We had Courtney’s IEP meeting this week. One of my hardest meetings as a mom of a special needs child. So much data was shared. Data that shows aggression, data that shows regression, data that shows a girl who needs nothing more than love, guidance and consistency.

The meeting went as expected. The recommendation that we expected was made. Outplacement.

My head and heart are both sad and confused. I wish I knew the right answer. All we have wanted is her to finally have some continuity in her education and this was supposed to be the year for that. Apparently that is not the case.

I’m sad that we are at this point.

I’m sad that her home district failed her.

I’m sad that no matter how much I advocated for her I couldn’t get her what she needed.

The advocating doesn’t stop here though. We will not stop until we know she is getting the education she deserves.