The early morning sun streamed through the kitchen window as JJ sipped her coffee, staring thoughtfully at the stack of papers spread across the table. Reid was already deep into his own research, various documents spread out in front of him, notes scribbled in the margins.
"Are you ready for today?" he asked, glancing up from his laptop. His expression was a mix of determination and concern.
JJ sighed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "As ready as we can be. I just want to make sure we cover everything for the kids. This is so important for them."
"Right. We need to advocate for what they need," Reid replied, already shifting into professional mode. "With Donna's Level 3 Autism, we'll need to ensure she gets the right support in place—particularly around communication and sensory needs."
"And for the twins, we should assess whether they qualify for any services too," JJ added, her heart racing slightly at the thought of navigating the process.
The clock ticked closer to their appointment, and they exchanged notes on what they hoped to discuss. JJ pulled out the list they had compiled over the past week, filled with questions and observations about the children's needs.
"Okay, we need to remember to emphasize Donna's sensory processing issues," Reid said, his brow furrowing. "And Maisey and Matthew's need for social-emotional support."
JJ nodded, grateful for Reid's analytical mind. "Exactly. Let's focus on the fact that we want the kids to be together in the same school, if possible. It will help them transition more smoothly."
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(The Meeting)
When they arrived at the school district office, the atmosphere felt heavy with bureaucracy. The waiting room was filled with families, some appearing nervous, others resigned. JJ took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment.
"Here we go," she said, squeezing Reid's hand for encouragement.
They were ushered into a conference room filled with educators, administrators, and a school psychologist. JJ introduced herself and Reid, feeling the tension in her shoulders ease a bit as they took their seats.
"Thank you for being here today," the principal began. "We're here to discuss the eligibility process for your children and ensure they receive the necessary support when they start school in January."
JJ and Reid exchanged determined glances. "Thank you for having us," JJ replied. "We really want to make sure they're set up for success."
The team began asking questions, and JJ and Reid presented their observations. They discussed Donna's communication challenges, her sensory sensitivities, and how the twins' protective instincts often turned into anxiety-driven behavior.
As they went through the discussion, JJ noted how attentive everyone was, taking notes and asking follow-up questions. They presented the idea of a comprehensive Individualized Education Program (IEP) for Donna, while also discussing potential services for Maisey and Matthew.
"We believe keeping them together is crucial," Reid emphasized. "It will provide stability and support as they transition."
The team agreed, making notes on the potential IEP goals and objectives tailored to each child's unique needs.
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(Follow-Up Steps)
After a thorough discussion, they outlined the next steps. "We'll need to conduct evaluations for all three children to determine their eligibility for services," the school psychologist explained. "Once that's complete, we can move forward with drafting their IEPs."
"Is there a timeline for this?" JJ asked, her heart pounding with urgency.
"We aim to have the evaluations completed by the end of the month, which will give us time to finalize the IEPs before they start school," the principal assured her.
"Thank you," Reid said, relief washing over him. "This will make a world of difference for them."
As the meeting concluded, JJ felt a sense of hope blossoming in her chest. They had taken a significant step forward for their children, and she was determined to continue advocating for them every step of the way.
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(Home and Reflection)
Once they returned home, JJ and Reid found the kids sprawled on the living room floor, surrounded by toys and holiday decorations. The warmth of their family welcomed them back.
"How did it go?" Matthew asked, looking up with curiosity.
"We talked about some exciting things for school," JJ replied, smiling. "They're going to help you, Donna, and we'll make sure you all have what you need."
"Like what?" Maisey asked, her eyes wide with interest.
"Well, Donna might have some extra support for her classes," Reid explained. "And you two could get help with social skills and managing feelings when things get tough."
"That's cool," Matthew said, a thoughtful look on his face.
As they settled in for the evening, JJ felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. She and Reid were in this together, navigating the challenges that lay ahead. And with every step, they were building a strong foundation for their children's futures.
Later that night, after the kids were tucked into bed, JJ and Reid sat on the couch, exhaustion settling in. "What a day," JJ said, leaning against him.
"Just the beginning," Reid replied, wrapping an arm around her. "But we'll make it through."
Together, they opened their notebooks, reviewing the timeline for the kids' evaluations and IEP meetings. It was a daunting process, but they were determined to ensure their children had everything they needed to thrive in their new school environment.
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A House Is Not Always A Home: A Criminal Minds Fanfic
FanfictionAn inbetween where they didn't need the parallel universe. A JEID fanfic :) In the year following Garcia's leaving and the passing of Spence's mom, JJ spent all of her time devoted to taking care of Reid through his grief. JJ called it quits the mom...
