Just wanted to share that we had C's IEP Friday and dh and I are very happy with the way it went. We got everything we wanted and we're very comfortable with his placement for next year.
He's in mainstream kindergarten with a 1:1 aide this year, and next year for 1st grade he'll be in a LOP classroom. LOP is "Learning Opportunities Program" and classes are max 12 kids with 2 aides. Classmates will be a mix of ASD, mild cognitive impairment and possibly some of the more severe speech/language kids. The kids are all mainstreamed for specials (art, PE, computers) as well as for recess and lunch. While C is making good progress in mainstream K this year, he needs so much support from his aide that he isn't really functioning independently at all and he is pulled out so much (speech, ot, social work, learning center) that it is difficult for him to really feel a part of the class and make friends with other kids.
We did the observation tour a few weeks ago and did 90 minute observations each of 2 different LOP classrooms (one a K/1 and the other a 1/2), a regular ed 1st grade and C's current K class. Prior to the observations, I was stressing out over placement to the point where I couldn't eat, sleep, or think/talk about anything else. However, once my dh and I did the classroom observations we felt the choice was clear for us. I think this will work out really well for C. The whole team was in 100% agreement on the placement. We think the goals for next year are solid, and all-in-all we walked out of there feeling like the weight of the world was lifted off our shoulders.
Still much work to be done, but knowing what next year is going to look like for us makes me feel so much better!
That's so great Kristy. I know how stressful it can be prior to making this type of decision, and it's really hard not to spend every waking hour analyzing all the potential scenarios from every angle. However, like you, I've always found that it all seems to fall into place once you have a chance to observe the various placements, talk with the teachers, then start developing a solid overall plan. Sounds like you've come up with a great plan for your son. Congratulations! Great going...he'll be off to a GOOD start.Kristy,
Sounds wonderful:) The school placement is so scary! When they wanted Sarah with 24 kids mainstreamed I was terriefied as she was never with more than 8 kids and 2 teachers and her ABA therapist for only 3hr/3x a week. The whole all day thing without support made me sick. I am glad the year is almost over with her doing well but they are going to test her for leap next week and are talking of jumping her from kindergarten now up to 2nd. grade in aug..I aint doing it
I am glad you got to observe your options..I wish I could hand pick the teacher for next year but they wont let me..still gonna try:) Best wishes!
Shelley
Shelly,
Sounds like Sarah is doing so well. (I too would be freaked about a jump to 2nd great - stick to your guns!)
The one thing I couldn't do is pick the teacher (officicially) because the teachers don't know for sure where they'll be and which level they'll have until we complete all the IEPs and know how many LOP classes and where. However I did request a particular school (which the teacher I want is pretty sure she'll be at because she's been there 2 years already) which I think they'll grant because I have good cause. C takes after Mommy and we both suffer from what I call "vehicular narcolepsy" in that we both tend to fall asleep in any moving vehichle (car, bus, plane) within about 15 minutes. If C is bussed to far he'll fall asleep and then be cranky when awoken on arrival and then not "available for learning." The team felt that was a very valid concern. I'll keep my fingers crossed!
sounds like you've done your homework and C will be off to a wonderful start next year.
That is so great. I have to say that I always smile when I see the pictures of your boys. They are adorable.
Hope you get the teacher you want!
Shannon
Wonderful news. Sounds great! Congrats.
[QUOTE=kristys]
"vehicular narcolepsy"
[/QUOTE]
I just loved that!