My little boy is 6! I cannot believe he is no longer a baby. Sometimes I feel like he is still so small and fragile and other times (when he is running around the house screaming like a pirate) I wonder at how he has become so big.
This year my son was able to celebrate with friends at school. This meant he got two birthday celebrations. First, with his classmates who are also in special education and then with the general kindergarten class that he is a part of. He really really enjoyed getting sung to twice and getting to eat birthday cupcakes twice! My son is kind of funny. The only time he will eat cake (in any form) is for his own birthday or at a birthday party. Otherwise, if you offer him cake he will decline. He really does not like sweets and would prefer a bag of potato chips or veggie straws anytime over something sweet. He also got a special birthday pencil and note from the school principal, which he also was very excited to show me.
After my son celebrated his birthday at school, we had planned to have a birthday party for him. This did not happen because this year, just like last year, my son got sick after his birthday. Literally the next day he was running a fever and coughing. He ended up with an ear infection and croup! So he ended spending the rest of his birthday being sick.
In the end, we were able to celebrate his birthday a few weeks later. He really enjoyed himself and again ate a piece of cake (which he refused to touch after we brought the leftovers home). He definitely knew it was his birthday and relished every second of it. He had a big smile the entire day of his birthday party.
Because my son got sick, we also had to delay his well check visit (again) this year. I think we managed to make it into the pediatrician's office about a month later. We got really good news: my son continues to grow on the pace the pediatrician would like. In fact, my son grew 2 inches and gained 4 pounds - all in the normal range for boys his age! Yay! We were very happy with this news because that meant that we would not have to talk to an endocrinologist about growth hormones since he is growing at a normal pace. We pray that my son will continue to grow and there will be no need to see a specialist.
Of course, we had to deal with the yearly blood draw. I hate this. It is so painful for him to endure - this year they had to draw blood from both arms because the first arm they could not get enough blood to fill the vials. My son is so exhausted from crying after these appointments. The bad news is that we have to repeat this procedure again, not in a year like normal but in 6 months because one of the readings for his thyroid is 1/100th off or something like that. The pediatrician believes the difference is because of the trauma of the blood draw but wants to be cautious and make sure there is really not an issue with his thyroid. I am really hoping this is the case, otherwise we will have to see a specialist. But, at least for another 6 months I do not have to worry about this! Hopefully, we can get into a facility that does more pediatric blood draws so the procedure will not be as traumatic for my son. Otherwise, everything else looks good and we can enjoy how my son is improving in his pencil grip at school which is leading to him actually making clearer letters of the alphabet and watching him interact with his new friends at school and just learning more each and every day.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Thursday, September 18, 2014
First Day of Kindergarten
It has been two months since the first day of school! I cannot believe how quickly time has flown. I was sure I already blogged about my son's first day of kindergarten but clearly that was all in my mind.
The first day of kindergarten was very exciting for my son and for all of us. I thought for sure that I would shed some tears and get emotional as my baby trooped off to his first day of kindergarten but that was not the case. There were tears and emotions, just not exactly the one's we expected!
Since this was a new school we were not sure about how early we should get to his school but figured a half hour ahead of time would be sufficient. Boy were we wrong! By the time we got to his school, there was no parking to be found and so we were left to park on a dirt road a quarter mile from the school. It was a super hot day since school was starting in mid-July. It was well into the upper 90's by the time we parked and started walking back to school. Along with my son's backpack we also had school supplies and snacks that his teacher had asked us to provide on Meet the Teacher night. My son tired quickly so my husband ended up having to carry him most of the way to school. By the time we actually made it onto the school grounds we were sweaty and tired and both my son and daughter were not happy.
We then had to figure out where to drop off my son. We first headed to his classroom. The door was locked and the sign posted on the door directed us to the playground. We were so exhausted at this point already! Thankfully, an aide happened to open up the classroom door as we were standing outside trying to figure out what to do with the shopping bag full of supplies and relieved us of this one big bag. We then continued our trek to the playground. We also saw some water fountains that were located outside and our daughter was able to drink from the water fountain even though the water was warm. I have to explain that my son's school is an open campus. There are no enclosed hallways. The school opens to one big central courtyard and all classrooms exit into the outdoors. There was no relief from intense summer heat "inside" the building. Of course the classrooms are all air conditioned but as they were all locked we were not able to cool off.
