"Im sorry Mason is denied at this time..."

       Having a child with Special needs we were offered Respite care. Which is free child care for the parents to have a little break. In order for a child to be in child care in the army they have to have a physical, up to date on shots, and registered at CDC (Child Developmental Center) I went to the CDC to register both boys because they both get free child care. I completed the work for Dylan and when it came to Mason of course it wasn't that easy. The lady told me that Mason had to be approved from SNAP through EFMP. (Exceptional Family Member Program)

       Ohhhh boy. Here goes to learning something new. I got a phone call to set up a SNAP appointment. I was unsure what this was but basically its to make sure that Mason has the care he needed at the facilities. The SNAP team consists of me, the Army Public Health Nurse (APHN), CYSS Chief (or designee), Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) staff, and appropriate CYSS program directors. Screening, discussions, and approval to sum up what the meeting would be.

       Welllllllllll As I was talking to Masons home nurse (she was going to go with me) I said "is there a chance Mason could get denied?" She told me he is just like any other child who needs fed, played with and changed. She didn't see the problem. However in her list of things she forgot our little friend The Oxygen Tank. I mentioned it and she paused. "Ohhhh you know Stacy I forgot about that. Let me make a phone call bc he might be automatically denied just for oxygen use."  

      Of course I want my child to have all the needs possible but in my defense I didn't want him in Child care in the first place and I was encouraged by his therapists. And then for this to turn into a headache. What a waste. So Masons home nurse called me back and said "Well hes automatically denied." So the SNAP meeting was cancelled. 

      Mason has his sleep study (Mason and I stay at the hospital overnight) on Friday. The nurse continued to say  "After we figure out  the severity of his oxygen needs we will be able to do home respite. Where a certified provider comes to your house and cares for Mason. So lets give it a little time then we will come back to the Respite care." 

      I did however choose to put Dylan in childcare its 10 hours free childcare a week. I don't want Dylan to think his world revolves around his brother. He thinks he is going to go play with other kids for fun. I normally try to get appointments done while Dylan is in school but considering he is only in school 3 and half hours doesn't give me much time. We will give this a shot if it doesn't work out then it doesn't work out. No big deal. The child care is not required and he doesn't have to go the full 10 hours a week. One day at a time.