Inclusion Specialist

Partners In Learning is dedicated to the well-being of families and children and has developed an array of activities to promote quality inclusive early care and education.

Our Inclusion Specialist works with a variety of individuals and groups including:

·        children

·        child care providers

·        early interventionists

·        public school preschool coordinators

·        parents

·        teachers

·        local interagency councils

·        Regional Interagency Coordinating Councils

·        Therapist

·        College and high school students

·        Volunteers

The best way to get to know more about the work of our Inclusion Specialist is to read firsthand the experiences of some of our children and families.

Anita sought child care for her infant with Down Syndrome when he was 6 weeks old after being told by the caregiver she had lined up that she didn’t know how to keep a child with Down Syndrome. 

“My son Jared started at Partners In Learning when he was an infant. Since that time he has received services and care through the Inclusion Program.   Our family has also received ongoing support through our support groups.  I don’t know where our family would be without Partners In Learning.” 

Brandon is an active 3 year old that was identified when he was 2 with a severe communication delay.

“I’m thankful for everything that everyone has done for me and Brandon.  I would not have known what to do or where to go without you help”---Patricia (Brandon’s Grandmother)

McKenzie came to the program at the age of 2 and had no language.  After finding out that she was profoundly deaf.

“A Hearing Impaired Teacher for the Rowan-Salisbury School System stopped to talk to the on-Site Inclusion Specialist about the success of a little girl at Partners In Learning that has a profound hearing impairment.  She wanted to share as well as thank the staff for being a part of McKenzie’s success. The family went through many problems with finding the right doctor as well as the right hearing aid for her at this time almost a year had passed without having any major progress.  At the age of three, her hearing aids were finally stable for her needs and a trusted doctor had been established--she was still extremely hearing delayed that put her far behind her peers in language.  She also started receiving a One-On-One Language Facilitator to help her learn language basically from the beginning.  At the beginning of the year, McKenzie was in the 4 year old room, but according to her Hearing Impaired teacher, she was only at a 2 year old level in speech.  With therapy, being able to have a good On-on-one Facilitator, a dedicated On-site Inclusion Specialist, and an Inclusive Classroom with typical developing children,  McKenzie as is now at her age level for the biggest part of her language development--She has gone from single clear words to full sentences just this year! She also can be understood better by her peers and adults. The Hearing impaired teacher was so excited she wanted to make sure we let everyone know of this success story and although McKenzie still needs intensive therapy, it has helped her being around children with good language skills to model to and encourage her as well as including her in their daily adventures.”  Lynn Porter