We found our way to the playground and located my son's teacher. We thought this would be a quick stop before the kids headed to the classroom but unfortunately that was not the case. We eventually found out that my son's class was the last to line up and go into the classrooms. For the first day of school that meant that we were outside for almost an hour before they went into the classroom. By that time, my daughter had managed to get stung by a bee and both my husband and I were just a little bit short on patience due to the fact that we were out in the heat for so long.
In the end, we still managed to get some good pictures of my son and daughter (pre-bee sting) smiling and playing around on the playground as well as pictures of my son in his classroom. The best part of the morning was definitely making it into the kindergarten classroom where we knew my son would get a chance to cool down and enjoy his day.
Ultimately, I was not overcome with emotions - except relief that I could get into an air conditioned room and cool off! My son was a true trooper and waved us off like a pro. He has continued to excel and amaze us with what he is learning so far.
The first day of kindergarten was very exciting for my son and for all of us. I thought for sure that I would shed some tears and get emotional as my baby trooped off to his first day of kindergarten but that was not the case. There were tears and emotions, just not exactly the one's we expected!
Since this was a new school we were not sure about how early we should get to his school but figured a half hour ahead of time would be sufficient. Boy were we wrong! By the time we got to his school, there was no parking to be found and so we were left to park on a dirt road a quarter mile from the school. It was a super hot day since school was starting in mid-July. It was well into the upper 90's by the time we parked and started walking back to school. Along with my son's backpack we also had school supplies and snacks that his teacher had asked us to provide on Meet the Teacher night. My son tired quickly so my husband ended up having to carry him most of the way to school. By the time we actually made it onto the school grounds we were sweaty and tired and both my son and daughter were not happy.
We then had to figure out where to drop off my son. We first headed to his classroom. The door was locked and the sign posted on the door directed us to the playground. We were so exhausted at this point already! Thankfully, an aide happened to open up the classroom door as we were standing outside trying to figure out what to do with the shopping bag full of supplies and relieved us of this one big bag. We then continued our trek to the playground. We also saw some water fountains that were located outside and our daughter was able to drink from the water fountain even though the water was warm. I have to explain that my son's school is an open campus. There are no enclosed hallways. The school opens to one big central courtyard and all classrooms exit into the outdoors. There was no relief from intense summer heat "inside" the building. Of course the classrooms are all air conditioned but as they were all locked we were not able to cool off.
We found our way to the playground and located my son's teacher. We thought this would be a quick stop before the kids headed to the classroom but unfortunately that was not the case. We eventually found out that my son's class was the last to line up and go into the classrooms. For the first day of school that meant that we were outside for almost an hour before they went into the classroom. By that time, my daughter had managed to get stung by a bee and both my husband and I were just a little bit short on patience due to the fact that we were out in the heat for so long.
In the end, we still managed to get some good pictures of my son and daughter (pre-bee sting) smiling and playing around on the playground as well as pictures of my son in his classroom. The best part of the morning was definitely making it into the kindergarten classroom where we knew my son would get a chance to cool down and enjoy his day.
Ultimately, I was not overcome with emotions - except relief that I could get into an air conditioned room and cool off! My son was a true trooper and waved us off like a pro. He has continued to excel and amaze us with what he is learning so far.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
The last day of preschool
Okay, my son starts kindergarten next week and I am just now sitting down to write about his last day of preschool. The six weeks since he finished has flown by! Throw in a couple of out of town trips and, well, that is why I am writing about his last day of preschool now. I figured I better get this down before he actually starts school again.
Well, all I can say is my son's last day of preschool was pretty rough, for me that is. My son faced his last day of school with the euphoria most kids have entering their last day of school. For the first time he understood that he was going to be heading for a break and he was definitely excited!
Mommy was not as excited. First, I had to get through the day without becoming a blubbery mess. I was much more calm when I dropped him off than when I picked him up. When I picked up my son from preschool for the last time, I was very sad. He was ready to run out of the door but his teacher and I made him stay in his classroom. We had to take pictures, of course, of him in the classroom and then with his teacher and the two aides who have been with him for the past three years. Despite the frustration that came along with my son's transition to kindergarten, these three women were a huge part of my son's introduction to school. They have cared and nurtured him and seen him grow during the past three years as well. They have watched him go from not saying anything in the classroom to willingly answering questions (sort of) and participating in all aspects of the class. So there were many hugs for my son on his last day of school and the teacher and staff made me promise to keep them updated on my son's progress. I did okay until the very end when I got choked up as we were heading out the door.
