I have been watching the news and reading our local paper with a slight interest as everyone is discussing the statewide education budget cuts. I did not think that it would directly impact our family in the near future since we are not teachers. I never dreamed that our school district would cut the entire PPCD (preschool program for children with disabilities) at her elementary school for the next school year.
What does this mean? It means that her wonderful teacher, aides and therapists that have made such a large impact on her little life in the short month since has been with them have lost their jobs. I can not imagine how this affects their families. It means that the children, including Reagan, are going to be transferred to one of the two schools in our district that still offer a ppcd classes. Yeah, I guess I should not complain, at least it is still available, even if it is not easy. The closest school that she can now attend is a minimum 45 minute car ride each way without traffic.
I am sure that this is a decision that was not made lightly, at least I hope. However, it feels like someone has told me that education for special needs children is not important. I feel like I have been sucker punched in the stomach and I'm not really sure to who she be on the receiving end of my retaliation. I don't even know who to blame, not that it even matters.
I have watched before my eyes as Reagan has come out of this funk that she has been in for the past year. My little girl that used to giggle and smile all the time has finally returned. She is happy and glowing. We share looks at each other several times a day where our hearts are speaking and I know that she understands she is loved and adored. I don't know if it is just coincidental that this change for her happened at the same time that she started school and I can't say that I really care. However, I will be a very upset Mama Bear if the transition to the new school does not go well. If the teachers and staff do not accept her with open arms or if I no longer see that glimmer of hope in her eyes.
Abby's first visit to Boston for the IGF-1 Trial
10 years ago
Oh Dawn, I had so hoped that this would not impact you all as I watched on the news about budget cuts, paying extra close attention to the BISD news! We will be praying for great teachers for Reagan next school year. Love you!
ReplyDeleteD ~ I'm so sorry, the job cuts are crazy but again I never thought that special education would get lost completely in the shuffle; heartbreaking!! For you, Reagan, and her teachers whom have been so great in the last month....saddened.
ReplyDeleteThere has got to be something better we can do with the education system as a whole; I watched Waiting for Superman this weekend and it's had me thinking in addition to all the school districts and massive job cuts...I seem to hear lots of talk and not much positive action and fixing the problem from our politicians; I hope my vote starts counting soon.
I just got lectured today about taking the school district to task to get my girlie her own aide. And to get her fully integrated. Inclusion plus physical therapy, plus ... well, you know.
ReplyDeleteI'm just so tired. And, she can't hardly handle what she has now. I figure if the two of us can't handle the third rate she's got now, what would we do with the first rate? We'll get there...
I hope that it turns out happy for you.
I am Reagan's new teacher and am SO delighted to have her in my room. She walks around with a huge smile on her face and is checking everything and everybody out. We hear her make sounds and is expressing to us what she likes and what she doesn't like and we are watching, loving, and learning. We all pray for her every day. (There are four Teaching Assistants with me). She has many new friends now and we will take great care of her!
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