It's summertime...For our family, this means that final exams are complete,textbooks have been returned and report cards have been issued. We've pored over yearbook pages and sorted through overly-stuffed backpacks. We've send thank you cards to teachers and picked peonies for the bus driver. We've hosted our ninth annual last-day-of-school neighborhood donut party, and I enjoyed watching 11 little powdered-sugary faces around my kitchen table. Another year is done.
During May and June, I have had the honor to work with many of you as you wrap up your own family's school year. We've made many decisions need to be made your children, who have come to mean so much to me. Transition plans, ESY services and summer therapies have been discussed and scheduled. Goals and objectives for next year have been written, and progress has been noted.
The most important aspect of these meetings, in my opinion, is that hopes and dreams have been discussed. Often, in the hurry of the meeting, parents are rushed through the "Step 1" of the IEP. When this happens, I always slow the team down a bit. This part of the IEP is critically important. This is the part of the meeting where we really examine our hearts and search our souls as we look toward the future. What are our hopes and dreams for this most precious child?
Stay tuned for more information on writing an effective future planning statement. And, in the meantime...send me a comment about your hopes and dreams for your child!
