IEP

So I feel like my life has just been fast forwarded and I'm trying to keep up with everything. Let's rewind to Tuesday and I'll tell you a little bit about our first IEP meeting. Oh boy I was a nervous wreck leading up to it. Even though I felt like I knew what to expect, nothing could prepare me for the tears I struggled to hold back the entire time. I had previously met almost everyone in the room because of Caleb's various assessments (this was Tj's first time meeting everyone), but new to me were the principal and Caleb's new preschool teacher...*ahem*...did you hear that?? Deep breaths everyone, in and out.

The meeting started off with going over the Report. The Report basically showcases every assessment's findings, from speech to psych to occupational therapy. While again I feel like I knew what to expect (and let's be honest, Caleb's struggles aren't a big secret...we're here for a reason), it was still very hard to swallow when the school psychologist said that his scores in a few areas were consistent with that of a child with mild-moderate/high functioning Autism. Whew. Not to mention it's incredibly hard to have professionals speaking so matter-of-factly about your child, yes it's their job, but it doesn't ease the sting. Now, all that information means is that he qualifies for special education services through the public school system; this is not a diagnosis (although a diagnosis is right around the corner...did you hear we have an appointment in July with the neurologist?!).

The next step was to talk about IEP goals, which are goals set by the IEP team that Caleb will work toward. Each goal is different, and each has its own timeline as to when it should be achieved (and if not achieved, then rewritten/evaluated). 2 of his goals pertain to speech, 2 pertain to playing with other children, and 1 has to do with transitions ("okay Caleb, we're now going to stop playing with that toy and do something else"). And how, you ask, will he achieve these goals? By going to preschool 5 days/week for 3 hours each day *gulp*. Ummmmmmmwhat?? Yes ma'am, my little bug is going to school. Without me. Is everyone crying, or is it just me? Sigh, we already bought him a backpack...Lightning McQueen, from Cars (which he's watched maybe once, it was that or Elmo, Target had slim pickins). It's all packed and ready to go with a change of underoos, a snack, and his name written in black Sharpie on the inside. Monday morning will be rough. It will be a huge adjustment and it will take a lot of time for him to be comfortable (I'm fully expecting him to cry the entire time..for a few days at least). And you know what...I have no idea what Lilly and I will do with ourselves for those 3 hours each day. Maybe paint our nails and braid each other's hair?? Wasn't ready for this so soon, but I guess we're never ready for the rough stuff (especially us mothers, eh?). But i feel very comfortable with his goals, the IEP team and his new teacher (she only has 8 kids in her class...SCORE!). Check back soon, y'all know I'll be blogging about his first day...