A House Is Not Always A Home: A Criminal Minds Fanfic

Chapter 19 - Threads of Listening

The morning sunlight filtered softly through the window as JJ and Reid sat at the kitchen table, surrounded by stacks of paperwork. The anticipation in the air was palpable; today was the day they would receive the finalized IEPs for Donna, Maisey, and Matthew.

JJ glanced at Reid, who was reviewing the documents with focused intensity. "Are you ready for this?" she asked, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and anxiety.

Reid nodded, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "I've gone through our notes a dozen times. I just want to make sure they've included everything we discussed."

Their meeting with the school representatives was scheduled for later that morning. The team had put in significant effort to ensure the IEPs would provide the necessary support for their children, and JJ felt a surge of hope for what lay ahead.

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(The Meeting)

When they arrived at the school, the atmosphere was buzzing with activity. Families were gathering, children were laughing, and teachers were moving from room to room. JJ took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves.

Inside the conference room, the team awaited them: the principal, the special education teacher, and the school psychologist. Each one greeted JJ and Reid warmly, offering reassurances that the IEPs were tailored to meet the unique needs of the children.

"Thank you for coming in today," the principal said, gesturing for them to take a seat. "We've finalized the IEPs based on our previous discussions and evaluations. We're excited to share the details with you."

JJ felt her heart skip a beat. "Thank you for all your hard work."

Reid opened the folder in front of him, scanning the contents. "Can we start with Donna's IEP?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

The special education teacher nodded. "Of course. Donna will be placed in a full-time special education classroom for Grade 6, where she'll receive individualized support tailored to her Level 3 Autism. The classroom will provide a structured environment to help her thrive socially and academically."

JJ felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes. "This is what she needs," she whispered, squeezing Reid's hand.

"And we've included sensory breaks throughout the day," the psychologist added. "She'll have access to noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and quiet areas where she can regroup if she becomes overwhelmed."

Reid interjected, "We're also concerned about her self-harm behaviors and her tendency to elope when she's agitated. How will these behaviors be addressed?"

The teacher nodded, making notes. "We've incorporated strategies to help manage those behaviors. Donna will have a 1:1 aide who will provide her with immediate support when she's feeling upset or overwhelmed. The aide will also help her recognize her feelings and guide her through calming techniques."

JJ felt a surge of relief. "And what about speech and occupational therapy?"

"Both services will be included in her IEP," the psychologist explained. "Donna will receive speech therapy to work on her communication skills, as well as occupational therapy to address sensory integration and daily living skills. These therapies will be crucial for her development and independence."

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(Maisey's IEP)

"Now, let's move on to Maisey," the principal said, shifting the documents. "Maisey has qualified for an IEP due to her anxiety and dyslexia. She will be placed in a special education classroom for extra support, but she will also have the opportunity to attend some general education classes with a 1:1 aide to help her navigate the classroom environment."

JJ's heart swelled with pride as they reviewed the specifics. "What kind of accommodations will she receive?"

"Maisey will get extended time on tests, access to audiobooks, and specialized reading instruction. She will also have a 1:1 aide to provide support during general education classes and to help her manage her anxiety, particularly during transitions," the principal explained.

Reid added, "And what about check-ins? Can we set those up to ensure she feels supported throughout the day?"

"Absolutely. We'll have designated staff members available for regular check-ins to ensure she feels safe and secure," the special education teacher assured them.

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(Matthew's IEP)

"Finally, we have Matthew," Reid said, glancing at the last document. "What does his IEP entail?"

"Matthew qualifies for an IEP due to his ADHD and emotional/behavioral disability," the psychologist explained. "He'll be in a third-grade classroom, receiving pull-out services for social skills and emotional support. He will also receive occupational therapy specifically targeting his behavioral challenges."

JJ exchanged a glance with Reid, who nodded encouragingly. "What does that look like?"

"Matthew will have access to a counselor and will receive behavioral interventions designed to help him develop coping strategies for his aggression. Additionally, he will have a 1:1 aide who will provide support during transitions and help manage his emotions in the classroom. He'll also participate in a social skills group to enhance his peer interactions."

"And breaks?" JJ asked, eager to know how they would support Matthew's energy levels.

"Absolutely. He'll have scheduled breaks throughout the day, along with opportunities for physical activity to help him manage his energy and focus. The behavioral intervention plan will ensure he has the tools he needs to handle frustration constructively," the principal replied.

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(Hope and Excitement)

As the meeting wrapped up, JJ felt a sense of relief wash over her. The team had truly listened to their concerns and tailored the IEPs to fit the children's needs.

"Thank you so much for all your help," Reid said, gathering the documents. "This is a great start for them."

JJ nodded in agreement, her heart swelling with gratitude. "We're so excited to see them thrive in this new environment."

As they left the school, JJ felt lighter than she had in weeks. "This is it, Reid. They're going to have the support they need."

Reid smiled at her, the warmth in his gaze evident. "Together, we'll make sure they succeed."

They drove home, buzzing with excitement and ideas for how they could support the kids as they transitioned into school. This was a new chapter for their family, and they were ready to face whatever came their way.