An Assessment for Your Young Child

I can not believe I forgot to share this great Journal ( I would call it an assessment.) for your little one.  This could be a daunting task to fill out.  But, it can help you see your child's strengths and areas that need  more reinforcement.  Anyway, this journal was developed by the Department of Education in UK.  I just went to the official site and it has been archived.  I am not sure why.

Journal for DS Babies


Department of Education UK- Journal for Babies



A great booklet on new babies can also be found through the UK.

Parent Information

Learning Program for Early Childhood

Anyone who knows me knows I am passionate about Early Childhood Education and Care. After all, my Associates and Bachelors are in ECE. I was so excited when I heard about a program in Orange County for Down Syndrome Preshoolers. They even offer classes for babies and toddlers. My local Ds association's president mentioned the program to me. So, now I am looking into starting a preshool one morning a month for my local Ds friends. Has anyone else started a Ds preschool or been a parent in one? I love the fact that "The Learning Program" from Orange County also offers a parent class.  Now, parents can help their kids achieve using research based practices. I am so grateful that there are people who have paved the way to make my kid's life easier. 

Orange County Learning Program

Army Crawling

O.K. I have to brag a little!  We thought we were doing good in October when Sugar Boy wanted to get in the quad position and rock.  Yes, he is going to crawl soon!  Well, soon has still not come.  With some enticement on my part, Sugar boy did a very original army crawl.  If you have someone in you life with DS, you know that every little milestone is precious.  We are just so happy he is healthy that we relish in the trivial tasks ahead of us.

New Reading and Language Program for Down Syndrome Kids

 Down Syndrome Education International Announces a new Reading and Language intervention for Down Syndrome children!

The link below will show the full article.
Reading and Language Intervention

Great News!  It will be available in the U.S. sometime soon!

Being a Special Education Pre-K & K teacher in the past, I highly recommend a curriculum called Handwriting Without Tears.  It was used primarily for special needs students.  Now, regular education students are using it too!  It is an OT's best friend.  If you are new to therapies, OT stands for Occupational Therapist.  They work on fine motor skills like grasping, holding objects, etc. You can purchase indiviual books to use at home!

Another great program is Touch Math.  Especially for boys!  They use visual and tactile learning to help students.  Love it!

If you know of any other programs that are helpful, please let me know!

Sugar Boy

I had to share a few pictures of my little Sugar Boy.  A loving family member gave him the nickname of Sugar Boy.  I think it suites him well!

Sugar Boy at 3 Months

  

Sugar Boy at 6 Months

Welcome!

Here is the thing.  If you are here, you are probably someone with a family member or loved one with Down Syndrome.  Or, maybe you are an educator looking for some homespun advise or insight. Whatever your reason for being here, I thank you.

I am new to blogging, as you can probably tell.  However, I always have thoughts and opinions floating in my head.  I figured if I could organize my ideas and everyone else's ideas, research, etc.,  I have seen or heard, I could make better sense of it all.  If I help others in my quest, that is a plus!