For me, I definitely felt like we were leaving a sanctuary, a cocoon that has been my son's place of growth - physical, mental, and emotional. Now, we were walking into the unknown. A new teacher, a new school, a completely new environment. Obviously, I do not do so well with change as my adaptable son. Perhaps because I am aware of potentially more challenges that he faces. Pre-school, as all parents know, is a world of difference from elementary school. So old fears crop up: "will he fit in?" "will he be accepted by other kindergarteners in the general education classroom?" "will it be obvious that he is in a classroom for kids with special needs?". Then of course I have the regular worries of can he make it through a full day of kindergarten, will he eat his lunch, will he remember to go to the bathroom? It is a big difference going to school five days a week all day versus three times a week for two and a half hours. I suppose it is more my fear of the unknown that makes me nervous. My more pragmatic husband put it succinctly - there will be initial adjustments but our son will be fine. I suppose I will be too.
Well, all I can say is my son's last day of preschool was pretty rough, for me that is. My son faced his last day of school with the euphoria most kids have entering their last day of school. For the first time he understood that he was going to be heading for a break and he was definitely excited!
Mommy was not as excited. First, I had to get through the day without becoming a blubbery mess. I was much more calm when I dropped him off than when I picked him up. When I picked up my son from preschool for the last time, I was very sad. He was ready to run out of the door but his teacher and I made him stay in his classroom. We had to take pictures, of course, of him in the classroom and then with his teacher and the two aides who have been with him for the past three years. Despite the frustration that came along with my son's transition to kindergarten, these three women were a huge part of my son's introduction to school. They have cared and nurtured him and seen him grow during the past three years as well. They have watched him go from not saying anything in the classroom to willingly answering questions (sort of) and participating in all aspects of the class. So there were many hugs for my son on his last day of school and the teacher and staff made me promise to keep them updated on my son's progress. I did okay until the very end when I got choked up as we were heading out the door.
For me, I definitely felt like we were leaving a sanctuary, a cocoon that has been my son's place of growth - physical, mental, and emotional. Now, we were walking into the unknown. A new teacher, a new school, a completely new environment. Obviously, I do not do so well with change as my adaptable son. Perhaps because I am aware of potentially more challenges that he faces. Pre-school, as all parents know, is a world of difference from elementary school. So old fears crop up: "will he fit in?" "will he be accepted by other kindergarteners in the general education classroom?" "will it be obvious that he is in a classroom for kids with special needs?". Then of course I have the regular worries of can he make it through a full day of kindergarten, will he eat his lunch, will he remember to go to the bathroom? It is a big difference going to school five days a week all day versus three times a week for two and a half hours. I suppose it is more my fear of the unknown that makes me nervous. My more pragmatic husband put it succinctly - there will be initial adjustments but our son will be fine. I suppose I will be too.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Registered for Kindergarten!
It finally happened! My son is registered for kindergarten! Yay! Whew! It is such a huge relief!
We had our transition meeting with my son's preschool team and everything went a lot better than I anticipated. The meeting started with the school psychologist taking the lead and sharing with us the results of the tests she conducted on my son. I took notes just to keep myself occupied and so I would not freak out if the meeting went in a different direction than we were expecting. After the psychologist reviewed her test results, the occupational therapist and the speech therapist did the same thing. Fortunately, there were no real surprises with the results of the tests.
For the most part, in the developmental area, my son is within the normal range. One area where he was actually a little above normal was in math. My husband was really happy to hear this! So as far as developmental goals, he does not have any for kindergarten because he is already on track with other kindergarteners since my son already knows the alphabet and appropriate sounds for each letter, sight words, numbers (counting), shapes, colors, etc.
My biggest concern was that he would not be continuing with speech therapy but that concern was alleviated when the speech therapist went over the results of the tests she gave my son. Although my son can speak somewhat clearly (to a certain extent) he still has problems with answering why questions, providing more explanatory answers, or understanding longer phrased questions. I am simplifying what the speech therapist stated but at this point I was not totally focused since I was just so relieved to know that my son was going to continue speech therapy at school.
