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Thursday, August 17, 2006

Transitions

Kayla has transitioned out of Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) services. This is a service she received from birth to age three and then she goes to preschool. She's been with this center pretty much since she was about 5-6 wks old. She's had the same PT and ST since that time. She has had 2 different OTs (the first from 5 months to 20 months old) and the second from that point on. She's had a few different Early Interventionist "teachers" since she started. She started attending the ECI "class" when she was 15 months old. She was going 1 day a week first for 1.5 hrs, then 2, then 3 hrs.

Last Friday they had a "graduation" for the kiddos who were transitioning to preschool. It's hard to believe 3 yrs has passed and she won't be going there anymore, or seeing these therapists anymore. It was bittersweet, knowing she's been there for so long, but knowing it's time to move on and preschool will be good for her. Here are some pictures from the graduation.

This one was actually from the day before the graduation (with her ST and Early Interventionist - the day they decorated cookies)


With her OT


One of the teachers from the classroom


Getting her "certificate" and goodie bag


On second thought, I don't want that piece of paper, I just want this goodie bag!


With yet another therapist ... mom!


and dad too of course!



And now today my baby starts preschool. She'll still go for 3 hrs, but it'll be 4 days a week instead of the one day when she was at ECI. And the preschool is on base, which is a lot more convienent. She'll still receive ST, OT, and PT, but it'll be different therapists and it'll be at the school instead of the house. She'll ride a bus (whenever the bus company calls to let me know the schedule!)

Last week 2 of the teacher's came to the house so Kayla could be familiar with them and on Tues we had an "open house" at the school so she could see the room. She didn't want to go in the room at first and kept pulling away saying 'no' but I carried her in there and after a few minutes she got down to explore the room. We're off this morning for preschool and I hope it goes ok since she's been in the room now!

Funny thing is I don't feel as emotional about it as I thought I might. Maybe it's because I've been dropping her off at the ECI center once a week and leaving her there, so this feels similar. I'm just dropping her off 4 days instead of 1. Maybe I'll be more emotional when it's kindergarten? And who knows, I may come back and tell you I was a blubbering mess after I dropped her off!

Of course I'll try to get some pics this morning and update later!

26 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow, Kayla's going to preschool! How exciting! Shaylee has about 3 more weeks until she transfers over and starts going to preschool. I'm totally scared, I don't know what i'm going to do with myself when she starts going to school But she'll love it.

Nice pictures with all her therapist...including mom and dad!

Dori (Aviva's mommy) said...

What a big girl Kayla is, how exciting preschool.

I too remember Aviva's last day of EI, it felt like you were losing a family we were with them for so long.

I cannot wait to hear about her first day of school. Loved all the pics!

HUGS!

Anonymous said...

Way to go Kayla, I am sure she will be just fine in her new school! Love the pics!

Michelle said...

Oh - that's so cool! She's going to love it! Her school sounds so cool!
We had home based therapy's (and still do now that he's in school)until Matthew went to school, so it was a bigger change for me!

Anonymous said...

Sydney starts school next week too. Three years does go way too fast. Good luck!
Denise and Sydney

Anonymous said...

Wow. Preschool. Already. Dang- time flies. I remember Rhi's first day of kindergarten... She ran in ahead of us yelling "Bye!" over her shoulder. I thought she and I would both be crying, but she was just fine and I ended up just being happy that she was happy. Anyway, I'm glad Kayla felt comfortable enough to explore her new classroom and that she met the teachers early. That's great. Sweet pictures, too. I like the one of her hugging her classroom teacher. Very nice. She is a cutie. Can't wait to hear about all her adventures in school. Rhi is starting to like boys now. Ugh!!
love, Nisa

K.T. is Mommatude said...

Kendall went to some form of fashion of center since about 15 months old-that is when the delays started,but it was always 5 days a week,8 hours a day.Kendall has had every therapist in town I think and plus some from other towns.None of these tried to get her used to them though.I worry about next year-she has a paraprofessional in school that she loves,and has had going on 5 years,but now,when she transitions to 3rd grade she will not have that parapro anymore,that really scares me.I think Kayla will do wonderful.Our children are so resilient.*wink**wink*

The Mom said...

