Got To Stay On Your Toes

Posted on by
Reply

It is funny but once in a while I get this nudge that I should be doing something for Elizabeth, like I forgot something. I think of it as the still quiet voice. So the other night I was sitting and I realized that I needed to reach out to Elizabeth’s substitute teacher, to see if he had any questions about Elizabeth, her IEP, or her disorders. Elizabeth’s intervention specialist just became a mom a week ago so this new teacher will be with Elizabeth until the end of the year.

I went to the school yesterday and I was so happy that he was open to hearing about Elizabeth, he did have some questions, which I was happy to answer. I am happy to say the initial meeting went very well. I sent some information about Elizabeth to him today and he has my cell number as well as my email.

I felt so much better after meeting him and the funny thing is I knew there would be a sub, I knew there would be a change for Elizabeth but since this was really a first for us, I had to think how best to handle it and I am glad I listened to the quiet voice as I know now that I have started the communication path for this new teacher and I even if it is for just a few weeks.

I guess I will say the IEP is to be there to speak for the child and their needs but since it really can’t say it all, that is where we come in to fill those voids. Just some thoughts…….

Just Some Thoughts

Posted on by
Reply

In the past 2 to 3 weeks, Elizabeth has been expressing a desire to learn new tasks and by that I mean try them all herself. And when you have dyspraxia and SPD like she does this is a HUGE thing. She has always learned things but it has been work and sometimes I was the one saying “You will do this or try this” but this time it was all HER. It was great…probably the very best weeks with her. But I can see how this new way is taxing her….

I have to remember that a simple day to dyspraxics can be exhausting, just the average day to day activities let alone add in all the new things she is trying and learning. Well it all took its toll and she is looking so tired and her mood is less than pleasant.

I am working on how to process this as I want to continue to have her try things as she is still saying she wants to learn and do things herself but she needs to have something that allows her system to rest. So I am thinking of adding some exercises that will calm her as well as her music from ABT that is to relax. We will see how it goes!

It is like I am not discouraged because this came as the result of a growth from her but I am a bit sad as it is yet again a reminder that things others take for granted come at a price for us.

IEP Time

Posted on by
Reply

I just had a conference with Elizabeth’s intervention specialist. It is IEP time for us. I am so happy
that I have a great relationship with the teacher and that she and I is so like-minded in our goals for ELizabeth. I think that having the communication piece of the puzzle in place before the IEP meeting allows for a better chance of success.

I feel very comfortable talking to her and sharing goals and thoughts and she is so willing to LISTEN and not just HEAR me. I have learned there are many ways to approach an IEP and there are many ways to make sure the IEP really fits your child’s needs.

But the biggest part of this is the you have good communication and a shared belief in the child.

Good luck to those who are approaching the IEP table.