Written by: Jill Armentrout
As most parents do, my husband and I planned and thought about our daughter, Lily’s, first day of kindergarten for the last few years. That’s because, in a way, the first five years of a child’s life is a preparation for entering kindergarten, where she will experience new social interactions, responsibilities, and slight independence. However, because Lily has cerebral palsy, this transition was on my mind quite heavily.
Lily moved from the secure world of special education preschool at Millet Learning Center in Bridgeport, to all day kindergarten at North Elementary in Birch Run. Although Lily has cerebral palsy, she can walk on her own, just not very fast. She wears orthotics on her lower legs and has a green rolling walker for long distances. Her abilities amaze us, but she does fall sometimes. Kindergarten was a pretty big step, and we had to make sure both she, and the school were ready.
In preparation, before classes started, I stationed Lily’s walker in the classroom. The previous spring, we had checked out the lunchroom and playground with Lily’s physical therapist from Millet. I had learned of the policies for students with disabilities. Although I was nervous, we were prepared.
Lily and her big sister, Emma, ride the bus to school. The bus driver was worried about getting her off in case of an emergency, but the fire drill went fine. On their first day, I drove behind, and met Lily’s aide just as she was getting her off the bus. It was raining, but together we kept the umbrella over her head. Lily’s aide will primarily help her off the bus, and during lunchtime.
Jill, Lily’s new physical therapist, was also present for Lily’s first day, and will be back each week for more therapy during gym class. She is great and comes up with solutions before there is even a problem.
Because Lily can’t move quickly from one class to the other, she needs additional time getting to gym, art, and music. To help her traverse the hallways, high school students volunteer to be her buddies – they even help put on her gym shoes! She loves walking the halls with these students, especially the football players.
In class, Lily sits next to her best friend, who was with her for two years of preschool at Millet. He also has a green walker and prosthetic lower legs. They have fun together, but I think their teacher has her hands full. They told the class about their conditions during circle time. It seemed to go over well.
I don’t feel like an overbearing mom. I haven’t had to be one. I am just present at the school and clear about goals for Lily. I have the luxury of a flexible schedule that allows me to pick the girls up after school, and time to check in with staff. I think I’ll know when I have to fight for her, but I know that she has to make her own way as well.
I felt kind of sad walking away from her class that first day. It sort of reminded me of leaving her behind in the hospital neonatal unit when she arrived early and I had to go home. She has come a long way. I am very proud of Lily, and also of her big sister, Emma, who is a fourth grader now. Emma signed up for safety patrol, and will also be a mentor to other kids with disabilities.
The school secretary told me about Lily coming to the office with a little boy who held the door for her, and how they left laughing together. That’s what I want – for her to be part of a group, and maybe teach other kids to become more patient and kind – not because she needs special treatment, but because she shows her own good heart.