School Observations

This afternoon I had the opportunity to observe the classrooms - briefly - for both schools and classes available. Janine and Cari were able to come with me to give me not only some much needed moral support, but also provide their input on where they feel Raquel would fit the best.

I was very surprised with how emotional I became. I really thought that I would be checking out a couple options to think about and bring to IEP meeting tomorrow. But as soon as we stepped in to the ABA based classroom - actually, as soon as we approached it - I could feel this lump in my throat and the tears beginning to form. That's when it hit me, that this was my reality, that I was approaching a special education class for my daughter to attend. I've said it before that I have a very real perception of Raquel and her abilities. I don't know what it was today, but something hit me like a ton of bricks, and it really caught me off guard.

The ABA class is very structured - transitioning activities every 15 minutes - and using a lot of visual schedules, which could be very frustrating to Raquel. They have a brand new sensory room that is opening in a couple weeks and looks really great. I'd like to hang out there. Karin would be pleased. :-)

The motor planning class at the second school was a lot different. Raquel would be given more liberty to be "Raquel", since she likes to work on her own terms. It definitely is academic based like the other class and has structure - just not as intense of a structure, if you know what I mean. They also have a really great sensory room. It was actually more like a play room. I'd like to hang out there as well, and possibly nap.

The Program Specialist who went with us to both schools, Pam, could not have been any sweeter or more guinine. She reminded me of Paula Deen from the Food Network, and her "ya'alls" and stuff were beyond hilarious. She definitely was a breath of fresh air. You don't come across people like that on a regular basis, and I'm so happy she'll be part of my new team.

So tomorrow I have the IEP and afterwards the Psychological Evaluation at Regional. Wish me luck, ya'all.