Finding a Preschool

Well over a year ago, while I was pregnant with Hank we looked at some preschools for Goldie. I did this as part of the transition process when she turned 3. I didn't see a place that I loved, so we decided to utilize some community programs this year and revisit the preschool options when she was turning 4.

I began my search anew in February when I saw that a Montessori school was having an open house. It was nice, but it seemed like there would be a lot of rules for Goldie to remember and the room had a lot of furniture for her to navigate around. Goldie also learns best in an environment that is free of visual clutter. I spoke with the teacher and explained what Goldie's strengths and weaknesses were. I did not tell her my daughter has Down syndrome. In my experience, it brings up too many stereotypes.

The school's only tuition option was for 5 days a week, so I decided to keep looking. It would cost us a fortune in gas to make 10 trips a week! My next call was to my neighbor. Her kids went to a Montessori school that was 5 minutes away, but only advertises by word-of-mouth. She was happy to call the owner and talk to her about Goldie.

The owner, Miss M, has really exceeded all of my expectations. She has met Goldie one-on-one twice and has had me observe the classroom one morning by myself. Before I sat in on a class, she told me "I don't want you to get overwhelmed and think that Goldie can't do this, because she CAN." Miss M. has asked me to bring Goldie once a week for 1/2 just to get her used to the classroom and allow them to get to know her. I must have looked a little nervous because she assured me that Goldie will be going to school there as long is that is what I want. The plan right now is for Goldie to attend two mornings a week in the fall and maybe add a third day after the Christmas break.

A couple months ago I was asking myself, "Am I crazy to think that my child with Down syndrome can go to a typical preschool without an IEP and supports?". But, after seeing Goldie in the classroom and feeling the kindness of the students and teachers, I know Goldie will just blossom at school next year. She is already requesting "school" on a daily basis.

This is my first post using a blogging app. If it works out, I may be able to post more often than once a month!

IEP Evaluations

I thought I should take a brake from my babymoon for a quick update. The last 4 weeks have been fabulous. Hank is such a sweet and, dare I say, easy baby. My husband and I both agree that everything has just been way too easy this time around. For example, baby Hank was nursing within 30 minutes of his birth. He knew exactly what to do. And when to do it. No pumping, no finger feeder, no syringes. My first two were also very sleepy babies and I had a hard time keeping them awake to eat. Not this guy. The best part is that we know to appreciate all these little things. Part of me keeps waiting for his therapists to walk through the door. I keep reminding myself that our new arrival didn't come with an IFSP. Ha!

Speeking of Early Intervention Goldie's evals for her IEP are today. My husband was supposed to be home, but he has a new schedule and has to work. So, Grandma is watching the big girls while I take Goldie and Hank. And to make it even more fun, our appointment is the same as Goldie's naptime. She's asleep right now and she refused to eat lunch. This is the problem with scheduling things so far in advance.

I tried to get out of it by canceling last week. Let me explain why, Hank Sr. and I have been talking for the last couple months about what we want for Goldie next year. This included observing an inclusion preschool classroom. I was less than impressed. After discussing our various options, we have decided not to send Goldie to preschool next year. Originally, we were told that if we waited until September to send her that they would not provide her services and we would have to get them privately. Soooo, I thought if we weren't sending her to pre-k she wouldn't get services from the county. But, I got a phone call yesterday saying they would still provide. Funny how things change. When I gave my husband the new information he said "It feels like were dealing on a new car."

Early Childhood Inclusion

This newsletter was in my inbox today and I thought I would share it. I have to be honest though, I haven't taken the time to read the whole thing. I did enjoy the article on page 6 about Annie. I've seen the DVD she was in at an Early Intervention support group where the topic was routines-based Early Intervention. I found it very reassuring to see how much of what we do everyday is beneficial to our children.

Electric fences

For 3, maybe 4, months a year our property borders an electric fence. It is about 8 feet from our chickens and the garden. It is so beautiful to get up and have coffee while watching a newborn calf nurse from his mother. I love it here. My children are growing up in the same house I did and playing in the same yard I did. Hank grew up on a small farm, so this property was a good fit for him.

I slowly feel we are becoming our own small farm. There is always something that needs done. Like yesterday. I took Goldie outside to swing. While we were out I noticed the walnuts on the ground needed to be picked up so Hank could mow the grass. I walked over to get a wheelbarrow to put them in. While getting the wheelbarrow I see that the chickens need water. I take the bucket back to the house. While I'm dunking it in the rain barrel I turn to check on Goldie. She is headed toward the cow pasture. Despite my running and screaming, she beat me to it. By a mile. I felt like I was in a race against the electric current. This time we won. The fence wasn't working. (FYI, they don't deliver a continuous shock, it travels around the fence, which is very long. I've been shocked and it hurts, but it isn't dangerous, kwim?) The neighbor called later to see if everything was ok. She was outside and heard me yelling. I told her Goldie was fine, but I was very sore and would be spending the afternoon on the couch. I'm 29 weeks pg, not a good time to start sprinting.

I really believe inclusion begins at home, but I struggle with including Goldie and keeping my sanity her safe. She usually stands and watches the chickens while I get the water. Hank taught her to pull grass and feed it to them. This is very cute, but she's gotten her fingers pecked already.

March 21st

March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day. It was also Goldie's due date and my grandmother's birthday. But, Goldie wanted her own day so she didn't wait until then.

Here she is, looking officially "2" in her shirt from The Rocking Pony. Doesn't Karen do great work? Now if I could get 6 more I wouldn't have to constantly answer the "how old is she" question.









I thought this would be a good day to show you all what I found in my first grader's science book.







Pretty cool, huh? There were also pictures of other children with special needs besides Down syndrome. It is the 2000 edition of the McGraw Hill first grade science book. I'd like to get my hands on a recent edition and see if they still include children of all abilities in their materials.