What is your educational background?
High School Graduate and some college hours at a local Junior College.

What other experiences, or staff development has prepared you for inclusion?.
staff meetings, Health Department staff in services, USD 500 involvement, interaction between staff and interactions between staff and families.

What is your job role?
Lead Teacher in toddler classroom.

What is your role regarding the inclusive component of the program?
to assist USD 500 in any way possible.

How has your role changed or have you adapted your role as it relates to the inclusive program?
It's been a true learning experience one in which I have enjoyed. Lots of brain storming and sharing.

What were your biggest concerns about participating in an inclusive program?
That the staff on site would not be actively involved. But, that was further from the truth.

What were your experiences related to these concerns once inclusive services were implemented?
Lots of learning, terminology, awareness of special needs and programs available.

What do you see as the benefits of moving toward inclusive services?
The family, the child benefit tremendously.

Can you offer one or more anecdotes that you feel illustrate the benefits of inclusion?
I have observed the silence of a special needs child turn to laughter, signing and beginning language.