The Chronicles of School Days, Issue 7

So, it has been awhile, but let me update you on school. There have been lots of ups and downs, but we now have an IEP in place for Taylor. The speech therapist at his school didn't think that he qualified for services any longer. Since Josh and I disagreed with his initial findings, we asked for a second opinion. While the district is supposed to pay for an independent therapist to evaluate students when the parents request a second opinion, we were asked and agreed to allow another one of the district's therapists evaluate him. Fortunately, this was one of the parents of fellow soccer campers last summer. So we had a rapport.

Her report was incredibly thorough and professionally prepared and had some of the same findings, but also disagreed with some of the findings. It determined that Taylor is, in fact, qualified for services. Some of his mistakes are not age appropriate, even for a 4 year-old Kindergartner. His goals were re-evaluated and amended to goals that we find will be beneficial. The proposed goals were those that he had already met. It didn't make any sense. So, we were happy that the second evaluation had an outcome that will help Taylor's speech improve.

Taylor also qualified for a 504 which is a blessing too. The school psychologist also evaluated Taylor and agreed with his pediatricians, Taylor suffers from anxiety. The 504 will ensure that we can help him recover and learn to minimize the impact of his anxiety on his life. Overall, these are two huge victories for him.

We are guaranteed that he gets to meet his teacher for next year and build a rapport with him/her before the transition to first grade. However with the budget issues this year, they haven't narrowed down who will be teaching first grade, making it impossible for Taylor to get to know his future teacher. This is very frustrating for me. I talked to the school psychologist briefly today, though, and she will be working on this issue for me.

I find myself obligated to mention that landing at the elementary school that we have has been a total blessing. While we desperately tried to get into a different school district only to be shot down by the school board, twice, God's will was done, in Taylor going to school where he is. Every time that I go to the school, it is a daily reminder that God's will and plan are perfect. He knows what is best and will make it happen. Thanks be to God.