As I stood outside one of my classrooms last week on a break, I remembered being in that exact same spot one year ago, on the phone as I scheduled Kaden's very first appointment for therapy. I will never forget how unsure and scared I was at that time, but so excited to talk to this therapist who had already identified so many of Kaden's challenges and strengths. Finally, someone who understood him like we did.
Last week I got an email from that same therapist that read:
"Kristie, Here is the report for Kaden. The progress he has made over the last 10 months is nothing short of amazing."
As his final evaluation reports started coming in last week, they all brought tears to my eyes. Not just because of the remarkable progress he has made, but because of the things his therapists said about what a wonderful little boy Kaden is. They all mentioned how bright Kaden is. The teachers of his groups said he brought so much joy and good energy, and that he is such a happy little guy. I absolutely loved reading his reports.
A lot of people who are not familiar with the way the system works have asked me why he is getting final evaluations. To sum it up, when Kaden was first evaluated he received services through the Early Start Program which is state funded. In addition to that, our private insurance covered some of his speech. Well now that he is three, the state hands him off to the school system and we begin the IEP process.
IEP-Individual Educational Plan
Last week we had our 1st IEP meeting for Kaden. Four hours of 3 school officials who have never met Kaden, trying to find the most "appropriate" placement for Kaden.. So, the school journey begins. Kaden is only 3 and doesn't have a voice yet. The closest thing he has to a voice is us, and that is why we are going to advocate fight until the end to get him exactly what he needs. No one said this would be easy, but so worth it in the end!
The great news is that he starts attending a special day class tomorrow. He will go 4 days a week, 4 hours each day. In addition to that he will have his behavior therapist with him at school one day a week, work with him in our home two afternoons a week, and continue his speech therapy 3 times a week. He will get additional Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy in the classroom.
This is a huge transition time for him...for us to. I am finding out that I struggle with transitions just as much (if not more) as Kaden does! But he is so incredibly excited to start school, and we know this is where he will thrive. He will use his ipad in the classroom to assist with communication and will also use a picture schedule on his ipad to help him throughout his day.
We look forward to sharing his progress in the upcoming weeks!
Thanks for reading and have a wonderful week!!!
