Thursday, February 12, 2009

sigh...IEP

Why do IEP's get harder as the years go by? It is do difficult to sit there and listen to how far behind your child is compared to others their age. I had Helen's meeting a few weeks ago, during my time of strep throat. I don't know if recovering from it, and having an allergic reaction to the medication made me more emotional, but I'd like to think so. I was so sad after I met with her teachers, I have never felt that way before. Helen seems to be at a stand still, she really hasn't advanced very much this school year. Her teacher suggested we look into a different program for her, one that would work better for her. I agree, it was just hard to hear. I really like the school she is at, it is just 2 minutes from home, and the staff have been wonderful to her. A new program would mean a move to a new school, change is always difficult. It is all just rumors for now, but the best program for her is located at a school about 20-30 minutes from home. Our school district just announced a plan to lessen bus routes in order to save money. I don't know if they would provide bus service for her if there is a compatible program for her closer to home. I don't want her on a bus for a long time, I can't put into words why, it's just a gut feeling. Her teacher is going to take me to the different schools that have the program we are looking for and help me with the decision, something she doesn't have to do. She told me she has a lot invested in Helen and she wants to make sure she is placed in the right spot, she is not going to fall through the cracks. The last time I had to make a decision like this, Peter was still here, and he helped a lot. He went to the schools to see the classrooms and meet with the teachers, I was taking care of Robbie, Katie, Grace, and baby Noah, so I didn't go. He was the one that made the decision that Helen would go to the school she is at. I have been so pleased with that decision, it's too bad he was never able to see that he made the right choice. I will miss the school she is at, I'm sure she will too, but we have to do what is best for her. She needs a program that is going to make her blossom and show just how intelligent she is. Please keep us in your prayers.

Until next time-
Take Care,
Sue



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2 comments:

My name is Sarah said...

This is Joyce, School changes are so hard. The decisions about when and where are even harder. Although it is extra time consuming, I always asked to go visit potential sites twice. I just felt I needed to see them in action two different times to get a better picture of whether Sarah would be better served there. There have been a few times over the years that we have seen Sarah plateau, but then as she moved onto something different we saw new skills develop, often new emotional growth, and her self esteem return. I hope things work out for you. I'll be praying.

Sue said...

Thank you so much, it is always nice to hear I'm not the only one with issues. There are times, I'm sure, when all of us feel we are in this alone, but we're not. I feel much better after reading your message.

Sue