New Transition meeting

[carolyn]

After a really yucky transition meeting a few weeks ago, I am happy to say much has changed. First of all, all the staff from the first meeting called me over the past week to apologize for their rude/less than helpful attitude at the first meeting. They agreed that there are issues between the intermediate school district and the public district which got in the way of progress. So I offered another meeting, which was held yesterday. I decided I would not attend, instead I would let the staff get together and put together a couple of proposals , trusting his current teacher to consider my interests. Today I got the notes from the meeting with the 3 suggested "plans" for next year, detailing when he would attend reg. kindy and when he would see the cognitively impaired teacher and receive speech/OT. Only one plan is really agreeable, but the current teacher called a bit ago and we discussed all three plans with the idea that I would mull things over for a few days. She said the principal indicated the one on one assistant had been approved. I am so happy about that. That makes the decision of sending him to regular K much easier- One of the options involved using a classroom for Moderately MI- There are concerns as to whether or not that would be best, but all agree, including me, that is our back up classroom if the Mild MI doesn't work out. The mild MI classroom has no other kindergartners, not even any first graders, but he would only be in there about 1 and 1/2 hours each day, so he actually might like the "down" time. I have much to consider, but I sure feel better having staff that wants to work this out. The kindergarten teacher and principal finally came to observe him ( BEFORE the meeting, DUH- That was one of the problems with the first meeting- they had no idea who they were talking about) and with my not being at the meeting I think they were able to speak more freely teacher to teacher without worrying about hurting my feelings. The teacher said after this meeting, they are thinking of changing the way they do things as it was so much more productive. So I guess my disaster meeting, if nothing else, helped for the future.

[Chester]

Glad to hear that you FINALLY have some workable options! Phew that took awhile!

[momofrussell]

**applauds**

WOW Carolyn... finally.. the've seen the light! Glad you all got some things accomplished. I am truly astonished on how they handle their IEP's and now say they should handle this differently.. DUH... sorry it took YOU and your meeting to knock some sense into their heads... they should know better! But... glad they've seen the light! And yes, they should have observed your son ALONG time ago!

Can't wait to hear the final stuff!!!!

A.

[CC]

K, can't help myself, I know your post did not ask for any suggestions and you may have already decided to do this, BUT PLEASE go visit all 3 options they gave you, before you decide. Things can look real nice on paper BUT seeing how all the options work, the teach, the population of kids in the classes and bla bla bla, to me is the key

You know your child BEST and what will work and what will not.

BEST of Luck ~

CC

[carolyn]

CC:

I think that posting on the board is an open invitation to comment and advice- that's why I do it- so I am happy to listen.


I have in fact visited 2 of the the 3 options- and the 3rd option, the Moderate CI room is planned for. I know that none of the options spell PERFECTION- It just doesn't exist in this county. But I do feel I am getting best possible arrangement, with the idea that if K is just too much, we will re-work the plan. John, like most hates transition, but if he is miserable, which in turn makes me and the rest of the family miserable, changes will have to be made.

Probably the worst part is that his half days will be in the morning- I am so not a morning person. He will end up going to school 2 full days to regular K, 1 half day reg. K and 2 half days MI special ed classroom ( housed in same building as K) In fact, he will start the 2 days he is in the MI classroom in the K room, go thru calendar and circle time, then off to the MI room. I should mention, K here in Tecumseh is Blue or Green team. Blue team goes M all day, W half day afternoon and Th all day. Green goes the opposite. He will be Green, so that he will go in the morning on his half a day for K and the MI classroom as well. There will be a different class of kids on the morning he just starts out in K, but they really want the consistency of going to the same starting point every day. He can also use the repetition circle time and calender provide.

have I totally confused you!!!

also, he will hopefully get his speech and OT during the half days in the MI classroom.

The K teacher goal is to have him in her class as much as possible- they will adjust lessons accordingly- the teacher he will be getting is a former Spec. Ed. teacher herself. the teacher will also really benefit from the aide he is getting. Our district allows the aide to help all the children- not hired just to sit with him. they don't want him to feel shadowed, just the idea that the aide is available for when he needs it. I am so relieved to know he will be watched extra during recess and lunch. I was really worried about him during those times- he is not a runner, just a drag heel about coming in from outside.

Thanks to everyone for your moral support.
Still haven't done the IEP, so I am not done yet, but getting there. School is out for my 3 older kids next Thursday. John goes until June 23.

I can't wait to sleep in!!!!!!!!!!!!