Of course, my son will continue to receive occupational therapy. I do not think there was any question about that - either with us or his preschool team. He does not yet hold a writing instrument correctly and essentially just scribbles on paper. Additionally he has problems pushing down hard enough on his crayon/pencil/market so that it makes a darker impression on the paper he is "writing" on. He also cannot, at this point cut a piece a paper with scissors without tearing the paper or cutting in a consistent pattern. These will be part of his OT goals for next year.
After all the therapists presented their results from the various tests, my son's preschool teacher got a chance to present her observations and what she believes would be appropriate goals for my son. Again, there was no surprises here since I have talked to my son's teacher on more than one occasion about the direction that we feel my son should go in.
The next step was determining what school he would go to and what program. Again, we were very happy to learn that the team agreed with our desire that my son be placed in a self-contained classroom at a nearby elementary school. The team also agreed that whenever my son is able, he will join the regular kindergarteners. At this point, there was a long pause as if to indicate that the meeting was done. Frankly, I would have been happy to leave but it dawned on me that I needed to ask, what, if anything, else needed to occur or needed to be done to make sure my son was registered at the proper school. Interestingly, I did not get an immediate response to my question. I was a little surprised since I know that this was not the first transition meeting for this team. But for whatever reason, my questions resulted in a bit of confusion and discussion that ended in a "we will get back to you response." The response took a week. Personally, I was ready to go file his kindergarten registration paperwork almost immediately but had to wait for a response. I was informed that I still had to register my son at our neighborhood school and that our neighborhood school would transfer his paperwork to the school my son would actually be attending. The day after I submitted his kindergarten registration paperwork I got a call from our neighborhood school saying that his paperwork would be transferred that day and that if I had any questions I should call the new school. Hugh Sigh of Relief! Of course, I probably will not wait until the summer to hear from the new school but give them a call in the very near future to make sure there is not anything else I need to do that I was not told about.
In the meantime, we are very happy to have this little matter of where my son will be attending kindergarten settled.
We had our transition meeting with my son's preschool team and everything went a lot better than I anticipated. The meeting started with the school psychologist taking the lead and sharing with us the results of the tests she conducted on my son. I took notes just to keep myself occupied and so I would not freak out if the meeting went in a different direction than we were expecting. After the psychologist reviewed her test results, the occupational therapist and the speech therapist did the same thing. Fortunately, there were no real surprises with the results of the tests.
For the most part, in the developmental area, my son is within the normal range. One area where he was actually a little above normal was in math. My husband was really happy to hear this! So as far as developmental goals, he does not have any for kindergarten because he is already on track with other kindergarteners since my son already knows the alphabet and appropriate sounds for each letter, sight words, numbers (counting), shapes, colors, etc.
My biggest concern was that he would not be continuing with speech therapy but that concern was alleviated when the speech therapist went over the results of the tests she gave my son. Although my son can speak somewhat clearly (to a certain extent) he still has problems with answering why questions, providing more explanatory answers, or understanding longer phrased questions. I am simplifying what the speech therapist stated but at this point I was not totally focused since I was just so relieved to know that my son was going to continue speech therapy at school.
Of course, my son will continue to receive occupational therapy. I do not think there was any question about that - either with us or his preschool team. He does not yet hold a writing instrument correctly and essentially just scribbles on paper. Additionally he has problems pushing down hard enough on his crayon/pencil/market so that it makes a darker impression on the paper he is "writing" on. He also cannot, at this point cut a piece a paper with scissors without tearing the paper or cutting in a consistent pattern. These will be part of his OT goals for next year.
After all the therapists presented their results from the various tests, my son's preschool teacher got a chance to present her observations and what she believes would be appropriate goals for my son. Again, there was no surprises here since I have talked to my son's teacher on more than one occasion about the direction that we feel my son should go in.
