How did you make the decision to have your child participate in the program?
Actually we never even knew such a program existed. A few months after Devin was born, we could tell he was not developing like a normal baby his age. He didn't crawl until he was almost one, started walking at 1 1/2, and his speech was slow at coming. Everything seemed to be a challenge for him. We were taking him to several different doctors and specialists for answers but they were always the same. They could find nothing wrong with him and told us to let him alone and he would be fine. This answer was not acceptable to us. We just knew something was wrong. Finally after several tests and even a CAT Scan coming out negative, we decided to take a different direction for help. A friend of ours suggested that we take Devin to Heart Spring, a place that specializes in children with special needs. After being tested at Heart Spring, we were told that Devin really did have some special needs and he was entered into their program. He was seen by a therapist twice a week for 30 minutes for OT and speech therapy. We were truly amazed at the progress he made here with his speech. But after being here for almost 2 years, Devin started to become bored with the program. He used to cry each time he had to go and started refusing to cooperate with the specialists. We felt like we had hit a plateau with him in this program. Since he was now reaching Preschool age, his therapist suggested that we contact the Special Education Office in the Wichita School System and see what they had to offer. After much cooperation from their office and some more testing, we were told that our area school had a program that we should check into. And the rest is history. The White Elementary Staff did some testing on Devin and he was enrolled into their program. At the time we started with them, I had no idea as to the time these people would be putting in to help my child. We feel it was a miracle and the grace of God that helped us to find such a program. We were very fortunate and are extremely thankful to this day.

How have you been able to give input into how your child's needs are met?
The very first IEP meeting that I attended, I was shocked to see just how much paperwork and planning was being done. Here we were discussing our fears, strengths, and wants for Devin. We were setting goals and the amount of time that we wanted it to take for him to achieve them. They were listening to everything I had to say. They never once thought our hopes and dreams for Devin were unreachable. I looked forward to these meetings because of all the new ideas that they were coming up with. Any time during the year that I may have had a concern or a question, all I had to do was ask any one of his teachers. It was interesting to go to these meetings each time because even though we were very aware of Devin's progress, he was reaching goals that we at home had no idea he could do. So each time I went with anticipation and excitement to see what he had learned that I didn't know he had. We always felt that our input was encouraged.

Who are the ongoing participants on your child's IEP team?
Joan - School Psychologist
Cindy - Principal
Jennifer - Teacher
Robin - Teacher
Jeanne - Social Worker
Angela - Nurse
Anita - ECSE Teacher
Chelie - Speech and Language
Debra - OT

How are you communicated with on a daily or weekly basis?
His OT teacher sends home a report every time she works with Devin, which is once a week. She lets me know what they worked on that day and how well he responded. She lets me know his frustrations and his accomplishments. Sometimes she will give suggestions on what we can do at home. She also lets me know his attitude towards his therapy on that day. Since I'm not there, I look forward to these notes to see how he is coming along. I have received phone calls from her and have even been invited to sit in on some sessions to learn some of the exercises being used to strengthen Devin's hands. This teacher has also sent home endless worksheets for him to practice on. This way we can continue his therapy at home, especially during the summer.

His other teachers send home a newsletter each Monday as to what they will be learning in class for the week. If ever they have a suggestion or concern, I always know they will contact me either through a note or a phone call. Devin brings home at least 3 papers each day and several times it will have a special note attached if he has accomplished something extra special on his own. This is really neat as I can see the excitement on the teachers' faces when this happens. The teachers have even gone out of their way to laminate the alphabet and numbers for us to work on at home. They have also sent home numerous worksheets and books that they think might be of help. They're always passing on information they receive.

How has the program benefited your child?
Before Devin entered White Elementary, he was testing along the line of a 1 1/2 year old even though he was 4. A few weeks ago he was tested and is along the line of a 5 to 5 1/2 year old and is now 6. I think this speaks for itself. He is a totally different little boy. He is outgoing now and loves to learn. He looks forward to going to school every day. Everyday I pick him up from school, he goes on and on about what he learned and did that day. He is now writing his name, words and sentences. He knows all his letters and some numbers, things that didn't make sense before. He doesn't give up like he did before. It is extra encouraging when people who haven't seen Devin for awhile, comment on how much he has improved since the last time they had seen him.

Does your child have a special friend?
Devin has 3 special friends. My parents have always been very special to him and he is very close to them. We see them at least twice a week and each time Devin begs to stay with them. My mom always knew that he needed extra help and care and so she kind of took him under her wing. And to this day they still help him with his letters or writing when they come. A few years ago my dad had a serious illness and still has some side effects. Devin is always trying to help him put on his shoes, button his shirt, or taking him for his walks. He is always by my dad's side. If my dad is going to the field, Devin is next to him in the tractor. He constantly talks about his "Papa". There is a definite bond between them.

