It's Ailyn's new school! After a very long year of deep thought I have decided to homeschool. It shouldn't be a huge surprise to most. I can even go back as far as 2 years old thinking putting Ailyn in school was not going to best for her. We are extremely fortunate to have a huge "Team Ailyn". Her therapists and (most) teachers have been a huge part of our life. When Ailyn was aging out of Infant and Toddlers at 3 years old, I hesitated sending her to school. Her OT and speech teachers talk me into it. Saying I would be surprised how well Ailyn would thrive. I met with the preschool teacher and decided I would give the school a chance. I told the teacher I would be watching through the window daily. Her year went amazing (she did have her Bubba in class with her)
Then it was time to move onto Kindergarten. I planned on stalking the Kindergarten class to make sure I liked the program. Turns out I didn't have to. They welcomed me anytime I wanted to sit and watch. By the time I had to make my decision I knew I was more than ready for her to start Kindergarten. She was in a contained classroom and taken out for specials. She would go to a general Ed class for those specials. Art, music and gym. That part freaked me out. They took away her full time aide (I can go on a very long rant about that but I won't) so she would have to share an aide..... That part freaked me out even more than a general Ed class. But, I didn't have anything to worry about. Her aide ended up being more than perfect and the general Ed classmates were great with her.
When it came time to talk about the following school year I stressed out. Ailyn didn't qualify for special Ed anymore. Academically Ailyn was with her peers. Fuck. I was told this should make me happy. She would go onto her homeschool in a general Ed class ALL day long. Looking back I should have followed my amazing Mommy instinct (my best quality) and fight for Ailyn. But, our experience with her school had been amazing. Our homeschool is a brand new lighthouse. Camden thrived there.
I always knew Ailyn was going to repeat Kindergarten. It's something most micropreemies have to do. So she went onto her homeschool.
I don't have anything bad to say about the new school. The special Ed team was very good, very helpful. They put up with me being an over protective parent. (I'm sure I was more than annoying) But, from the very first day I knew I screwed Ailyn over. I let her down.
It was not the special Ed teams fault. (I blame the county but I will save that for another time) They tried the best they could with Ailyn. She decided from day one not to speak or smile at school. My master manipulator was fooling everyone. I can go into a lot more details but that wouldn't be fair to some.
After talking with Ailyn's doctor we decided that public school was not for Ailyn. We can't afford to hire a lawyer and advocate to get her into these amazing schools for kids like Ailyn. One school is over $90,000 😳 Others close to $40,000.
So we homeschool. Ailyn never stopped school since June. She demands to do school work 2 hours a day. We will be using the Calvert & Verticy curriculum. We have joined two homeschool co-ops. Our classroom is almost done. I will be updating this blog on our homeschooling fun.
If anyone wants to talk more about why I'm homeschooling, I would be more than happy to talk to you. I know a few have already reached out to me. I did what was best for my daughter. Ailyn is her own unique self.
Camden is going to Middle school. He shows no interest in homeschooling and I honestly think a public school is best for him right now.
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