How did you make the decision to have your child participate in the program?
I wanted a program that specially met my son's special medical and educational needs with teachers and staff that are knowledgeable, however, I also wanted him to be with more advanced children. So that he could learn social and emotional skills from his own peers.

How have you been able to give input into how your child's needs are met?
The staff follow a specific medical plan that was instructed by his physician and my self so that he can stay in school. Also his teachers are familiar with his medical needs, so that they are prepared for emergencies as related to my son. Also I relate to the staff areas of developmental weakness.

Who are the ongoing participants on your child's IEP team?
Speech teacher
Developmental teacher
OT therapist
input from lead teacher

How are you communicated with on a daily or weekly basis?
conversations daily, phone calls as needed, monthly calendar, newsletters, and teacher's notes as needed.

How has the program benefited your child?
My child's development is way beyond what was first expected of him at birth. He is very social and confident. He is able to verbalize a lot of the times when he needs medical treatment.

Does your child have a special friend?
His special friend is his lead classroom teacher. He often is calmer at school because of the routine and the relationship with his teacher. He talks about his teacher at home and prays for her well-being. He mainly plays with boys. He lives for play time.

What advice would you give to other parents in placing their children in inclusive programs?
1) Investigate the program - ask lots of questions of staff and other parents.
2) Stay involved.
3) Learn as much as you can about your child's problem.
4) If you are not satisfied, ask questions right away.
5) Don't leave your child's future in someone else's hands.

To what extent do you feel involved in the overall program?
I make a point to watch my child play and interact with staff and other children. I participate in my child's IEP. I give him lots of learning opportunities that relate to themes of the month. I keep his papers and art work to hang on the wall to display it.

How do you feel your child is benefiting from the inclusive aspect of the program?
Often when a child has a disability, he is sheltered. I probably would not have expected him to achieve something as quickly except that he wanted to do what the other children were doing- so he did it. Sometimes he did things at school for months that he did not do at home, because the expectation was not there.

Have you had any concerns? If so, how have these concerns been addressed?
My great concern is transition to public school full time. Inclusion is good if the staff is trained and willing to take the time to know and appreciate my child's strengths and weaknesses. Otherwise a child may not reach his greatest potential. I would not want my child in a classroom where the resources are not there and the teacher really would rather that my child not be there either. To address this concern I have talked with his current teacher and his future kindergarten teacher. I do not want my son to have come so far in his development to be hindered by resources.