Then, I'll just pass out in utter delirium.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Difficulties Weighing the "Right" Choice
I am really struggling the last few days knowing what is the right thing to do for my children when it comes to schooling. Sweet Rose's doctor diagnosed her with Sensory Processing Disorder two years ago. My Cyprus is Moderate Functioning Autistic (still not sure what that really means) according to the test performed by the psychologists at the local school district. And now my Juniper is showing signs of Autism as well as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
I just learned that a new charter school called Spectrum Academy has just opened in a town nearby that focuses on education for Autistic Children, Asperger's Syndrome, and their siblings. I've been trying to figure out if I should try and get Cyprus transferred over there for next year when he becomes (gasp) a kindergartner.
But that raises a lot of questions, some I have answered already, some I'm still trying to figure out.
One thing I have learned is that Charter schools are linked with the school district and as such are free. But if your child attends a Charter school they do not have access to buses, the parents bring the kids to school. Usually I would have no problem with this as long as my child is getting the support he needs. However, my daughter currently goes to first grade at one school. Her brothers are/or will attend the special needs preschool sponsored by the school district. I'm already having issues getting my daughter to one school while figuring out how to get my sons on and off their bus at the needed times. Now imagine sending Cyprus to a third school where I would have to drive him there at the exact same time I'm supposed to have Juniper on the bus on Rose on her way toward her school. It's a bit mind boggling for me.
I've also learned that Charter schools tend to run on a lottery system. This is because there are a limited number of spaces open at the school. It also means that at some point in the Spring you submit your child's name into a list. Then names are drawn to determine who gets the opened spaces. If you do not get accepted as part of the lottery then you resubmit your child's name the following year and hope. The thing that worries me is that this academy seems really tailored to meet the needs of spectrum children to help them learn: use of natural light, soothing colors painted on the wall, sensory objects allowed at the student's desk to help them remain calm, plus the services of occupational therapists, speech therapists, safe rooms when the child just needs to readjust themselves to be able to cope with others, and aides to help when tantrums arise. It sounds like a dream. . .if they deal with Moderate Functioning Kids as well.
There are many questions plaguing my mind that I'm working to answer:
- The Autism school specializes in education for High Functioning Autism, but Cyprus is Moderate Functioning. I have to find out if they can work with him.
- I learned that the school district has Autism classes, but I don't know at which schools and I have heard that they only have them until your child reaches a certain age. So I have to talk to the school district to learn more of what options are available on their end.
- I've also learned of other Charter schools that focus on adjusting the education as need to fit the needs of your student. So if your particular child if advanced in Math beyond their grade level then they are given the excelled learning in Math, but if they struggle in Reading they work at the level they are. So now I want to learn more about these other schools? However, there is still the difficulties of getting them to and from school.
The final question is - What can I handle as their mother? I want to give my children the best chance at being their best selves, but at what cost? If I'm so stressed that I can't cope well and get sick (as is my MO) then its harder for me to be able to be a good mom. So at this young age, when they learn their best, which is more important - the right help or a sane mom?
Lots to learn and lots to pray about, but as this is a whole new field of information for me I thought it might be for others as well and wished to share. I hope this helps. If anyone else out there knows more about Spectrum Academy or Odyssey Charter schools I would love to hear from you. Also, if anyone know about what the school district has to offer I'd love to here from you. Also, if you've found yourself in a similar situation I would love to hear how you decided on your choice.
Happy Learning!!!
I just learned that a new charter school called Spectrum Academy has just opened in a town nearby that focuses on education for Autistic Children, Asperger's Syndrome, and their siblings. I've been trying to figure out if I should try and get Cyprus transferred over there for next year when he becomes (gasp) a kindergartner.
But that raises a lot of questions, some I have answered already, some I'm still trying to figure out.
One thing I have learned is that Charter schools are linked with the school district and as such are free. But if your child attends a Charter school they do not have access to buses, the parents bring the kids to school. Usually I would have no problem with this as long as my child is getting the support he needs. However, my daughter currently goes to first grade at one school. Her brothers are/or will attend the special needs preschool sponsored by the school district. I'm already having issues getting my daughter to one school while figuring out how to get my sons on and off their bus at the needed times. Now imagine sending Cyprus to a third school where I would have to drive him there at the exact same time I'm supposed to have Juniper on the bus on Rose on her way toward her school. It's a bit mind boggling for me.
I've also learned that Charter schools tend to run on a lottery system. This is because there are a limited number of spaces open at the school. It also means that at some point in the Spring you submit your child's name into a list. Then names are drawn to determine who gets the opened spaces. If you do not get accepted as part of the lottery then you resubmit your child's name the following year and hope. The thing that worries me is that this academy seems really tailored to meet the needs of spectrum children to help them learn: use of natural light, soothing colors painted on the wall, sensory objects allowed at the student's desk to help them remain calm, plus the services of occupational therapists, speech therapists, safe rooms when the child just needs to readjust themselves to be able to cope with others, and aides to help when tantrums arise. It sounds like a dream. . .if they deal with Moderate Functioning Kids as well.
There are many questions plaguing my mind that I'm working to answer:
- The Autism school specializes in education for High Functioning Autism, but Cyprus is Moderate Functioning. I have to find out if they can work with him.
- I learned that the school district has Autism classes, but I don't know at which schools and I have heard that they only have them until your child reaches a certain age. So I have to talk to the school district to learn more of what options are available on their end.
- I've also learned of other Charter schools that focus on adjusting the education as need to fit the needs of your student. So if your particular child if advanced in Math beyond their grade level then they are given the excelled learning in Math, but if they struggle in Reading they work at the level they are. So now I want to learn more about these other schools? However, there is still the difficulties of getting them to and from school.
The final question is - What can I handle as their mother? I want to give my children the best chance at being their best selves, but at what cost? If I'm so stressed that I can't cope well and get sick (as is my MO) then its harder for me to be able to be a good mom. So at this young age, when they learn their best, which is more important - the right help or a sane mom?
Lots to learn and lots to pray about, but as this is a whole new field of information for me I thought it might be for others as well and wished to share. I hope this helps. If anyone else out there knows more about Spectrum Academy or Odyssey Charter schools I would love to hear from you. Also, if anyone know about what the school district has to offer I'd love to here from you. Also, if you've found yourself in a similar situation I would love to hear how you decided on your choice.
Happy Learning!!!
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