When we first started this journey, through evaluations, meetings, and setting up the IEP, we knew there wasn’t a magic solution. But if I’m honest, part of me hoped for it anyway.
As both an educator and a parent, I understood that progress in special education is often slow and layered. Knowing it in your head and feeling it in your heart are two very different things.
After our son started his 4-year-old preschool program with special education support, we waited and watched. Slowly, we began to see the wins:
- He identified letters and numbers more consistently
- He named shapes with less prompting
- He wrote his name, first with shaky letters, but his name. In his own hand.
These weren’t huge leaps or instant transformations. But they were everything.
We knew it would take time. We knew there was no magic fix. What gave us comfort? Knowing we were in the right place with the right people, supporting our son’s growth.
As an educator, I practiced what I preach:
“Progress isn’t measured by grades, test scores, or benchmarks. It’s measured by confidence, persistence, and the willingness to keep trying.”
Living this truth as a parent, I felt it deeply for the first time.
A Message to Parents in the IEP Journey
If you’re early in services or waiting for progress:
- Small wins matter
- Tiny steps forward are still progress
- Your love, advocacy, and belief make a daily difference, even when unseen
Celebrate every attempt. Every new word. Every letter. One day you’ll look back: those small steps create something beautiful.
What small wins have you seen in your child’s journey?
Share in the comments, let’s celebrate together!
