We attended Pre-School open house last night. Chloe loved her classroom and wanted to go play before I could even sign in at the door. I think she'll do great!
Observations: Her classroom doesn't have any obvious obstacles that would be challenging for her to see. Her teacher seems great. She'll probably be the tiniest kid in her class. (Ages range from 3-5 and she turns 3 later this month.)
Planning for the school year: We had her IEP meeting on Monday and she's getting 40 minutes/week with the OT and PT and 40 minutes per week with the Vision Therapist. She's also getting some time with the Orientation and Mobility folks but they can't work with her until the second week of school so I'll be taking her to the classroom and playground today so she can become even more comfortable and familiar with her environment. I'll also train the nurse and teacher on her contacts, drops, glasses, etc. I think we're good to go.
During the IEP meeting they asked if Chloe would be riding the bus. I had planned on driving her but they encouraged me to consider it because "they love it and buses are 22% safer than riding in the car." I also learned that the teachers actually put the kids on the bus and take them off in the morning and that made me feel better. Plus, I remembered that Chloe often asked to go on the bus when Solana would get dropped off at our house last year. "We'll think about it." Then we went to the open house and there was a bus sitting outside the school. We got on and checked out the 5-point harness. I had no idea! Chloe LOVED it and cried her eyes out when I took her off. Umm...she'll be riding the bus.
I suspect I'll be a crying my eyes out the first day I put her on it. Hopefully I can keep the tears at bay until they drive away. I can't believe this is happening! Wasn't it just yesterday that we brought her home from the hospital?
6 comments:
She is going to do so great. And it does feel like just yesterday you brought her home.
I am so proud of you. I am sure there are practical reasons for starting Chloe in pre-k now, but I'm sure, even with those reasons, that it has not been an easy decision. I am proud of you for putting aside your fear and anxiety, which I'm sure you have by the boatload, and "letting Chloe go". I have no doubt that you will work to make sure that everyone involved in her day know how best to help her, and I'm sure you must be so proud and excited for her. I have no doubt that Chloe is going to continue to be the amazing superstar that she is. You are such a strong momma, and I'm sure this wasn't an easy decision for you. You continue to inspire.
Love the pictures! Chloe is going to do great. I really believe it's much harder on us than it is on them.
Emily - it was an easy decision to send Chloe off to PreSchool. Her Early Intervention services (all her therapists) end when she turns 3 and she still needs help. She gets those services with an IEP at the school (Physical, Occupational, and Vision Therapy). Plus, she's very social and ready for school.
The hard part was just dealing with my nerves! I have to keep reminding myself that we're in a great school district and that she'll be fine :-)
Besa - you're absolutely right. She LOVES school. It was harder on me the first day. But now that she's had a couple of days and loved them I'm ok!
Emily - it was an easy decision to send Chloe off to PreSchool. Her Early Intervention services (all her therapists) end when she turns 3 and she still needs help. She gets those services with an IEP at the school (Physical, Occupational, and Vision Therapy). Plus, she's very social and ready for school.
The hard part was just dealing with my nerves! I have to keep reminding myself that we're in a great school district and that she'll be fine :-)
Besa - you're absolutely right. She LOVES school. It was harder on me the first day. But now that she's had a couple of days and loved them I'm ok!
OMG! She is just too cute! I love her!!!
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