This week I'm especially grateful for
Evan started school at the very young age of four months old. Yes, that's right four MONTHS!!! Early Intervention is a program that helps children from 0 to 3 years old who are at risk for delays and is actually federally mandated. Spina bifida and hydrocephalus put him at great risk, thus we started in the SNIT program very young. SNIT stands for Special Needs Infant and Toddler program. This program was great! How I loved those people!! They made me feel like I could help Evan reach his full potential. We meet once a week for two hours. The first hour someone from the team would work with Evan and I and show me ways to help stimulate Evan to explore his environment, or begin to make sounds or work those weak muscles etc. It seems like play but everything was to help Evan learn something new. The team included a special education teacher, physical therapist, speech therapist, and occupational therapist. The second hour the staff would play with the children and then the parents would have a support group type of meeting with a facilitator. We would talk about everything thing from the grief process, to resources in the area, to our rights as a parent within the special education process. Evan's first two teachers were Duane and Diana! They were great!! We felt safe and protected in the early intervention program and that made for a difficult transition to preschool. But, then again along came a another wonderful teacher, Sharon! All through Evan's education he has had great special educators. They have been patient and are totally aware of the needs for these children to be included with their non-disabled peers as much as possible. It takes a very special person to work as a special education teacher, we have been so fortunate to know many of them. They have been a blessing in Evan's life as well as mine.
2 comments:
Cindy, since our move away from you I have observed from a distance that you have been a very wonderful advocate for Evan and others in the special needs arena. I am proud of you for all of your hard work, diligence and sacrifice. I know that many lives have been blessed by your example, thoughtfulness, and committment. Evan has been able to accomplish so much as a result of your families efforts to be inclusive and living examples of reaching out through lifes challenges. I love you and applaud all your efforts.
That is great. i can understand the need and the importance of great special Ed teachers. We have really benefited from the speech programs for young children through school age. Robby has been in speech since he was 1. Great blessing!
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