His third special friend is his teacher, Jennifer. He thinks the world of her. Each day I take him to school he looks for her car and when he sees it, his eyes light up and he gets the biggest smile on his face. If we are with a group of people, he always tells people about her. When he plays at home, she is always a part of the game. We constantly hear her name from him. It's nothing for him to come and tell us how he is going to give her a big hug the next day. Each day he wakes up he asks if he's going to see her. We feel she is our "special angel" from Heaven.

What advice would you give to other parents in placing their children in inclusive programs?
Consider yourself very lucky. There aren't very many schools who are doing this program. This program will give those students with special needs all the help and support they need at that same time they are able to interact with their peers. You need to be totally involved with your child in the program. You will not believe the difference this will make. All the extra work and support of the teachers should be rewarded with the total support and involvement from the parents. This program works. If you've been searching for that extra helping program, this is it! Don't let anyone tell you that you're overreacting. You know your child. Keep searching for the inclusion program. It's an amazing program.

To what extent do you feel involved in the overall program?
I feel as if I'm right beside him everyday at school. Not a day goes by that I don't get some information about his progress whether it be by word of mouth or just a piece of paper. The feeling you get knowing that your child is learning and doing exactly what he needs to be doing is an awesome one. Having a program like this with all the extras helps me as a parent get rid of some of that guilt wondering if it may have been something you did wrong as to why they have special needs. This program gives such support to parents. I know anytime I have a question or concern all I have to do is call or meet with the teachers and I leave feeling satisfied. I can tell you what Devin is learning everyday and just about what level he is on and what he needs extra help with. This comes from such great open communication lines through this program with the teachers. It is great to walk down the halls and have a teacher come running up all excited about something special your child has achieved. We all need an extra pat on the back at times!

How do you feel your child is benefiting from the inclusive aspect of the program?
The inclusion part is one of the most important parts of this program to me. Before Devin started this program, he just kind of went with the flow. If his sister took a toy from him, he just got another one. If his sister hit him, he wouldn't respond. He never cared to join in on games with others, never "rough housed" with his brother, and most of the time, never joined in on conversations. It was like he didn't know how to become involved. He is a totally different little boy after being in this program. Now he hates being left out of anything. He tries very hard to keep up with his peers and wants to do everything they are doing. How refreshing it was the first day I went into his classroom and saw him raising his hand to answer a question. Now he comes running to the car after school and can't wait to tell or show us what he did that day. He talks about his friends constantly. He doesn't have any idea that he is different from the other children. And the other children love the responsibility of helping Devin. If he isn't sitting where he is suppose to be, they let him know about it. You can tell by the look on his face that he is just a normal little boy growing up and learning with his peers. And the satisfaction that I feel in my heart is unexplainable.

I always remember growing up and going to school. The special education students were always in a classroom by themselves and whether we had a program or assembly all together, they were always kept in their own little group. There was absolutely no interaction with other students. And to this day when I go home, you can still see these same people being together. And they haven't thrived the way that I know they could have with a little bit of extra help and support. And this is why it was so important for us to have Devin in the inclusion part of the program. I know everyone has the same opportunities in life, some of us just have to work harder. And I truly believe that some kids can and will be able to overcome being a special education student. My dream some day is to have Devin back into the classroom learning on the same level as his peers. Some people will tell you that once your child is in special education they will always be there. I have seen how well the inclusion part has worked for Devin and how he has matured in these past three years. I also believe that "if you lose your dreams you die". And I know as long as there are inclusion programs available, we will some day beat these special needs.

Have you had any concerns? If so, how have these concerns been addressed?
As a matter of fact, my biggest concern has happened just recently. White Elementary that Devin attends now is just preschool through first grade. Since Devin will be going into the second grade next year we have to find him a new school. How shocked I was to find that not very many schools have the inclusion program. We have worked too hard and too long to back track now. I immediately went to a meeting and voiced my concern to the IEP team and immediately they had the ball rolling. They were on the phone to schools, trying to locate the ones doing inclusion. I have since visited over four schools and think I have found a school that I pray will be another "White Elementary". Each time I went to visit a school one or two of Devin's IEP teachers would go with me and help me to ask questions. Once again I was never alone or just on my own. The support system through this program and school is beyond words.

My family has truly been blessed with the support from the teachers at White Elementary. They have all become a part of our lives. I've seen first hand what this program can do for special education students. I only have a heavy heart for those parents who are out there that feel they have no hope or no one to turn to. I think of those children who could really excel if only given the chance to participate in the inclusion program. Once again, parents need to get involved and don't take no for an answer. There are "Angels" out there just like the ones we found at White that will forever have an impact on Devin and our lives. My dreams are to come back to White someday and congratulate each and every one of the teachers and show them what a successful life Devin has made for himself