What a big milestone! Happy first day Kayla - hope you have a great time! Can't wait to see more pics :) Loved the EI graduation ones - she's getting so big Michelle!!!!

Barb said...

You know what I love about these photos Michelle? You can see that every single person who interacts with her falls in love with her. What an adorable child. You're one lucky mom!

Anonymous said...

I still can't believe our precious little one is 3 years old and going to pre-school already.

It's okay if you don't get blubbery Michelle because I get teary eyed whenever I think about it. She's growing so fast.

andria said...

How awesome for Kayla, how sad for Mom. Your daughter is beautiful and seems very outgoing, she will do well I am sure.

I worked at a similar place during graduate school with many children with Down Syndrome. They are all adults now and living on their own with some help. The early intervention really helped them reach their full potential.

CJ said...

Isn't it amazing how much a part of our lives the therapists become? They are friends, mentors and support. I know I am already mourning my girls transistions out of the birth to three program and my oldest still has almost another year!!

Anonymous said...

What an exciting time for both of you! Preschool will be so much fun! Looking forward to reading all about it!

Sandra said...

Wow she's going to preschool :) That's so sweet, and she's just the most adorable little girl :)

Loved all the pictures :)

Shelley said...

Lovely photoes. The therapists really become an important part of our family life don't they. I hope Hannah keeps hers for ages yet - our EI also offers a 'school age services' program with some different staff but also some of the same therapists who help Hannah occassionally now. I hope that Kayla loves the change to preschool.

Jessica said...

Wow! Way to go Kayla! I love the pictures!

Catch said...

I think the teachers are going to miss Kayla too! I bet she will feel like a big girl riding the bus!!! God love her. she is so precious!

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to hear more about her preschool experience. Wonderful photos.

tracey.becker1@gmail.com said...

Soooo? How'd the day go? Hope she had a blast!

Anonymous said...

WOW WOW! Awesome! I LOVED that you included yourself & hubby as therapists... YAH you are!!

Deb said...

Congrats to Kayla! You're doing better than I will be when my youngest starts kinder. I think I'll start stocking up on kLEENEX now. LOL.

I loved the pictures, thanks for sharing your special day; can't wait to hear about her first day t preschool.

Kari said...

Tristan is right there with Kayla. He doen't start for another couple weeks. I can bet you I will be an emotional wreck when it comes time to drop him off. I was with my other 2 children I can't see how this will be differant except maybe worse because he is my last baby and now he is off. Whaaaa On a happier note I am joining the YMCA and plan to work out while he is in Pre-school. This is something I have always done up until tristan was born and I can't wait!! What do you plan to do with your new found time to your self? :) I can't wait to hear about her first day!

Anonymous said...

I bet Kayla will love preschool! The graduation they had for them was cute. I loved the pictures! It will hit you later about preschool. Before you know it she will be in kindergarten. I loved the picture of her taking the goodie bag and forgetting the paper!
Good - luck on your first day Kayla! Your such a cutie!

Overwhelmed! said...

These are beautiful pictures, and the love that's felt by all just shines through them!

Congrats on Kayla starting preschool. I know you and I talked briefly, while I was in Alamogordo, about her going to one on base. I hope this one works well for her. I really like the fact that 2 of the teachers came to your house to get to know Kayla on her turf. That is so awesome!

Now, I'm off to read your follow up post. :)

Carole Burant said...

Gosh, I had a lot of catching up to do reading your posts...been so busy lately, haven't had much time! I don't think anyone can help falling in love with Kayla:-) She is just a little ray of sunshine and I loved seeing the pictures...the one of her taking the goodie bag but not the certificate is priceless:-)

Anonymous said...

hi mimi,
how r u? it is honey. shell gave the web page . Kayla is so cute and she looks like a very happy kid i hope u enjoy her as much as i enjoy my son ryan. shell is im me so hope to here from u .....
love
honey