eras end and begin

Ben is a recent preschool graduate! 

For me, as a Dad, it was a pretty big deal.  Because of Ben's developmental delays, he has been at our county's preschool since he was two years old... for the first months (part time) in the early intervention program, and for the past three years (full time), riding the bus to Mrs. M's class.

 Two years old, first official day of preschool and first day on the bus

Five years old, last official day of preschool

The wrapping up of preschool was a very important time, because decisions needed to be made for the upcoming kindergarten year... decisions by both parents and the school system.  As the school year wrapped up, Jen and I attended Ben's IEP/Transition plan meeting.  We were leaning toward keeping him in the county school program, and felt that integration into our local public school would not be a good option for him.  We were nervous, though, not knowing what the others in the meeting would feel was appropriate (and cost effective).

In the end, the recommendations of his preschool teacher, the district representative and the county educational psychologist were unanimously in agreement with us in favor of staying at the county school.  There was another special needs pod school available in the county, so we toured the county school (Ben will be in a different wing in the coming years) and also toured the pod school, and feel confident that the county school is were he belongs... at least for now.  We met three of the four teachers for his grade level, and fell in love with one in particular.  We have requested that he be assigned to Mrs. Y's class, and the principal indicated that he would be assigned to her for the coming year.

We are very blessed with this school that our county operates.  It has been a big part of Ben's life for most of Ben's life and it is a very special place.  It is a place were much of the staff love what they do and really give themselves to special needs children.  It has the environment of family within a school.  Though they will likely not see this blog, I am thankful for teachers and principals like the ones Ben has been surrounded by.

So, as the preschool era ends, the elementary era begins. 

And, it is a unique year in our home, in that four of four children will change schools. 

Lily moves from Elementary to Middle.

Zachary moves from Middle to Jr. High.

Dylan moves from Jr. High to High.

Wow... just yesterday, Dylan was beginning kindergarten as is Ben.  Now, I have a high school freshman in my home?  Where does the time go?