The New School Transition!

Mia's first day of school, and they had her favorite toy waiting for her!

Mia started her kindergarten year of school on August 29, at a brand new school, with brand new people. My biggest concern was the transition from the old to the new school. But, as usual, Mia impressed me with her ability to adapt, and the transitional issues have been minimal.

The only transitional issue that she really has had, has been the one from hanging out with mommy in the morning, and then going to school. Over the years, Mia has grown accustomed to lazy morning proceedings meaning that she was spending the day with mom.  I not only wrapped my living area around Mia’s school needs, I have also wrapped my work life around her school hours also, so our before school and work routine is a lot more laid back. So for the first week and a half, Mia had to adjust to the idea that a lazy morning, still meant she was going to school.

Today though, she has made a full adjustment to this new routine, and upon arrival, looks in the window of the door as if she’s asking her teachers to let her in! Upon entering, she runs up and greets her teacher with a smile, and then runs around the school and greets all of the other teachers as well!

The first couple of weeks there were play for Mia, so she would feel comfortable in this new environment and with her new teachers. Slowly, they have integrated some work into Mia’s routine, and she is already starting to show signs of progress!

Because the I.T.P. (individualized treatment plan} her previous school had in place for her was so vague, it was clear that a more specific approach would be needed. So we recently had a thirty day I.E.P (individualized education plan), to reassess her goals and learning needs. The school wanted to be able to spend at least a month with her to see exactly what her strong points were, and what areas needed to be worked on before a permanent I.E.P. was set in place. What a novel idea!

Walking into this meeting, I was filled with warm feelings of opportunity for Mia, which is something I was very grateful for. Ordinarily, I.E.P. meetings are regarded by parents as an ambush from the school district. Here though, these meetings are constructive, child specific, and detailed to that child’s needs. There are no empty promises about what should happen. Instead goals and timelines are made for optimal success. There seems to be nothing that these people won’t do for the kids that they teach, and I am so lucky that Mia has this opportunity to experience this great approach to learning in her own unique way.

The goals and plans are set in place, and it will be great to see the progress that Mia makes here! Updates to come!