Camden's IEP

Kevin and I attended Camden's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting yesterday. He now is set with a 23 page IEP, which includes curriculum, PT, OT and communication and language goals. Based on some silly score, Camden wasn't found to be appropriate for a Speech therapist and the Speech pathologist tried to assure us that communication goals would be addressed by the teacher. (Kevin and I spent much time questioning this and disputing their assesment, since he already receives ST and the evaluators even remarked impairments with communication!!). We ended up meeting one-on-one with the Speech pathologist (who by the way, was the only one who hadn't personally met Camden so was at a disadvantage). We compromised, and she added two more communication-focused goals to the IEP. (Because as we all know, if it's not on the IEP, it doesn't get addressed, regardless of what anyone tells you). He has 4 Physical Therapy-related goals, 4 OT and 4 communication goals. We're pretty happy with the outcome and I was extremely proud of how aggressive Kevin was in advocating for Camden. We'll find out by July which schools are being offered, so that we can tour their Pre-K program.

We also drove out to Neptune Beach Elementary School to see their MOVE program. MOVE is the international program that blends therapy goals with curriculum. Every ESE teacher is trained in it, but don't necessarily stick to it--it's something the parents have to insist upon. The school was incredible!! Those teachers and aides were so devoted to the kids and there was so much cool equipment. It was exciting to see the kids moving around practicing their skills and to hear the stories of what the MOVE program has done for the them. I started to cry when the typical kids came in to help move the special needs ones outside during PE--that was soooo moving! Inclusion at its finest. It made us want to move out there to the beach. But Camden does not have the "profound" label those kids did, so we also have to jump threw those hoops. I just hope that whatever school he's recommended for has a MOVE program that tries to meet the standards Neptune Beach does. :)