The next step was determining what school he would go to and what program. Again, we were very happy to learn that the team agreed with our desire that my son be placed in a self-contained classroom at a nearby elementary school. The team also agreed that whenever my son is able, he will join the regular kindergarteners. At this point, there was a long pause as if to indicate that the meeting was done. Frankly, I would have been happy to leave but it dawned on me that I needed to ask, what, if anything, else needed to occur or needed to be done to make sure my son was registered at the proper school. Interestingly, I did not get an immediate response to my question. I was a little surprised since I know that this was not the first transition meeting for this team. But for whatever reason, my questions resulted in a bit of confusion and discussion that ended in a "we will get back to you response." The response took a week. Personally, I was ready to go file his kindergarten registration paperwork almost immediately but had to wait for a response. I was informed that I still had to register my son at our neighborhood school and that our neighborhood school would transfer his paperwork to the school my son would actually be attending. The day after I submitted his kindergarten registration paperwork I got a call from our neighborhood school saying that his paperwork would be transferred that day and that if I had any questions I should call the new school. Hugh Sigh of Relief! Of course, I probably will not wait until the summer to hear from the new school but give them a call in the very near future to make sure there is not anything else I need to do that I was not told about.
In the meantime, we are very happy to have this little matter of where my son will be attending kindergarten settled.
Monday, March 17, 2014
Transitioning to Kindergarten
We are getting closer to figuring out where my son will be attending kindergarten and in what type of environment but the journey has been far from easy and has had more frustrating moments that I would have thought possible. I mean, kindergarten, how hard can that be to figure out? The answer: pretty hard. Let me explain.
At the beginning of the year we had my son's annual IEP meeting with his current preschool teachers and school therapists. As I mentioned before, my son met all his physical therapy goals for the school environment and so that therapy was removed from his IEP. So this time when we met we reviewed his speech and occupational therapy goals. We also discussed with his preschool teacher his general goals for participating more, initiating conversation, etc. with other students and teachers in the class. Standard stuff. Well, being the eager beavers that we are, my husband and I also came with a list of questions for what to expect this upcoming year - his last year in preschool and what we needed to do. I left with a very unclear view and understanding of what was to come. I knew that we would have a "transition meeting" sometime in the spring. What the meeting would encompass or review, I couldn't describe. I also knew that at some point prior to the transition meeting we would have to sign some paperwork to get the transition meeting started. When that would occur or how far in advance of the transition meeting I did not know. I understood from his preschool teacher that there would be some type of testing by the school psychologist (whom we have never met) but don't ask me what type of testing.
Additional things I did not learn was: (1) where the teacher or staff saw my son being placed (a class for kids with special needs called self contained classrooms or a normal kindergarten classroom), (2) where any self contained classrooms were located, (3) what potential schools near us our son might be placed in, (4) when we would find out any of this information that we were missing.
Our lack of information was not due (at least I thought) on our not asking questions. In fact, we asked a lot of questions, but the answers we received were just vague and not completely responsive. Perhaps we were not phrasing the questions correctly or perhaps the preschool teacher and staff were reluctant to provide direct answers to our questions because it was only at the beginning of the year. I don't know. But for whatever reason, I was left feeling just as confused as I was prior to the meeting.
My confusion did not clear up quickly. In fact, as we moved into the spring semester after the winter break, I became more anxious about what was going to happen with respect to my son's kindergarten placement and also about what I needed to do. Surely, I thought, I am not the first parent to be asking these type of questions? To want some clarity as to where their child would be? To want to know where the potential schools are located in relationship to where we live? Ultimately, it was and continues to be very frustrating. I voiced my concerns to my son's preschool teacher and she was and continues to be very understanding. Unfortunately, I do not think she is in the position to answer all my questions and although she and other preschool teachers have voiced similar concerns to the district office they have not been answered in a manner that is very helpful for them.
On my own, after searching through the district website, I learned that there were three types of self-contained classes. One type was for students who were diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Another for students with behavioral needs. And one more that allowed students to enter the mainstream student population. After learning this information, I went so far as to even email the director of the special education services but never received a response. This further added to my frustration and just really made me question why our school district makes this process so difficult. It certainly is not a surprise for them that students are transitioning to kindergarten from priority preschool - it happens every year.
