Today's meeting went well. It took about 2 hours. I then had to do a mad dasht o get Hannah over the odther side of twon to the opthamologist - a feat we achieved (just) so I think maybe God was really on my side today. Must remember that in my prayers!

So - the meeting - present were Han's EI special Ed teacher, myself, the principal, the school's spec ed teacher and the 2 kindy teachers. The regional person who I have spoken with before and liked was not able to make it.

The EI and I outlined what Han is up to - her strengths as well as some of her weaker areas. The teachers asked questions. We set 5 goals for Hannah - things like - she will be able to write 'Han', recognise the symbols for 1-5, use visual supports in class setting, approach peers and play alongside them. I think there was 1 more -- ??? The principal took notes.

I had given the teachers a 'profile' of Hannah as well as a couple of other things (I hadn't wanted to appear too pushy- so just a couple of key things - including a 'letter' written in Han's voice that could be used to explain to her peers and their parents about her - plus a few 'myths' about DS - to answer some common questions that they may have). The Principal thinks it would be good to give a copy to the parents.

We discussed strategies for expaining to the other kids - I'll see what i can find and we might look at Victoria's Day Out. The spec ed teacher felt it was important to talk with all the staff about Han - the principal thought that perhaps myself and someone from EI could talk at a staff meeting next year.

We discussed expectations related to behaviour - eg attention span, sitting in group for extended periods of time - and discussed how to deal with difficulties that she may have with that - eg using an eggtimer to 'stretch' her but then allowing her to go and do a more favoured activity if she has been attending well for her 'limit'. I gave the school a copy of 'common makaton' signs for the classroom - as discussed with one of the kindy teachers at orientation.

How these things might impact on Kit was raised and also the issue of the playground - so the plan is to put out a few toys like dolls etc for the start of the year so she has something to 'do' also using the library was discussed which is a good option in the heat of Feb. I think. Agreement seemed to be that the computer (which she loves) could be used as a'reward' for Hannah. We spoke about what to do with her if she falls asleep (as I am sure she will do at some stage at the start) in the afternoon on the floor somewhere.

We also discussed resources - I have access to 2 good libraries - thorugh DSA NSW and the EI provider. I need to see if there is a way the teachers can use or find resources directly without having to rely on me. We ahve 'pencilled in' a meeting in Week 4 of Term 1 - with a view to organising 2 meetings a term to see how things are going.

My Actions:Make a 'pecs' folder and leave it at the school before end of term this year.
Find Victoria's Day and any others to leave for the teachers to have a look at (I have copies of these)by Term 1 2010
Make a booklet based on others about DS - that can be used as part of a lesson with the children. By Term 1 2010
Prepare what I might say to the staff at the school about Hannah - by term 1 2010.

Smile!! I was very impressed with everyone at the meeting - walked out totally agreeing with our EI teacher who said "I think you've made the right choice'. Yes I think so too. I know it won't be easy - but it is possible and it might be fun!

As the meeting ended - I gave them my copy of Win-Win Advice for the Inclusive Classroom to read - I had stuck in a photo of Hannah in her school uniform - it made them smile. I hope they find it helpful and inspiring too.