Schools

Last week we toured 2 different schools for Ellie to go to. The first school we went to was Shawnee Park. At Shawnee Park, they focus on developing listening skills without using sign language or lip-reading. We were able to meet some of Ellie's potential teachers, and we really liked everybody that we met! It was fun to be able to see the 2-year old, 3-year old, and kindergarten classrooms. :)

The second school we went to was West Oakview, which is a total communication school. They incorporate sign language and lip-reading as well as working on speech/listening skills. We really loved all of the teachers/supervisors that we met.

Regardless of which school we choose, someone will start coming to our house once a week to work with Ellie and me. Then, when she turns 2, she will go to school for 3 or 5 half-days. (I can't imagine sending her away 5 days a week!) By the time she reaches kindergarten, she will hopefully be ready to be mainstreamed into whatever school we want to send her to.

Before we went on the tours, we were pretty sure we wanted her to go to Shawnee Park. But after visiting West Oakview, we found that we really liked that school too. We've been talking about pros and cons of each school all weekend...we're starting to lean toward Shawnee Park again, but we are not 100% sure yet, so I will keep you posted!