She has been going to a typical preschool this school year, with many of her services (speech therapist, teacher, music therapist) pushed-into her class.
The preschool is at our local vocational school. There were about 12 high school senior girls who participated in this program.
It is modeled after a 12:1:1 program, however there are always at least 3 student teachers in the room at any given time.
Sometimes the student teachers would be a little over-bearing with Leah.
Sometimes they would try to do too much for her.
Sometimes she needed it.
Sometimes she didn't.
Each of them worked with Leah.
Most of them learned to push Leah further then they thought they could.
They all learned to accept Leah without her diagnosis at the forefront of their mind.
All of them loved her.
I sent her to this program specifically because I wanted her in an environment where her typically developing peers were, and most of the children in this program are from our local school district.
My thought process in this decision was, if I want her to be mainstreamed, I should start her in a mainstream classroom from the beginning.
Leah was the first child who has Down syndrome to ever be in this program.
We have had to make several adjustments in her services in order to give her the best possible experience and to make it the least restrictive environment for her.
But...
This program is incredible!
They were always willing to accommodate for Leah.
Their philosophy is "Learn Through Play."
It is a perfect philosophy for us. :)
So...
At the end of the day today, the student teachers shared their goals next; where they were going to school; what they were majoring in; who they were hoping to become after high school.
Of the twelve student teachers, FIVE of them are planning on pursuing careers in special education!
I thought that was pretty cool and I told the lead teacher what a great thing it was that those girls were planning those careers.
The lead teacher said:
"Mrs. Sones, there was no student who was planning on majoring in special education at the beginning of the year. They all wanted to be teachers, but not ONE was planning on special ed. It is because of their experiences with Leah that they are choosing these paths. Working with your daughter has inspired them to become more then they thought they could. We have been very lucky to have her with us."
Bring on the tears.
Bring on the pride.
Bring on the joy.
Bring on the hope.
Leah has impacted so many lives in her short three years on this earth. And, today we were given five examples of it.
And, not only has she impacted those five student's lives, but think of all of the children who those student's will teach!
Incredible.
I know things change and these girls are young.
They very well could decide a career in special education is not the path for them.
But today, MY kid inspired them.
What more could I ask for?
(These are the future special education teachers:))
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(This is Mrs. Burdick, the lead teacher. :))
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This is so awesome Jenn. We never know who we may have an impression on or where. Wish our ward could react in such a way. Sometimes knowing is scarier than the unknown.
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen. I am just so proud of Leah. It is great to know how much she's inspired those girls. Most of the ward does react this way. Most of the ward sees Leah as Leah. Most of the ward is inspired by her. Most of the ward isn't scared of her. It's those few who are who are making things so tough. There are many people who have privately come to support us but they won't do it publicly because of fear of backlash... kinda scary actually. But everything happens for a reason, and hopefully when all is said and done, things will be better for it. :)
ReplyDeleteAww that's so amazing Jenn! Just think of the rewarding careers those girls will have if they stick to that choice...all because of your little girl. Leah is such an awesome little girl and I'm sure this will be just one of the many many inspiring stories you will have to tell about her in the years to come. <3
ReplyDeleteSo wonderful! Will she be in the same program next year?
ReplyDeleteMy bear cub is like your Leah and all it takes is a supporting environment and she thrives and shows that she is just like anyone else.