Inclusion Lessons Learned: A Parents Perspective (Part II)
By: Tim Gruber

Lesson 8: As parents, get to know the other children in class and don’t be alarmed if they seem “curious or paranoid” to be near your child. Like anything new, they just need more time, more exposure and more education (even if your child reads, writes, and doesn’t bring undue attention, other children will know there is a difference).

Lesson 9: Try to encourage providing ability or diversity awareness for the school or in your child’s classroom. It’s for the parents who are inquisitive; kids are accepting at this age.

Lesson 10: The principal chooses your child’s teacher, helps get resources, and serves as the silent liaison for the special education services. This includes being an advocate for your child. Talk to the principal and your teacher describing those attributes and specific teaching styles which in your experience, would be most successful. You are the best judge of what works in your individual case. Typically, Down syndrome children learn best using a visual approach.

Lesson 11: Insist that you get a 1-on-1 classroom aide even if you don’t think your child needs one 100% of the time. We were told our child had to go to SDC (special day class) if he needed 50% or more assistance in class, so we were on our own (it’s illegal for them to say that and we knew we were going to be there one year, so we found other resources).

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Lesson 12: Expect to be the first child with Down syndrome included in a typical classroom at your school even if it’s an established one.

Lesson 13: If the teacher doesn’t value community learning, hang out on the playground. Expect to play duck, duck, goose, hopscotch or ball with the kids to help facilitate socialization. I became the social inclusion specialist on the playground and incorporated every child who wanted to join in. (if you are not able to make recess or lunch ask your aide to implement the socialization at school piece).

Lesson 14: Get to know your speech therapist and sit in to observe a few sessions. Since speech is such a critical area for our kids, they like motivated parents and will give you a lot of ideas for home.

Lesson 15: Even if your child isn’t potty trained, send them to Kindergarten anyway. Don’t let that be the deciding factor. We had no accidents all year; just at home. If you are motivated, your child will be. They draw strength from your strength.