STUPIDLY LONG IEP update.

[muppetinma]

We got Andrew's evaluations today and had out IEP meeting.  We were given several different options to pick from.

Full Day Autism Classroom-
*Monday-Friday, 8:30-2:30.
*They'd pick him up and drop him off at my doorstep every day.  
*They'd feed him breakfast, lunch, and a snack.
*100% free.
*Every other kid in his classroom would have autism.

Full Day Inclusion Classroom-
*Monday-Friday, 8:30-2:30.
*They'd pick him up and drop him off at my doorstep every day.
*They'd feed him breakfast, lunch, and a snack.
*100% free.
*Half of the kids would be "typical" and half would be special needs.  

Community Program w/ Current Preschool
*School is Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9:00-12:00.  The specialist would come to his classroom for two hours a week.
*I'd drop him off and pick him up.  
*They don't provide food.
*Waiting to hear from financial aid, but would probably be about $5,000.
*Every other kid in his classroom would be neurotypical.


So that's a lot to think about.  I think the autism classroom is out.  He would have access to more services there, since the entire program has special needs.  But, seeing as how 100% of his difficulties fall in the social realm, I fear that putting him in a room with kids with similar problems would be doing him a disservice.  I also worry that he'll be "pushed aside," for lack of a better term, if he ends up being the highest functioning kid in the room, if that makes sense.  

The inclusion program seems like a great opportunity.  The kids with special needs will have varying disabilities, so not all socially struggling.  Plus, he seems to be thriving in an environment with "typical" kids.  It's free, all day, all week.  For selfish reasons, that sounds amazing.  Their structure and program sounds more like glorified daycare than school.  I mean, they'll do circle time and centers and whatnot, but I don't think it'll come close to the quality education he's getting now.  But does that even really matter when they're three?

If he were to stay in his current school, they'd send a specialist to work with him two times a week.  He'd be in a familiar space, where he's been thriving.  We love the school.  They love him.  We'd be paying for the school tuition, but it's really a drop in the bucket compared to what we've been paying for this past year.  Fewer hours, for sure.  And less specialty help.  But does he really need it?  Or is he getting what he needs just by being surrounded by neurotypical kids?

There is no room in the full-day programs this school year.  He'd have to start in "fall."  (August 4th)  So for now, he'll have the community program specialist come to his current school for the two hours a week until the end of the school year.  We went ahead and signed him up for the inclusion preschool, since it gets filled very quickly.  We'll see how the last month or so of school goes with the specialist and make our final decision.  I'm honestly not sure which would be best for him at this point, but I think the inclusion preschool would be the best for us as a family.  After the obscene amount of money we've spent over the past year and a half on therapy, school, aides, and whatnot, it'd be amazing to have zero ASD related costs.  I would have 30+ hours a week all to myself.  

Ugh.  Word vomit.  Sorry.  It just helps me sort it out.  Any thoughts/ideas/personal experiences/booze would be greatly appreciated.

[ruby412]

Seems like a no-brainer to me! Option #2. Inclusion classrooms are ideal in that he will have access to services, but have lots of great "models" for friends. Plus, free is good. And full day is good.

[mala]

Just as I was reading the descriptions I was thinking the inclusion would be best. I'm so happy he's doing well!

[TrudyCampbell]

If it were me, id do the full day integrated (because that's basically what we are hoping to do for Violet). I'm glad you have options. Good luck.

[Deleted]

I think option 2 sounds great!! Really that is a lot of perks and the mix of nuerotypical and special needs sounds best. I know he's thriving where he is but I wonder if as he gets older he may feel better seeing other kids like him.

[betsyray]

Option 2 sounds awesome.

[raynes]

I agree that inclusion really sounds like that way to go!

[imimahoney]

I think option 2 sounds perfect. It's great that you were presented with so many options. I'm sure he'll thrive there as well!

[vthokie]

Yeah. As a teacher, and as someone who "knows" A, I would say #2 for sure. He's smart. His challenges are going to lie with fitting in "normally" with same age peers in a general Ed setting. So this is the best way to have him acclimate to what life will be. It's nice that you have so many great options for him

[bean47]

I think you're spot on with your choice! He's going to do great. From what you've shared about A, I think being in a nonintegrated class wouldn't meet his social needs. With the services he gets at school, will you be able to drop all your outside services?

[Deleted]

Sounds like you have some awesome options. #2 seems like a perfect choice!

[laurack]

Option two sounds awesome!

[Deleted]

I'm glad you have several good options! #2 does sound really nice. Saves lots of money and gives you some more time!

[kemangel124]

My vote is for inclusion program (since that is my exact job!!!) It will provide him with the structure of the autism class with the exposure to the neurotypical peers. It is the best of both worlds in my opinion. Please PM me if you have any questions, although you seem very well informed!

From what you share about A, I don't think an autism only setting would be appropriate for him and his current skill level. Good luck with the decision. I know it is hard, but having those options are really great!

[kandrze1]

Option 2 sounds like a good fit.

[devotchka]

I automatically thought #2 as well. Great to have so many good options and have time to weigh/process it all. It's a lot but I'm sure you'll come to a perfect decision for him and your family.

[eav2c]

The college that I got my ECE degree from had a program called project help that was exactly like option 2. The kids were so successful there and it is by far still my most favorite experience as a student teacher. I felt like it was a really positive atmosphere. I really hope that if that is the option you choose, that it will be a great fit! I know you will do what is best!

[onehitwonder]

I am glad you guys have some good options. I like the sound of #2 as well.

[sandj82110]

Number 2 sounds like an awesome opportunity for both of you.

[mscatra]

I think the inclusion option sounds fabulous, too, especially since you said the majority of his needs are social, which he should get plenty of exposure to in the inclusion.

[mcburglar]

This all sounds like the best kind of outcomes for A. I think inclusion sounds great since I'm considering sending mcnugget as a neuro typical kid.

[thedahliharpa]

It's great you have choices and the inclusion sounds like a great option.

[The Foozzler]

I really like option 2. My school has a preschool and pre k that fit that model. It is a great experience for the children getting special services and the peer role models. You really can't often tell the difference between them.

I also think that A is perfect for inclusion. In my state there is a push for all inclusion for all children all of the time. I don't think it is a good fit for every child in every situation. But A is doing so well behaviorally and beyond his peers educationally. The social aspect will be great for him.

[Regina Philange]

I think personally I would go with option 2!

You can always switch to full time in the fall too when it opens up.

[dojo]

Sounds like you've got a lot of good options!

[badgermom]

Option 2 sounds great! It is what the district I teach in does and I see great outcomes for kids graduating from this type of program into my kindergarten.

[jg183]

congrats on a good meeting. That's nice you left with options. It sounds like Option 2 will be perfect for him.

[shevacc]

I agree with everyone else that option 2 sounds the best. Most especially bc it will prepare him for what school will be like, assuming he'll be in public school for K.

[katfco]

I agree with everyone else that number 2 is best. Right now, play and social opportunities are all he and any other 3-year-old needs.

[lolaburns]

This is so wonderful that you have so many options on the table. I know you will make the best decision for Andrew and your family. The inclusion option sounds absolutely amazing!