When you surround a child with their peers, it becomes the perfect environment for learning and development. They sing together, play together and teach each other about diversity. At Kids Academy of Copley, you can see classrooms filled with boys and girls of every race and all abilities. Together, they thrive. “The kids teach each other so much more than I ever could,” shared Kids Academy teacher, Caitlin Zajac. Read More ›
My Story – The Towell Family
Meet Joey. This energetic, fun-loving five year old has a smile that can melt your heart and a swagger that tells you he’s going places. He is dynamic and unforgettable. Joey’s parents, Tom and Jennifer Towell, call him their super hero. You’d never guess that Joey, who has Down syndrome, has faced a multitude of challenges in his mere five years because each time he faces adversity, he and his wide network of supports come out stronger and more determined – like super heroes, you could say. Read More ›
Inclusive Child Care
Inclusive Child Care and Community Programs
Kids of every ability benefit from inclusive programs and learning opportunities. Let Summit DD support and connect your family to the programs and resources around you!
Inclusive Community Programs
Kids are kids, and we believe that all kids should have access to inclusive programs that enrich their early childhood experience such a story times, arts and crafts, sports, or any other community program. We are the experts in inclusion strategies and work with existing community programs, like area YMCAs, libraries, the zoo, among others, to ensure there are inclusive opportunities for all children and families, regardless of ability. Sign up for our eNewletter and be the first to hear about new opportunities and partnerships within your community, or check out our events calendar to find out what’s happening near you.
Community Partnership for Inclusion Program
Inclusive Child Care
Summit DD believes that all children and families should have access to quality, inclusive child care. Our Community Partnership for Inclusion (CPI) program supports a variety of child care options in communities across Summit County. From children who need a little extra support to be successful in the classroom to little ones with specialized medical needs our trained staff can help you locate and support your child at a child care center convenient for your family. Andrew and Joey are just two of the more than 60 children who have had successful experiences in many different child care centers throughout Summit County.
Transitional Support
While kids are kids, we know that each child is unique. Some children have more involved medical needs or behavioral challenges that require a little more support in making the transition into their community child care center. Our CPI staff is just the resource to help your little one transition successfully! Trained Summit DD staff work with children, their families and local child care centers to provide the tools and training for your child to be successful in an inclusive child care center. Through goals created with your child’s unique needs in mind, CPI staff will work with your child and your child care center to build skills that will make her successful in a community child care setting.
Contact us to let us help you explore your options and find the right fit for your family.
Is your child starting school soon? Discover some of the ways Summit DD can support you and your child along your journey.
It’s All About Kids preschool welcomes all kids, regardless of disability
When you walk into It’s All About Kids Preschool it appears to be just like any other preschool. You can hear the sweet sound of children’s giggles, preschoolers sitting in brightly colored classrooms listening to their favorite stories, teachers patiently working with their students preparing them for the years of school that lie ahead of them. What makes It’s All About Kids Preschool different is that it IS all about kids, whether they have special needs or not. In the two-year old classroom you will find Joey, laughing and playing with his friends, and though he can’t talk or walk yet he gains new skills every day and his classmates know him as their friend. Read More ›