Our Sped journey
Who would have guessed that way back in 2009, that my life’s trajectory would set me up to help those I love the most- my own children. 13 years ago, I was accepted into Teach for America, a program designed to find teachers and place them in marginalized areas. I was very much hoping to help in areas much like the ones I grew up in and knew I wanted to work with children. I didn’t know EXACTLY what I wanted to do and knew that through this program I would gain skills and have the time to figure out what I wanted to do after my undergraduate career at UC Santa Barbara.
One of the things about Teach for America, is that even though you have preferences that are shared with the organization, ultimately, you go where you are placed and you teach what they ask you to teach. In that survey- I checked a box. I offered to teach SPECIAL EDUCATION without really knowing what that entailed. And so I did…and I loved it so much, I stayed in the classroom and made it my career.
Years later and with two little boys I was raising I noticed my oldest was struggling with his speech and language development. I had family members who were in speech growing up and I had relatives with learning challenges. Now working in this field, I knew early intervention was key!
With my kiddos, I decided to seek out help through my pediatrician and insurance. My oldest was four and my youngest at the time was two. My oldest had trouble articulating, or sounding out, the /r/ sound. While he was working on that skill, my younger son at the time was struggling, too.
Long story short they were both in speech. My oldest eventually graduated. My second son, now a second grader continues to have speech, but now through his public charter school. I’m grateful for my expertise in education and in particular special education because it is through my knowledge that I am able to advocate for him.
This year he had his Triennial Reevaluation. Last year, we discovered he had an eye condition that affected his vision. In turn, his eye condition greatly affects his learning, and in particular can explain his reading difficulties as a 2nd grader despite my one on one teaching with him. With his reevaluation, I wanted to make sure the school was aware and assisted, as is mandated by IDEA, a federal law all schools MUST abide by.
Without divulging too many details, I am so glad that my expertise ensured that he received the support that he is entitled to. I spent countless hours preparing for the IEP meeting we were about to hold. I had a plan in place. With my husband by my side and a team of caring, knowledgeable individuals ready to support my kiddo, we have a great plan in place to help him succeed.
I learned so much during this experience and I can’t wait to share what I learned with others. Stay tuned for my next blog post on the Top 10 Tips for Parents Advocating during the IEP process.
