I know I need to give you an update on what’s going on with Chloe and school. I have decided that this post will be bare-bones and unemotional. (Yeah, right!) No, seriously. I think it’s important that it be both bare-bones and as emotionless as possible.
Many meetings have taken place in the last 3 weeks — several with me and several without me.
When the meetings first started, I felt that the people around the table were angry and frustrated and convinced that Chloe was in the wrong place and that she couldn’t succeed in her current placement. My frustrations grew more and more intense as I heard of their frustrations and of Chloe’s emotional distress.
I offered ideas and suggestions. I offered explanations. I continued to witness frustrated “teammates” around the table. While some of my ideas were put into practice, I still felt that perhaps the frustrations were insurmountable for my teammates. I wondered if they had already given up on Chloe.
I understood everyone’s frustrations — the staff at Chloe’s school were not prepared for the level of Chloe’s needs. They lacked the training and the tools.
Chloe missed 4 days of school while I struggled with whether to send her back or not. I needed to know that school was a safe place (emotionally) for her, and I needed to know for sure that we were all focused on her success and her well-being.
I spent many hours reading and studying the federal and state laws on special education. I had several meetings with friends and other people who are knowledgeable about special education laws and placements.
Paul and I struggled with whether to fight for what we know is right for Chloe and for what she deserves or to pull her out of a difficult environment and put her somewhere “safer.”
It has been a very emotional, very difficult couple of weeks for all of us.
When some of my requests were denied with the explanation of “We can’t do that,” I called in for some help. I didn’t think the staff was completely aware of the laws and of their meanings — again, this was their first experience with a child with needs like Chloe’s. I wrote a letter explaining my experience this year and requesting the assistance of someone within the district who I felt probably better understood the law and what was allowed. This person proved to be very helpful. Yes, she understood the law; she understood Chloe; she helped train and educate and encourage the staff at Chloe’s school; and she had lots of practical ideas to help Chloe succeed.
The status now? We set some IEPs — some modifications and accommodations — in place for Chloe for the next 60 days. She is allowed much prompting, guidance, and help from the teacher and her aide. Her writing assignments will be limited. Chloe will be allowed to respond in different ways besides writing on a worksheet. And she is getting a full re-evaluation in the next 60 days, too. The evaluations will include: IQ, achievement / ability, occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, assistive technology, adaptive PE, psychological. Hopefully when we reconvene at the end of November, we’ll have some good ideas of Chloe’s abilities and needs and be able to go from there in an effective, successful way.
Chloe has been happier at school for the past week or so. I am very much encouraged that the staff and I are all working toward Chloe’s success. I think the staff has allowed their frustrations to fall so that they can strive to help Chloe succeed. And I think Chloe is feeling “safer” and cared for and encouraged at school so that she is starting to do more and more work for her teachers.
I thank you for your thoughts and prayers over the past days and weeks. You and your prayers mean the world to me and to my family. If you think about it, I would love your continued prayers for favor and guidance and wisdom as we continue on in our journey.
That’s what it is, isn’t it? Caring for our children. Looking out for our child’s best interests. Fighting for what we think is right for our children. Protecting and training our children. It’s all a journey. A journey that never ends! If it’s not one thing, it’s another! I pray that you are strengthened and encouraged in your journey today. Keep up the good work. You are doing an excellent job! 🙂
Ordinary Days 