The Second First Day of School

Patrick just left to go to school. On the bus.

Confused? How about I back up to Monday to clarify what happened...

On Monday Patrick had his first ARD with the school district. You might remember that he had graduated out of the ECI program when he turned three. At that point, he is tested by the school district to see if he qualifies for special ed. The ARD is the official meeting that inducts him into the special ed program. (It will also be a yearly meeting we have to make sure his needs are still being met and will hopefully one day dismiss him from the program.)

At Patrick's ARD on Monday, we learned that he does indeed qualify for special ed services under what they call a speech impairment. Really, they didn't find anything other than what we already knew. His only problems have to do with understanding speech, expressing himself, and talking socially.

The special ed teachers recommended that Patrick start their pre-school program there. It runs every afternoon from 12:45-3:45. He also rides the bus to get there. (Don't worry, it's a special bus for special ed students--yes, it's a short bus--and it has a carseat in it for him.)

This will be a good thing for him. Patrick will get more specific help for his problems from professionals who know how to help him. He will also get a chance to socialize with many different kids from different backgrounds with different problems. It's my hope that after a year or so of this pre-school, he will have caught up to the point that he no longer qualifies for special ed. Unlike many other students in their program, Patrick's problem is not (should not) be a lifelong problem and will likely resolve itself after some time of specifically addressing it.

After much thought and consideration, Patrick will try to stay in his MDO program at the moment. He won't be able to stay the whole time so that he can be home in time to catch the bus for pre-school, but we would like for him to continue in the school environment he already knows and loves. The teachers there are wonderful and so nurturing, and I would hate for Patrick to miss out on the church education he gets there as well. I also like that he gets a chance to socialize with "normal" kids, kids that don't require the extra help that his pre-school friends will. MDO will help create a more well-rounded kid, I hope.

Of course, having that busy a schedule twice a week may turn out to be too much for him. The next few weeks will be a trial period to see how he does before we make any final decisions about staying in MDO. Please be praying for us as we are forced to make some final decision.

It was really kind of weird to send my oldest son off to school on the bus for the first time today. He took it like a man--okay, really like Patrick--and didn't shed a tear. He was smiling from the excitement of it all. Me? Not so much. I'm a little scared about how he is doing all by himself in a new place and a new situation. I'm sure my resilient little boy is loving the adventure of it all, though. I just hope he doesn't mind the huge bear hug he's going to get from me when he gets home.