Everyone entering foster care is nervous at first. You seem to know this child well which is FAR above what most of us know going into a placement. LOL. We often don't know the name, sex, and age until they walk through the door (and the last little boy told me he had turned 4 the month before but the cw kept telling me he was 3.....he was right). So see, no one is 100% sure.
As a fellow teacher, and foster enthusiast, you sound like you would make a great foster mom to this girl and who knows? you may choose to foster more when she moves on into adulthood.
Depending on where you live, the time required to finish your foster training varies. We made an inquiry Aug. 24 and we were open for children Nov. 24. Also depending upon where you live, this child could possibly be placed with you before you are technically "open" to foster.
You need to look up your local social services office and ask for the Dept. of Children and Family Services (DCFS) or some places call is Dept of Youth and Family Services (DYFS). Ask to speak to the county supervisor. She will lead you to the person who can help you get into training quickly and to someone who can answer questions about the legality of getting her into your home faster as her guardian or something to that effect.
Good luck! Fostering has been a great extension to our family and hopefully yours will feel the same.
Kim
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Wife to:
 DH-J for 5 years
Mom to:
DS-H 14yrs
DS-S 2yrs
Current Placements:
None- my little one going through terrible twos is also about to have a tonsilectomy. Ugh. If you have stories of success please pass them to me. If you have a horror story, please, I don't think I could handle it right now. LOL
Former foster son came this past weekend for his birthday celebration and one last hoorah before school starts. I was happy to see him doing better.
Former placements:
four boys!!
 and FINALLY respite for one baby girl
Aunt to:
11 Nephews......when does the male madness end! 
Mom for McCain 
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