Down Syndrome: Inclusive Education at Forward Leap

Down syndrome is a common genetic condition that causes developmental delays in people that are diagnosed with it. Here at Forward Leap, we have experience working with children who have Down Syndrome and welcome them into our learning community.

In this post, our commitment to inclusive education and how we will go about making a positive experience for children with Down Syndrome- will be discussed.

About Down Syndrome

Even though everyone with this syndrome is unique and special in their own way, there are common characteristics that make up the condition. I think it is important to provide a look at what exactly Down Syndrome is as you might see a child with it in our program if your child attends. We believe that all parents should be aware and understanding of our inclusive practices in the learning community.

The following is some information on this condition:

What is Down Syndrome?

Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. It is the most common condition involving chromosomes and affects around 1 in 640 babies in the United States.

Characteristics and Symptoms

Individuals with Down Syndrome often exhibit a range of physical and developmental characteristics.

Here are some common physical characteristics:

• Almond shaped eyes

• Flat nose

• Small ears

• Low muscle tone

• Short stature

• Overweight or obese

Here are some common developmental characteristics:

• Cognitive impairment

• Speech delays

• Impulsive behavior

• Oppositional behaviors

• Social issues

• Compulsions

People with Down Syndrome are also at risk for things like GI issues, heart issues, celiac disease and more.

Causes and Risk Factors

Down Syndrome is caused by abnormal cell division during the development of the egg or sperm, which then leads to an extra chromosome 21 in the cells. There are three different forms of of this syndrome that include the following:

• Trisomy 21- This when every cell in the body has three copies of chromosome 21. People without the condition only have two copies. This type is the most common form.

• Mosaic- Some cells in the body have two copies (normal) and some cells have three.

• Translocation- This is when the extra chromosome is attached to a different chromosome instead of being separate.

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of having a child with Down Syndrome. This includes the following:

• Advanced maternal age (aged 35 and older)

• Having had one child already with Down Syndrome

• Genetics

Diagnosis and Treatment

Down Syndrome is diagnosed prenatally through screening and tests. After the baby is born, the diagnosis gets confirmed by the analysis of chromosomes.

There is no cure for it- just support and therapies. People with Down Syndrome will typically get help from physical, speech and occupational therapists. They will also have educational supports in school (i.e. special education teacher) and extra medical care due to associated conditions (i.e. sleep apnea, obesity and digestive issues).

Inclusion at Forward Leap

Since we are all about an inclusive community here at Forward Leap, there are things we will do to make sure that children with Down Syndrome are supported. They include the following strategies:

1. Inclusive Admission and Enrollment Process- During this process, we will help to make you and your child feel as comfortable and welcome as possible into our community. We will be discussing your child's strengths and needs as well as put a lot of focus on their potential rather than their diagnosis.

2. Individual Education Plan- An IEP will be created for the child with Down Syndrome. We will also collaborate with a special education teacher and therapists to further make sure they get the support they need.

3. Professional Development- Books and courses on Down Syndrome as well as inclusivity will be read and taken. This is so that we continue to understand the best practices when it comes to working with children with the diagnosis. A visit to microschools that serve neurodivergent children, will also provide another learning opportunity for us.

4. Peer Support and Social Integration- Positive interaction between children with Down Syndrome and neurotypical children will be encouraged.

5. Curriculum Adaptations- Children with Down Syndrome will have teaching materials and group activities, modified for their success. They will have visual aids, do hands on learning, get 1:1 instruction, have tasks broken down into smaller steps and be provided with multisensory approaches to their academics. If they are bringing in their own curriculum, we will be sure to support/help them with it.

6. Health and Medical- We will collaborate with healthcare professionals to learn about any medical needs the child has and how to address them. This will also go in the IEP.

7. Behavior Support- Since some children with Down Syndrome exhibit behavior issues, behavior management strategies/plans will be created and implemented to reduce them.

8. Celebration of Diversity- We will celebrate diversity in the learning community by having positive conversations about the syndrome and reading books about children who have it.

Curriculum and Materials

Forward Leap fully supports children who bring in their own curriculum. Parents are

able to use the curriculum that we provide but only if they are okay with it.

If your child has Down Syndrome and you are choosing to go with our curriculum, the following are some things we will use and do:

• Pencil grip to help with writing

• Various items that help with fine and gross motor skills

• Have them practice sorting in categories

• All About Reading curriculum

• Tracing sheets for practicing forming letters, numbers and shapes

• Play Doh, sand, kinetic sand etc. for forming letters, numbers and shapes with fingers

• Hand Writing with Tears workbook if and when they are ready

• Numicon Math, Elephant Learning, or Touch Math- These are great for children who might struggle with math.

• Vocabulary cards- These are to help with aspects of speech in children with Down Syndrome.

In addition, they will be included in all activities with the other children and given whatever support is necessary for them to participate.

In Conclusion

Understanding Down Syndrome is crucial for fostering a supportive and inclusive learning community. By raising awareness and promoting acceptance, we can help ensure that individuals with Down Syndrome have the opportunities and support they need to thrive.

At Forward Leap, children with Down Syndrome will be in a safe place where they can learn and grow!

Get in touch if you are a parent of a child with Down Syndrome and are looking for a small learning environment for them.

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