One of my main questions was which schools the self-contained classrooms were located. But the lack of information or willingness to provide information was shocking. I called the district office and they essentially pawned me off to the special education office at our neighborhood school. Once I got in contact with the special education person at my home school, a twenty minute conversation ensued where I had to tell her repeatedly that I understood that the names of the schools she was about to give me were for the current school year and that there was no guarantee that they would be available next year or if they were available whether my son would be able to attend, etc. As a lawyer, I understand to a degree the need to hedge, that one cannot guarantee a specific result to a client, but this was just ridiculous. You cannot tell me that schools change every year because that is way to traumatic to students who have special needs. That logic makes no sense, but that was the logic I was dealing with. Ultimately, I learned the names of three schools near us that had self-contained classrooms but I did not find out what type of self-contained classroom was at each school. Frankly, I was so happy that I was able to get this little bit of information out of the special education person that I did not want to push my luck.
We then scheduled another meeting with my son's preschool teacher. Mostly so that she could answer the questions my husband asked because I could not. The meeting was very productive and I ended up with a contact to one of the three self-contained schools nearby. A tour of the school and classroom was the best thing at easing my nervousness and anxiety for where my son would be next year. After that, the ball really started rolling as we had our "pre-transition" meeting, which was really like another IEP meeting but this time I met the school psychologist for the first time. The result of the meeting was that my son would be re-evaluated by the current therapies (speech and OT) and he would be tested by the school psychologist. Don't ask me what kind of test, I forgot to ask. I was completely surprised by all the people present at the meeting. I simply thought I had to meet with his preschool teacher to sign some paperwork to get the transition started. Silly me. In the end, I think I was able to express my desire that we wanted my son in a self-contained class. We will see what happens next at the transition meeting. At least after that meeting we will know where my son will be attending kindergarten next year. Assuming no changes during the summer. That should be interesting.
At the beginning of the year we had my son's annual IEP meeting with his current preschool teachers and school therapists. As I mentioned before, my son met all his physical therapy goals for the school environment and so that therapy was removed from his IEP. So this time when we met we reviewed his speech and occupational therapy goals. We also discussed with his preschool teacher his general goals for participating more, initiating conversation, etc. with other students and teachers in the class. Standard stuff. Well, being the eager beavers that we are, my husband and I also came with a list of questions for what to expect this upcoming year - his last year in preschool and what we needed to do. I left with a very unclear view and understanding of what was to come. I knew that we would have a "transition meeting" sometime in the spring. What the meeting would encompass or review, I couldn't describe. I also knew that at some point prior to the transition meeting we would have to sign some paperwork to get the transition meeting started. When that would occur or how far in advance of the transition meeting I did not know. I understood from his preschool teacher that there would be some type of testing by the school psychologist (whom we have never met) but don't ask me what type of testing.
Additional things I did not learn was: (1) where the teacher or staff saw my son being placed (a class for kids with special needs called self contained classrooms or a normal kindergarten classroom), (2) where any self contained classrooms were located, (3) what potential schools near us our son might be placed in, (4) when we would find out any of this information that we were missing.
Our lack of information was not due (at least I thought) on our not asking questions. In fact, we asked a lot of questions, but the answers we received were just vague and not completely responsive. Perhaps we were not phrasing the questions correctly or perhaps the preschool teacher and staff were reluctant to provide direct answers to our questions because it was only at the beginning of the year. I don't know. But for whatever reason, I was left feeling just as confused as I was prior to the meeting.
My confusion did not clear up quickly. In fact, as we moved into the spring semester after the winter break, I became more anxious about what was going to happen with respect to my son's kindergarten placement and also about what I needed to do. Surely, I thought, I am not the first parent to be asking these type of questions? To want some clarity as to where their child would be? To want to know where the potential schools are located in relationship to where we live? Ultimately, it was and continues to be very frustrating. I voiced my concerns to my son's preschool teacher and she was and continues to be very understanding. Unfortunately, I do not think she is in the position to answer all my questions and although she and other preschool teachers have voiced similar concerns to the district office they have not been answered in a manner that is very helpful for them.
On my own, after searching through the district website, I learned that there were three types of self-contained classes. One type was for students who were diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Another for students with behavioral needs. And one more that allowed students to enter the mainstream student population. After learning this information, I went so far as to even email the director of the special education services but never received a response. This further added to my frustration and just really made me question why our school district makes this process so difficult. It certainly is not a surprise for them that students are transitioning to kindergarten from priority preschool - it happens every year.
