Was there ever someone so excited for an IEP meeting?

We're touring the preschools on November 21 and have our IEP scheduled for December 8!

They assure me that leaves plenty of time to choose a school placement, fill out forms and get transportation set up. (Of course I used my expert searching skills to find all the county's forms online and already have the bus request filled out and will perhaps slip it under the table to Mrs. L to get things going a little early.)

The tours seem like a waste of everyone's time, since we toured the schools last year and made up our minds long ago. I tried to decline but was quickly put in my place:

I know that you visited the programs last year, but the visits that the parents make with me are a little different. It is also important to realize that the classes may look different this year...with different children and different language levels in the classes. These visits also allow us to focus specifically on how a program or class will work for Marielle and gives the parents opportunities to ask questions related to that.

I realize your choice is that Marielle will attend CW, but that is still an IEP team decision. I don't foresee any problems with this, but just want to remind you that a final decision cannot be made until we meet as an IEP team and develop the IEP for Marielle. Once the IEP is developed and signed then transportation can be set up. We will have everything in place before Marielle's birthday.

Team decision, blah blah blah. I'm not listening!! The school SLP to be is coming to observe Mari with her current SLP on November 17. I've already spoken with the school audiologist about what type of FM system she will wear. We've been on several class field trips. The transition coordinator can pretend we're going to consider all the options all she wants if it makes her happy, but it doesn't make it true.

I also am confused why you would put your child in a preschool for 3 years just based on what the make-up of the class happens to be on the day you tour. Clearly it changes throughout the year(s), like when some nutty girl who's mom raised a ruckus suddenly appears in mid-December.

We're nosy and like to see what's going on in each school so I didn't fight it. I especially want to see Marielle's classroom to be so I know what to ask for in the IEP meeting - acoustic modifications, etc.

I was told the IEP would take an hour. AN HOUR?! Hi, have we met!? I really needed a good laugh today!