I have been consumed the last few days with thinking about children who have disabilities and how essential it is for Catholic schools within our Diocese to have a place for them. Most people know that the school where I am principal and our younger children attend has the strongest support for children with disabilities of any of the local Catholic schools in the area. I have met with four or five families in the past few days, some already enrolled and some thinking about enrolling, who really want their child, who has a disability, to be at our school. They want a Catholic education. This is good! This may be a sign... It makes me think about Julianna and what she will be able to do when she arrives.
I have also thought about the Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that Julianna will be entitled to once she steps foot on American soil. What a lucky little girl she will be. Julianna will be permitted to attend public school until she is 21 years of age and be provided an individual education plan(IEP) for as long as she qualifies for services.
I have thought recently that it is important for me to contact the local public school district within which we live. The more preparation I can allow them, knowing that I will be pursuing the multi-disciplinary evaluation (MDE) process, the better. I'm also investigating Russian translator services in the event that the district is unable to secure one.
I have thought about dual enrollment for Julianna for the first year that she is here. This option of education allows her to receive direct services, should she qualify, from the school district, while enrolled in a non-public school. We will have to see the extent of the services that she would require. And there's always private therapies that are available, too.
So much to think about with education...I am so grateful that I have the experience and background that I do in this particular area. God has certainly blessed me abundantly. I know that my children, Julianna and Angelo, will benefit greatly from my knowledge. And maybe in the not so distant future, there will be a place for both of them in Catholic schools! ... :) Annie
I have also thought about the Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that Julianna will be entitled to once she steps foot on American soil. What a lucky little girl she will be. Julianna will be permitted to attend public school until she is 21 years of age and be provided an individual education plan(IEP) for as long as she qualifies for services.
I have thought recently that it is important for me to contact the local public school district within which we live. The more preparation I can allow them, knowing that I will be pursuing the multi-disciplinary evaluation (MDE) process, the better. I'm also investigating Russian translator services in the event that the district is unable to secure one.
I have thought about dual enrollment for Julianna for the first year that she is here. This option of education allows her to receive direct services, should she qualify, from the school district, while enrolled in a non-public school. We will have to see the extent of the services that she would require. And there's always private therapies that are available, too.
So much to think about with education...I am so grateful that I have the experience and background that I do in this particular area. God has certainly blessed me abundantly. I know that my children, Julianna and Angelo, will benefit greatly from my knowledge. And maybe in the not so distant future, there will be a place for both of them in Catholic schools! ... :) Annie