My Graduate

My girl graduated Junior Kindergarten it was pretty spectacular. The teachers and children have been rehearsing for this celebration for some time now. I don't even know how to describe the warm feeling in my heart to see my girl walk in the gym and across the stage to get her diploma. It was pretty special many kids did the same walk but when Ashley went up everyone clapped. There was lots of love in the room I could feel it.

How sweet it is to be loved by you Mrs G and Mrs L and all of Ashley's classmates. She really loves you too.   Wow did they ever let Ashley shine. What a special year!

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What is a mom to do?

I could really use some advice -  today unexpectedly I learned that Ashley's beloved Educational Assistant will be sent to a new school next year.  I have to admit I never saw that coming.  Apparently it's a union decision not based on what is best for my child.

This year has been very successful for my girl.  She has made progress in all areas I've blogged about this many times here, here and here for starts.  We are just so thrilled with her teacher and Education Assistant they are so experienced, caring and loving and that spills over into the entire classroom in so many ways.

I started to place calls to  see what can be done about this, then send emails and rally Ashley's team.   What else is a mom to do?  I'm worried very worried this will be a set back for my girl Kindergarten is a 2 year program here in Ontario Junior Kindergarten then Senior Kindergarten why mess with such a good thing.  I don't understand how these decisions are made are the kids involved considered.  Ashley making steady progress why change something that is working so well.    I hope someone will see that this isn't the best decision.   Any advice for me I'd love some help with this?

Here is Ashley with Rose who we love!!

If emails, phone calls and meetings don't solve this maybe I'll have to start baking cookies. 

I have a blogging friend who that worked for. 

Ashley on the move - video

Here's a look at my girl doing her CME physiotherapy and a bit of play as that's what girls do. I'm so proud of her and so very thankful to her team of amazing therapist and teachers. This is the video we shared at her Single Plan of Care team meeting today.

This video is dedicated to Bernie & Jo-Anne the best physiotherapists in the world.

Ashley's Dream Team

 I'm so proud of my girl she is making progress in all areas. What can be better then that. She is scribbling, drinking a little, moving about more and best of all making tons of friends.   When we returned from lunch today the girls in her class gathered around her stroller and were chanting Ashley, Ashley, Ashley it was so cute. Ashley was giggling and loving the attention.   

The school loves my girl

Ashley with her amazing EA

My heart is aching a little after reading another blog post  at Roostercalls. for kids that are not accepted and loved for who they are.

I feel so blessed that my beautiful girl Ashley is so totally loved by her teacher, educational assistance (EA) and all 16 children in her class.  Her early interventionist had a classroom visit with her earlier this week and stopped by afterwards to report that in all her years with EIS she has never seen a better teacher and EA.  She has visited many a classrooms over the years and was just totally blow away by how wonderful Ashley class is for her.  At her visit  the children all wanted to sit by Ashley at circle time,  they  have to take turns to  play with her during centre time.  They have picked her to be their partner when given the opportunity to take a friend to the office to drop of the attendance.  I need to allow plenty of time for drop off and pickup because they all gather around to say good morning and good-bye to my sweet girl. They ask me  if Ashley's is going to the park after school and if they can have a play date with Ashley.    Ashley's peers just adore her  just as she is,  she communicates with smiles and bright eyes rather then words and she is accepted.   She walks with assistance or a Kaye walker and spends time in her Otto bock (wheelchair) but they see a friend not a chair.   Today in class they watched a signing times video and many kids in the class where showing Ashley and I new signs as we left.  I can't help but smile when I leave her classroom.

Her teachers focus on her achievements and are optimistic about what she can do. The never once mentioned her limitations.  They find solutions rather then problems. Most of all they just love and accept her and so do her peers. I'm just so thankful to her teachers and  friends.

Working on Shapes

Ashley school created a IEP for Junior Kindergarten, she is working on recognizing the numbers between 1 to 6, the letters in her name.A,S,H,L,E,Y. Recognizing two colours (blue & pink), Shapes (circle, square and triangle) as well as body parts mouth, nose and eyes. She is able to use her eye gaze effectively to makes choice and identify selections. They are reinforcing her choice making by helping to point and touch her choice she needs reminders to do this.

She has been able to identify six farm animals, and the numbers 1 and 2. She gets time working on the smart board where they are focusing on the letters A, S and H this term. She also uses her step by step communicator to talk to her peers at snack time or say hi to classmates. Her biggest challenge has been illness she missed 12 days of school this first term which is a majority of class time since JK is only every second day alternating between 2 day and 3 day weeks.

Here's a clip of her working on shapes at home with her occupation therapist. It is hard for her to visual focus on the shapes on the table. But she enjoys this activity with her Occupation therapist who always has a few new toys for her to play with.