Friday, March 19, 2010

And then.....something like this happens!!!

As parents of children with special needs, we often find ourselves having to make difficult decisions.  We want so badly to live up to the standard that "parents know their children, BEST".  So we inhale, take a deep breath and dive into that intimidating ocean of knowledge,  grasping at bits and pieces of information that we "THINK" and "HOPE" will be valuable information. 

When Landon was three months old, I had to return to work.  It wasn't easy going back when all I could think of was how much faster would Landon do things if I was home (working with him) all day long.  And, would those who were caring for him know exactly what he needed.  Ha, who was I fooling, like I knew myself, what his needs were.  Yes, those first three months were filled with doubt and worry.  After all, raising a child with special needs was suppose to be more work.   But as time past by, I slowly began to realize that I was overanalyzing.........everything.   You see, Landon, was my third and youngest son.  It's not like I was new to motherhood.  I should be a pro by now.  Why would Landon be any different. And so that first big decision was made, Landon would go to the same preschool/daycare with his big brother, Elijah.  And with a deep breath, I dropped Landon off for his first day of school, and off I went to work.  (And.....I survived!!)

I often find myself playing devil's advocate with every decision Scott and I must make, "in the best interest of Landon".  Always doubting and second guessing the choices we make.  Some decisions come a little easier than others, while others cast the darkest shadow of doubt.

You see, last week, Scott and I received Landon's "transition papers".  Yes, Landon received papers to transition from the "infant" room to the "toddler" room.  I was a bit surprised, not that Landon would be transitioning to that room(because we knew he would), but so soon??  Scott and I had been talking lately about how people see and treat Landon like he is still this cute and cuddly infant, and although he is cute and cuddly, reality is - Landon is 13 months old.  Peers his age have already transitioned.  Landon is the only child in the infant room.  Maybe I should have said something sooner, or maybe, I just wasn't ready.  Landon has been "visiting" the toddler room for a couple of months now.  He loves circle time and music.  I have actually been informed that Landon is the page turner during story time and that he is the life of the party when the music is turned on.  Yes, music to my..... "heart"!!  I "KNOW" that Landon should transition, but, I also "KNOW" that he still has needs.  You see, Landon can sit independently....but he cannot get into a sitting position on his own.  And what about snack time.......Landon cannot walk over to the table, sit in a chair and feed himself.  And communication??  Landon has a hand full of "signs" but is pretty much (with the exception of making sounds) non-verbal at this time.  How will he communicate with his peers??

When I picked Landon up from school on Tuesday, I had about a 20 minute chat with his teacher.  I voiced my concerns about Landon's transition.  Surprisingly, I was met with the ultimate accomodation.........either the teacher or a classroom helper would be watching over Landon at all times.  Someone to watch over him as he plays with his peers (in case he falls over), someone (to feed him) at the table that his peers eat and someone to continue using sign language (his current form of communication).  This school has been so good to us and so accepting of our EI team.  Landon's school will be working with our EI team, building workshops for their staff (if & when needed), to give them a better understanding and the knowledge of working/teaching children with special needs. 

I must confess.......although I agreed that it was in Landon's best interest to transition, I still felt a bit hesitant.  How will he communicate with the other children?  Will he be overlooked by his peers?  Will he get frustrated?

And then.........something like this happens!!!

As I entered the toddler room to get Landon, a group of 6/7 children (including Landon) were sitting quietly in a circle for story time.  The teacher told me that the class had been practicing and they would like to show me something.  She proceeded to ask the children if they wanted......"MORE....BOOK.....PLEASE".  And without hesitation the children together......SIGNED.......more.book.please.!   And the flood gates were open.  I was overwhelmed and speechless.  Yes, these children, were between the ages of 1 and 3 years old.  And here they were, SOAKING UP, all of this knowledge.......like the little SPONGES that they are.  Yes, they were learning and being exposed to sign language....not just because of Landon......but because these teachers truly believe in "INCLUSION".  You see, they already knew my fears, and were taking steps to reassure me that this definitely is..........in.the.best.interest.of.Landon:) 

Now............who.could.ever.second.guess.that??!!

13 comments:

  1. What a fantastic school you have found! Not only is transitioning him going to help him develop faster, but its helping his peers too! I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh... made me cry. Love stories like this!

    ReplyDelete
  3. You made me cry! Which is not a very hard thing to do but I'm so proud of your Landon. Do you realize just how well he is doing? and that school sounds like something out of a dream!
    I can't wait to meet up with you!!! Maybe Landon can teach Miss E some signs! I'm wondering if we have the same week off in April. If not how are your weekends. We have to get together.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Tears! Oh how I wish the rest of the world could love like children. You are so blessed!
    In Him,
    E

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow, did the flood gates open over here!! [ok, breathe]...we are starting to venture in this same area right now. On so many levels, I completely understand everything you just wrote about. The fears of sending Colin to school, being so happy where he is, and now worrying about transitioning into the next room. In fact, I just voiced my concerns to his teacher yesterday because I don't want to hold him back. However, everything you described about the next room is the same as where Colin is at right now...he can sit independently, but can't move into or out of sitting, he can't feed himself or move to the table to be fed. I want him to be with his peers HIS age because I also feel that if we hold him back now, it's only the beginning. I want to push him to keep going...

    Your story is so sweet and amazing and gives me so much hope. Thank you for sharing!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sounds like you have Landon in a great school.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Your post + My Wish from Rascal Flatts = Lot's of tears!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have to agree with the post above...This story combined with one of my favorite songs by Rascal Flatts....is just way too much of a tear jerker. I love to hear how well recepted Landon is. I feel that way with Ella wherever we go but our reality is rarely with little ones her own age. Usually older kids (my other kids age) who just want to play with "the baby". I hope we get as lucky as you did when it is our time to go to school.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wow...that is an amazing story! I completely understand about the second guessing about every decision. I have tried so hard to treat Emily like a normal child, and thus far, I believe we have done a very good job with it. However, with her entering into pre-school in the Fall, I am so worried. She's three, and not able to walk yet. I'm so afraid of her just being sat over in a corner while the rest of the children are being tended to. I've spoken to every one that will be involved with her care, and there's really no reason for me to feel this way because they have assured me that they would do everything to include her and make things work for her. Just a mom I guess...Thank you so much for posting this, though. Sounds like yall have found a wonderful place to send your little boy.

    ReplyDelete
  10. WOW!!! You definitely have one FANTASTIC school for Landon, I am SO HAPPY for you and for Landon that they have definitely gone above and beyond to include Landon in the toddler room and to prepare so much for him joining their room :) WONDERFUL!

    ReplyDelete
  11. oh my, what a beautiful story! I would have been in tears seeing all the kids showing off the signs they learned! Transitioning can be so hard; I know it was hard for me to agree to send Kayla on to Kindergarten and I don't know how I'm going to handle her going in to first grade!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I just love stories like these and the tears started flowing. It sounds like you have found a wonderful school for Landon! It is wonderful that they are not only including him, but helping him thrive.

    ReplyDelete
  13. wow! isn't that a dream come true?! we are all going to be praying now for school situations like that for our little ones with DS! I've enjoying discovering your blog and your cute little one!

    ReplyDelete