Katelyn Sparkles Like a Gem: Early Childhood Education at Easterseals North Georgia

Katelyn, age 4, has Down syndrome and receives early childhood education through Easterseals North Georgia. Her mother, Johnnise, says, “you can’t have a bad day with Kaitlyn. She is gonna make you hug and she’s gonna make you smile.” Affectionately referred to as the “queen of hugs,” Katelyn is beloved by her teachers and peers alike, bringing a positive light to the classroom. And according to Johnnise, Easterseals North Georgia provides Katelyn with the opportunity to thrive at school.

“Any time you take your child to a new school or new environment, you don’t know if they’re going to meet your child where they are,” Johnnise said. “And once we got here and I saw that they really care and were ready to support Katelyn’s needs, all that uncertainty went out the door. Easterseals provided her with independence, a routine. They provided her with the educational knowledge that she would need. And Katelyn was just blossoming.”

According to Johnnise, Katelyn enrolled in Easterseals North Georgia through the Atlanta public school system. At her preschool, Katelyn is given breakfast, lunch, and even provided diapers, as she is still potty training. These services are directly related to Easterseals North Georgia’s Early Childhood Education program’s mission. By providing early childhood care necessities, Katelyn can focus on learning important skills and interacting with her peers. And for Johnnise, she can take comfort in knowing her daughter is loved and cared for.

Supporting Children and Families, Fostering Independence

Through their Early Childhood Education program, Easterseals North Georgia is fostering communities that benefit both disabled and nondisabled children alike. Through providing services to over 2,000 children annually, they assist parents and guardians of children ages six weeks to five years with care for aspects like nutrition, medical, and disability-related needs.

Education is a key pillar to the development of a child. Learning valuable lessons, making friends and building connections, and establishing a sense of routine can go a long way, far beyond early childhood years. For Easterseals North Georgia, this means working with a child’s family to create a sufficient environment. Through Family Support (Case Management), families can seek specific tools that suit their children best.

By utilizing a two-generation approach, Easterseals North Georgia works to increase a family's independence, while simultaneously granting support, ensuring that parents and guardians will be a child's best teacher. Family Support Advocates provide crucial information such as guided referrals, financial wellness coaching, mental health services, GED and adult education attainment, mentorship, parent and leadership training, emergency support, advocacy, and more.

Beyond supporting parents and guardians, Easterseals North Georgia directly works with children, particularly disabled children, in classrooms to create supportive learning environments. By pairing disabled children with non-disabled peers, educational environments create spaces to understand and accept one another, as well as allow students to enrich themselves in quality educational experiences. However, disabled students are still given specific lesson plans to help meet their needs.

A Strong Start for Every Child

“Easterseals has been a great resource,” Johnnise said. “They have monthly parent meetings. They go over [things like] the importance of fingerpainting. It’s been a wonderful program. I’m so happy she [was] placed there.”

Johnnise praises the classroom environment, noting how warm and inviting it is for parents and students alike. She also states that teachers regularly work with Katelyn on her IEP (Individualized Education Plan) to add programs like occupational therapy and physical therapy. And even though Katelyn has only been enrolled in the programs since last August, her growth is noticeable to everyone around her.

Katelyn’s experience within the Early Childhood Education program is just one example of the importance of early childhood services that Easterseals North Georgia provides. For families of disabled and non-disabled children, having assistance during a crucial time of a child’s life is not only welcome, but necessary. These tools let children grow and thrive. And for Johnnise, Katelyn has blossomed into a shining gem.

“I’m so happy. I’m so blessed to have her as my daughter,” she said. “Gems sparkle, right? And that’s my extraordinary gem because she sparkles. [Easterseals] put a little more sparkle in that sparkle.”

Below: Watch Katelyn as she thrives (and sparkles!) in her classroom.