Q2: As a mother who navigated early intervention and specialized services with your own child, what do you think the service providers did well in terms of involving you in the assessment process from screening to planning? What do you wish they had done differently? What was the most effective way they tracked or helped you track your child’s progress over time?

<Veda Crandall>

When my daughter was almost three I noticed a delay in her speech, fine motor and social skills. I would observe her playing by herself and when should would interact with her peers they did not understanding her language. I noticed a lot of them laughing at her and saying she didn’t know how to talk. We all want what’s best for our children and my concern was I did not want her to be delayed, I wanted her to be equal to her peers. I had a conversation with her pediatrician who advised me to contact CDSA and inquire about early intervention. Deep down I was hurt but I wanted her to receive the help she needed so I contacted Wake County CDSA to schedule a screening. This wonderful, energetic young lady name Ms. Kris came out several times a week and worked with my daughter and eventually placed her in a full day program that could better serve her. I was a part of all the decisions made for my daughter and I absolutely loved the program she was sent to. I think they made her transition to kindergarten easy for me and her. I could track her progress with great communication with her teachers and her IEP meetings which allowed me to voice my opinion and help write her goals. I received copies of everything to put in her portfolio. In the middle of my daughters 1st grade year she was able to exit out of special services. She is currently in 2nd grade and doing above average in reading and math. I am very thankful for the early invention my child received. I think this made her equal to her peers and above her grade level which was what I wanted for her in the beginning.