One of my main questions was which schools the self-contained classrooms were located. But the lack of information or willingness to provide information was shocking. I called the district office and they essentially pawned me off to the special education office at our neighborhood school. Once I got in contact with the special education person at my home school, a twenty minute conversation ensued where I had to tell her repeatedly that I understood that the names of the schools she was about to give me were for the current school year and that there was no guarantee that they would be available next year or if they were available whether my son would be able to attend, etc. As a lawyer, I understand to a degree the need to hedge, that one cannot guarantee a specific result to a client, but this was just ridiculous. You cannot tell me that schools change every year because that is way to traumatic to students who have special needs. That logic makes no sense, but that was the logic I was dealing with. Ultimately, I learned the names of three schools near us that had self-contained classrooms but I did not find out what type of self-contained classroom was at each school. Frankly, I was so happy that I was able to get this little bit of information out of the special education person that I did not want to push my luck.
We then scheduled another meeting with my son's preschool teacher. Mostly so that she could answer the questions my husband asked because I could not. The meeting was very productive and I ended up with a contact to one of the three self-contained schools nearby. A tour of the school and classroom was the best thing at easing my nervousness and anxiety for where my son would be next year. After that, the ball really started rolling as we had our "pre-transition" meeting, which was really like another IEP meeting but this time I met the school psychologist for the first time. The result of the meeting was that my son would be re-evaluated by the current therapies (speech and OT) and he would be tested by the school psychologist. Don't ask me what kind of test, I forgot to ask. I was completely surprised by all the people present at the meeting. I simply thought I had to meet with his preschool teacher to sign some paperwork to get the transition started. Silly me. In the end, I think I was able to express my desire that we wanted my son in a self-contained class. We will see what happens next at the transition meeting. At least after that meeting we will know where my son will be attending kindergarten next year. Assuming no changes during the summer. That should be interesting.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Potty trained!?
Well, we finally did it! We took my son out of pull-ups and put him in underwear full time. For a few months now we have been making my son wear underwear at home but every time we have gone out of the house we have changed him into pull-ups. His preschool teacher suggested just putting him in underwear full time so as not to confuse him and that's what we did.
It's been a little over a week now. The first few days my son rewarded us by pooping in his underwear, 3 days in a row. Not fun. But now, he seems to have gotten the hang of it.
However, a problem still remains. My son still will not tell us when he has to go to the bathroom. He will go to the bathroom when I force him (every 2-4 hours) but otherwise, he does not voluntarily go on his own. This still makes me very nervous because I am afraid he will go in his underwear while we are in the car or over at someone's house. The same is true at school. He will go to the bathroom when it is potty time and all the kids go but he has yet to tell his teachers on his own when he needs to go to the bathroom.
All I can say is I am glad we are almost done now (at the beginning of the year) because he will be in full time kindergarten next year and he will have to tell his teachers when he needs to go to the bathroom otherwise there will be lots of accidents. I foresee buying a lot more underwear in the future.
Looking back to my first post about potty training in April 2013, I knew it would be a process - I just did not realize how long the process would take. I forgot to factor in my son's stubbornness along the way. But at least we are pretty much there. I will be a most happy mommy when my son can tell me on his own that he needs to go to the bathroom. Amazing what we count as victories.
It's been a little over a week now. The first few days my son rewarded us by pooping in his underwear, 3 days in a row. Not fun. But now, he seems to have gotten the hang of it.
However, a problem still remains. My son still will not tell us when he has to go to the bathroom. He will go to the bathroom when I force him (every 2-4 hours) but otherwise, he does not voluntarily go on his own. This still makes me very nervous because I am afraid he will go in his underwear while we are in the car or over at someone's house. The same is true at school. He will go to the bathroom when it is potty time and all the kids go but he has yet to tell his teachers on his own when he needs to go to the bathroom.
All I can say is I am glad we are almost done now (at the beginning of the year) because he will be in full time kindergarten next year and he will have to tell his teachers when he needs to go to the bathroom otherwise there will be lots of accidents. I foresee buying a lot more underwear in the future.
Looking back to my first post about potty training in April 2013, I knew it would be a process - I just did not realize how long the process would take. I forgot to factor in my son's stubbornness along the way. But at least we are pretty much there. I will be a most happy mommy when my son can tell me on his own that he needs to go to the bathroom. Amazing what we count as victories.
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