connecting services with families...
by Amanda Moore, Contributing Editor, Program
Children with disabilities require services from a variety of organizations. Early learning coalitions across the state employ inclusion specialists, who plan collaboratively with the staff of agencies serving children with special needs and their families. Effective service delivery depends on the willingness and ability of all agencies to consistently communicate, develop interagency procedures and agreements, and even travel to various locations to meet families’ needs. The stories below illustrate the impact of Florida’s inclusion specialists making these connections and improving the delivery of services to children and families.
Jordan’s Story
On the first day of kindergarten at Celebration Elementary School in Osceola County, children greeted their new teacher and classmates as Jordan, a child with cerebral palsy, rolled into the room in his power chair, wearing a big smile. Jordan’s peers were initially unsure of him, having many questions: How does he talk? Can he walk? Why does he drive that chair? Through education and peer modeling, the students quickly lost interest in things that Jordan could not do and began focusing on the many things he could do. They are helping friends who now celebrate his achievements.
Before Jordan entered school, United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida and the public schools, with the help of the inclusion specialist from the Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County, implemented a plan to facilitate a smooth transition from Jordan’s previous early learning environment to an inclusive kindergarten, using a team approach to ensure Jordan’s success. Inclusion Specialist Danielle Pyke continues working in Jordan’s classroom, modeling adaptations when necessary. This success story results from collaboration, teamwork, communication, and shared goals among the School District of Osceola County, the Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County, and United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida.
