So I lied! I guess I have some things to blog about and perhaps they are more/less vents.
Claire goes to kindergarten this fall. I really would have loved her to stay at Jackson, but under the circumstances, she may go to Brown.
I went and visited Brown Friday. I wanted to go before her case conference regarding her IEP (individualized education plan). This way the visit would be fresh in my mind and I would have the questions to ask at the meeting.
I left there with mixed emotions. Not because it was yet another realization that my daughter has special needs. It was not that at all. Just the opposite really. I asked about how the kids get into the gen ed kindy classroom. I was told they don't start inclusion until first grade. As soon as she told me that, I wanted to cry! I didn't even want to be there anymore. Now why, would they not start in kindy when there are several good reasons to start at that age. First it is the first interaction with your peers. There is no reason Claire should not be able to spend some time in there. Even if it a few minutes a week to begin with. So.... a good friend of mine and I are going over things tomorrow to prepare us for the meeting Monday. Let me just say that I trust her with all my heart and she knows Claire very well. In fact, if she hadn't told me she thought Claire was capable of spending time in the gen ed kindy classroom, I wouldn't have thought anything of it.
I am also going to talk to a teacher that teaches at Brownstown elementary and see what their special ed program is like. It just shouldn't be this hard to get the best education for your child no matter what. I am just sick at my stomach thinking about this meeting Monday. The special ed director should be there and I have a feeling I am going to have alot of questions.
So pray for me! I need patience and I need strength. I can picture myself in this meeting with my blood pressure rising! And I swear to you, if they don't come up with a plan that we are happy with. I will fight tooth and nail to get her what I feel is the best thing for her.