Interacting with children with special needs and learning to accept them is a valuable experience for all children. Our Center gives the children opportunities for social interaction with members of the community. The children attend shows and concerts and go to pet stores, restaurants, supermarkets, farms and other real-life destinations. Regular field trips are essential to the growth and development of our children. Our children have been invited to attend Chamber of Commerce events and other civic group meetings.
Public awareness is crucial in order for all children to be accepted and valued.
If the community has an awareness of what the Center does, and if children with special needs are able to participate in daily life activities, then people at large will be much more accepting. Mothers, fathers, foster parents, grandparents and other family support members are viewed as vital to their child's development, as are the teachers and therapists on staff. Parents work with the staff to evaluate their child, set goals and objectives, implement the program to reach these goals and reassess their child's progress. Support meetings offer a time for parents to interact with each other as well as with outside presenters and staff members. This networking provides an outlet for discussion of parental concerns specific to the family's needs.