Excited!

A few weeks ago I sent an e-mail to Lila's preschool teacher asking for an IEP review to request an increase in classroom service hours from 3 days per week to 4 days per week. I was a bit nervous about asking for this as Lila is only 2 years old and the "norm" in our county for 2 year olds to attend Early Childhood Special Education preschool is 2 or 3 days a week. I asked the teacher for her opinion before I made an official request. Here was her initial response:

"And as far as increasing service hours, that is of course an IEP team decision (which includes you, me, all of the related service providers, and Principal Berkey - who is the SpEd contact while AP Brandy Crowley is out on maternity leave). Lila is right now the only two year old in my class who currently comes three days per week, the rest all come two days per week. My first thought is that we need to consider her young age and want to make sure that we don't push her too much. As you mentioned, she is making progress.....in fact LOTS of progress. We would need to weigh all of the factors. In addition, we need to get the related service providers input as to increasing the therapy. I have to admit though, Lila is a trooper. In most cases I would highly discourage a two year old to come more than 2-3 days per week, but Lila is different. She is such a curious child and is up for almost anything or any task that I give her. That is definitely something to consider.....

Let's enjoy the nice long weekend and talk about it next week, okay?"

So, I thought that I was basically getting blown off. There seemed to be a little hope at the end of the first paragraph, but..... I had my doubts. I set out to prepare for a fight. I asked my friends for typically developing milestone charts. I asked our private therapists for their input. I compiled all of the data. I wrote it down. I composed my little speech and practiced it. I was ready.

Today after the class Valentine's Day party, Lila's teacher handed me a Notice of IEP Review or Revision meeting. The meeting was scheduled for today, between 2:00 and 2:30 and the location was................... Sent in backpack. The notice confirming the requested changes had already been signed by Lila's teacher and the principal (acting because the VP is out on maternity leave). The only signature missing was mine. Signed, sealed and delivered baby. Without a fight. Thank you God.