Planning Ahead

We have had a lot going on in our lives over the last month. I figured I should get an update posted before too much time passes, otherwise I'll feel like I've left a big gap in life with the Bynums.

We found out several weeks ago from Tessa's therapists that school districts will not allow transfers for special needs children. We currently live in the Mustang schoold district, but have been assuming we would transfer the kids to Yukon, so they could be in the same district as Darin. Finding all of this out has put a glitch in our plan.

Tessa will likely transition directly from the SoonerStart program to the school system at the age of 3. Currently, Tessa's therapy needs are identified and carried out using an IFSP - Individualized Family Service Plan. IFSP guidelines are in effect until the child turns 3. According to the little that I have been able to read, we will begin discussing this 'transition' between 24-30 months and her transition portfolio would be completed some time between 30-33 months. Ultimately, Tessa will be evaluated by the school district to determine her eligibility to transition directly into the school system. On or before a child's 3rd birthday, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) meeting is scheduled by the local school district. Any SoonerStart child that does not transition directly into the school district at 36 months, will have to consider community programs or other possible receiving agencies, until they reach the apporpriate school age.

Long story short...we have decided to move ~ Darin really enjoys working in the Yukon school district and we would really like for that to be where both the kids go too! When it comes time for Tessa's SoonerStart therapists to begin coordinating her 'transition portfolio' with the school district, it will be crucial for it to be with the school district where we intend on keeping her. Tessa's SoonerStart therapists will play such an invaluable role in the initial development of her IEP within the school district, that it is very important to us that we be living in the Yukon school district in plenty of time before this transition. We have been looking at houses over the last several weeks, but haven't had much luck. The very difficult aspect of moving now, is that we are not exactly sure what to anticipate/prepare for, regarding Tessa's needs for equipment, etc. We live in 1300 sq ft currently and knew we would have to move eventually to accomodate her needs, but now we are having to do it based on what 'could be'. Our physical therapist has given us some ideas on what to consider in a new home and ultimately we think we have decided that working with a builder and having the adjustments made as a home is being built, is probably most ideal for us. Other than the general openess of a floor plan, we'll need as level of a driveway as possible (we play outside a lot & want her safe if she's on wheels), we'll need good entryways for movement of equipment in and out of the house, no threshhold barriers throughout the living space flooring, and the other tips we've been given are to have at least 32 inch doorways and allowing for 1 foot of ramp to every 1 inch of rise in any elevated surface.

At the end of 2010, I remember thinking how peaceful it was going to be for life to calm down a bit, to get established in our routine of therapy and at most, maybe anticipating Tessa's potential cochlear implant surgeries to take place over the summer. Instead, we added a New Year's hospital stay, recovery from a nasty virus, searches for childcare, and moving! For now, we are hoping to sell our home and get moved into a property we will lease while our house is being built, all before Tessa's surgeries this summer. Wow ~ to remember the days when my life was boring!

~Whitney