Another one of the hard things about transitions is that they don't always happen the way you expect.
Last week's meeting with the local school system went as well as could be expected. The little guys were both accepted into the early start program and their individualized educational plans (IEPs) were written. Their developmental therapy from the state program will essentially be provided for in the basic preschool curriculum, and they will continue to receive additional speech therapy through the school system. Sawyer also will be adding occupational therapy, which was recommended at his clinical evaluation and subsequent diagnosis to help with some sensory issues.
The bad news was the school that we had anticipated they would attend is already full. We found that out at the end of the three hour meeting. So, the one that's conveniently located about two miles from our house in a brand new facility and has kids in our actual school district that they might conceivably go to school with for several years is not an option this year.
So now we wait . . . to find out what other options are available and where the kids might be sent. The two unofficial options that we were given are anywhere from six to nearly 10 miles away. Of course that's not terrible, but it does present other issues. I do have one child already in private preschool less than a mile from our home. And that school was on the way to and from the school we thought the little guys would be going to. The other two unofficial options are in the complete opposite direction. And, at three and four, I will be driving them all to and from school for the near future. So there is a logistical issue to consider.
It's frustrating in some ways, simply because they are technically allowed to start the day after their third birthday. That's hard to do when we don't even know where they might be allowed to go or what time slots are available (because, of course, they differ for different schools). And then we also still need to do site visits (which I'm glad I didn't try to coordinate before, since it would have been a waste of everyone's time), talk with their potential teachers about transitions, and all that other fun stuff.
So, we wait . . . not only on the school system to let us know what options are available, but apparently for the winter storm that is headed our way. School was cancelled today, which means no news will be coming, and if weather forecasts hold, will possibly be cancelled tomorrow and the next day.
So it goes . . .
