How did you make the decision to have your child participate in the program?
The day care was one of our employee benefits and her older sister went to this day care. Initially, when our second child entered the day care we were not aware of her disability.

How have you been able to give input into how your child's needs are met?
By meeting with the supervisors and teachers. Also, we have, on occasion, had day care teachers attend our child's IEP meeting at school. We have also arranged on site meetings with public school resource teachers and day care teachers.

Who are the ongoing participants on your child's IEP team?
The school has the assistant coordinator, paraeducator, resource teacher, regular education teacher, OT, speech pathologist and us, her parents. We can select to have other people come to the IEP meeting. >

How has the program benefited your child?
Our child has autism. By being around other children, our child has attempted to imitate their activities. Hopefully, other children will benefit by knowing that others with disabilities have a lot to contribute!

Does your child have a special friend?
Not one special friend at day care but several children enjoy playing with her. She does have a special friend at school.

What advice would you give to other parents in placing their children in inclusive programs?
Initially we have found it can be somewhat frightening for teachers and staff if they haven't had an experience with a child with that specific disability. Providing resource books, pamphlets and setting up inservices by working with the school tends to reduce the anxiety. Open communication is so important. Let your child see the program - perhaps find a "buddy" that can be their friend.

To what extent do you feel involved in the overall program?
Very involved. For example, this spring we me with school age staff to discuss the summer and other suggestion - i.e. - have chores for our child to do, she calls them her "special jobs", making a schedule board and have pictures made of the teachers and staff. These were all done!!

How do you feel your child is benefiting from the inclusive aspect of the program?
As stated above, I think both our child and other children benefit. Our child is learning to imitate other children's behavior; increase her vocabulary and take field trips.

Have you had any concerns? If so, how have these concerns been addressed?
Change in routine can be difficult for our child. As with most day cares, routines can vary greatly. But, by using the schedule board, communicating by writing changes down and reinforcing verbally, our child is helped through the transitions.