“Letting Individuality Shine”……this is the logo of one of our favorite preschools in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. It doesn’t take much to see why.

At KidSpeak, one of our main goals and one of our families’ main goals with our children with Autism Spectrum Disorders is to prepare them for enrollment within a typical preschool, then within a typical Kindergarten and then to ensure that they are successful within these environments. Our children are just as part of our world as any other human being and we feel that this is what they deserve. This does not mean that it won’t take an incredible amount of hard word to get them there. This does not mean they will not need a shadow to accompany them full time. This does not mean that it will be easy. This just means that they deserve a chance just like any other child.

Unfortunately not all school environments are open to the idea of including a child with special needs or allowing a shadow to accompany the child. We like to think this is due to a lack of understanding. When attempting to help the families find an appropriate school placement, we have come across many rude, closed-minded and uninformed receptions, teachers, principals and directors. These individuals don’t quite get the concept of “Letting Individuality Shine”. We do not live in a perfect world. This just encourages us to work harder and find the people that ARE genuine and open-minded.

We remember first walking into this Dallas preschool that we love. We remember seeing MAGIC. What was so magical? Children. Playing. Everywhere. Children playing at the sensory table, children playing on computers, children playing at the Lego table, children playing dress-up, children playing Play-Doh, children playing pretend kitchen, children reading books, children doing art, children being SOCIAL! At this preschool, there is an emphasis on PLAY. At this preschool they “get” that it’s “Not Just Play”
http://www.autismspot.com/blog/Not-Just-Play
http://www.autismspot.com/blog/Not-Just-Play-2
and that children learn by seeing, hearing and doing. The director of this school believes in letting children be CHILDREN….that children learn through natural, child-centered activities…..that children need time to be free and creative and they need time to “let their individuality shine”. This could not be any more perfect.

The director of this preschool has welcomed KidSpeak with open arms. When our kids became ready for this type of preschool environment (they first had to make lots of progress to be ready), we enrolled some of our kids at this school and they have been 100% successful. Some of the children needed a shadow full-time and some of the children needed a shadow at first and then were able to tolerate the shadow being faded. The director has allowed whatever support the child may need with open and welcoming arms. This has been more than a blessing. After 33 years of service at this preschool, the director is retiring.

We do not want to focus this blog on the sadness of the director leaving. We want to celebrate what she has done for our children and our families. Our children are learning the rules of a preschool. Our children are becoming prepared for Kindergarten. Our children are playing with other children. Our children are having fun. Our children are growing as individuals. Our children are building their self-esteem. Our children are building on a crucial foundation of skills that they need for their future endeavors. Our children are MAKING FRIENDS.

We want to stress that yes, there are many people and places out there they have a lack of understanding and may not accept your child for the amazing individual they are BUT, like this Dallas preschool director, there are many people and places that will accept your child, that will love your child and that will allow your child’s “individuality to shine”. Keep looking and you will find it!

~Laura & Amanda
KidSpeak, LLC
www.kidspeakdallas.com