I know that we all dread transition meetings, IEP's and the dread of hearing what our children CAN'T do, but we had Noah's transition to kindergarten meeting the other day and I just wanted to let you know how well it went. It was a 2 hour meeting and I was floored at how much these people care for my son, much more than I ever imagined. There were around 10 people in the meeting, including his teacher, his aide, his therapists, the vice prinicpal of the school, and administrators and other special needs teachers that he will be involved with next year. There were 8 questions presented to the group and each of us had to answer the questions in front of each other. It was wonderful. Some of the questions were "What are your dreams for Noah", "What are your fears for Noah", "What do you hope Noah accomplishes in life". It was very emotional and I'm glad I was having a better day that day so as not to bawl my guts out through the entire meeting. We discussed his schedule and how he WOULD be included in 90% of classroom participation and only around 10% of one on one with his aide, and how his schedule would be modified as kindergarten these days is a far cry from what it used to be, you have to know EVERYTHING just to get started, which sucks!!!But I did feel much better after the meeting and right now I am so glad that we live where we do because we have a complete team of professionals ready and willing to help my child whereever he may need it. I am so grateful as this was one of my biggest fears for Noah. They also suggested that during the first week of school that we go in and educate the classroom about Down syndrome and let the children know that not only can they help Noah, but they can be his friend and hopefully by educating them they won't shy away from him. I feel really good about this!!!

Sounds like a great meeting and that's a great photo of Noah

Vonda,

I am so happy for you that it went well! Noah is going to do so well with all those people cheering him on!

Sounds wonderful!

Great news!! Love your new signature picture!!

I'm glad. Sounds like Emma's, without the open-ended questions. . . I felt fortunate that there are key people who DO care - it's not just a paycheck to them.

OK Vonda, is Noah trying to make a Kennedy face? LOL

I'm so glad the meeting went well! I must be emotional because just reading that post made me tear up! LOL You'll have to keep us posted on his year!!! Sounds like he has a great team looking out for him!

Renee you know I thought about that when he made that face, but NO, no one could capture that wonderful face that Kennedy has achieved!!! When I ask Noah to smile, THAT is the face that he makes every time, so I just went with it. I am so happy when you post on all these threads to see that wonderful face again. And again, I'm giggling!!!!

Sounds like an awesome meeting. It's so nice when you find out this really IS a partnership with the school!

Vonda, that sounds like it went really well. Again, you are giving me hope for Michaels future. Now you, Noah and the girls can enjoy your summer, and when the new school year begins, we'll all be waiting for updates on your little school boy.

That's so encouraging to hear Vonda. Noah will knock'em dead in Kindergarten,I just know it!

Glad to hear that your meeting went so well.....and how could it not with such a lovable little guy as the center of attention?!! Will be anxiously awaiting some good "Noah Stories" come this Fall when school is back in session!

I can't believe that I missed this post.

Vonda, it sounds like you had a fantastick IEP/transition meeting!! I think it is wonderful that Noah is going to be mostly in a inclusive class. I look foward to hearing about all his exploits in Kindergarten. Ha ha ha! It is really amazing how different states/county/school districts can be about the inclusion. Alex starts kindergarten in the fall. He will be in a non-inclusive room in the morning and the afternoon in a inclusive classroom. I am very curious and wary to see how things go for Alex. I know I would love to hear about how things go for Noah. He will do great with his peers!

Does Noah go to Summer shool? I am just curious, as Alex goes to summer school for about six weeks.

Yes Connie, Noah is out of school now, but the extended year program starts back up July 5th, and he goes for the whole month of July, but has Friday off. The first year I decided he wasn't going. I told the teachers that when his sisters step off that bus for the last day of school, so will Noah. My feeling was that he needed some NORMALCY in his life, and not therapy therapy therapy, school school school. Well that only lasted the first year. The teachers and therapists explained to me just how far behind a child can get with 3 months off of school, so he has been going ever since, and he really does like it. Sometimes it's just hard, I mean he started school at 3, when most typical children are still at home in their pajamas sitting on mama's lap watching cartoons, and I guess I just feel that because he has Ds he will always be working hard to achieve his goals, and that there isn't a time when he can just relax and be a kid. Does that make sense?

Oh, but Vonda! I have worked in extended school year programs for years, in 10 different school districts. It is FUN! It is NOTHING like "school"! They do some skill retention activities, but they are SO way more able to do them in really fun ways because of the small group of kids! Also, they don't have a curriculum they are required to stick to!

Also, the routine of school is a great thing for our kids. I WISH I could have sent ALL my kids to ESY!

Vonda, I totally know what you mean about normalacy for our kids. I think our children will will always have to work a bit harder than their typical counterparts. Although, I feel our children have their own unique gifts just like everyone else and there will always be something our children will be able to learn and/or do with little or no effort at all. I try to keep that in mind for myself. But at times I do wish I didn't have to worry about DR. appt's, therapies, IEP goals, shcool....... for Alex and Sidney girl. I just wish from time to time that life would just be easy in the world of academics for both my kids. (Max is following a different path, thank God!!! ) But anyway,I do know what you mean. It is very important that Alex in particular, gets to enjoy life without all the other stuff that helps him along. He just needs to be a little boy and enjoy all the things that little boys do.

Vonda, that was great news about your meeting for Noah. Very positive and very rewarding, too!! He is one lucky little boy.

I can't wait for the day when William gets to go to Kindergarten. I'm nervous, but so excited at the same time. He's starting his 3 day 3's this fall in our private preschool and he'll have his same aide, Hayley. That is a blessing!

Great news and great meeting for you!!!

Libby