The Prep Prog

Zachary Smith shines on stage despite disability

prep_admin — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 15:47:18 +0000

Zachary Smith, who has been added the the cast of "Camp Rock" a musical production by Storybook Theatre. Smith, 15, has Down syndrome and has "come out of his shell" since being added to the cast, albeit in a limited role, says his mom. Handout/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Zachary Smith has big dreams of performing on Broadway.

Thanks to a larger-than-life attitude and the support of his family and friends, he’s one step closer.

Though he was born with Down syndrome, the Grade 8 Vincent Massey student hasn’t let his condition affect his enthusiasm and dedication, playing sports and even starting acting courses last year.

Through the Calgary Actors’ Studio, Zachary met teacher Tory Doctor, who is currently directing Camp Rock, a production through StoryBook Theatre.

Zachary told his mom Denise about the show and she contacted Doctor to find out if there would be room for her son and soon, Zach had his own role in the production.

“I always just try to help him achieve whatever his dreams are … he continues to amaze me with his ability to say ‘I can do this,’” said Denise.

“We’re fortunate to live in a society today that will give him a chance.”

Doctor said it’s rare he finds a student with as much dedication as Zachary.

Camp Rock, he said, has an underlying theme of inclusivity and so Zachary has found a perfect place within the cast.

“I couldn’t think of anyone other than Zach to be the epitome of inclusivity,” said Doctor.

“The cast has taken to heart the idea of inclusivity and they’ve taken to heart not what Zach has, but who he is and you can tell that means the world to him.

“He’s taken ownership of it and he’s in his element – you can see how comfortable he is on stage and how invested he is in every single moment.

Zachary said he’s loved being part of the production, adding he hopes to take part in another musical after.

“I like being on stage, I like to work with the cast and crew,” he said.

“My cast is supportive of me, they tell me where to go for my parts.”

Camp Rock began shows March 1 at the Beddington Heights Community Arts Centre.

The final shows are happening this weekend, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

For tickets or information, 403-216-0808.

by Jenna McMurray, Calgary Sun

PREP Events Bulletin – Issue 5

prep_admin — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 21:23:48 +0000

4th Annual Mom’s Day Retreat
Register Now for the 4th Annual Mom’s Day Retreat Saturday May 4th at the Calgary Winter Club. Cost: $25 (PREP Member) $50 (Non Member). Remember YOU deserve a day to relax and meet up with friends old and new. Please contact Annamarie for more information Email: Annamarie@prepprog.org or Call 403-282-5011 ext 125
Myth Busting: Don’t believe everything you hear…. PREP Workshop Monday March 18th @ 7pm
On your journey of inclusion you are going to get tons of advice. Whether it is accurate for you depends on the reporter, the situation, and the context. Parents need to filter well intentioned advice and discover what is a myth and what is real. Information is knowledge and knowledge gives you the power to advocate more effectively for what you want for your child. Join us and hear from parents about how they filter advice, process information, and make decisions for their child’s education. Inclusion can work at any grade, any age, and any ability level. Come join us to learn the facts. Please RSVP to Barbara McHarg at barbm@prepprog.org (403) 282-5011 ext. 130
Calgary Marathon Charity Challenge: We are Almost Half Way There
Help us achieve our goal of $25,000 so far we have raised $12,265 which is 49% of our goal. Sign up today to be a team player for PREP. A special thank you to the five teams already registered to run for PREP – Team Jaxin, Team Vaughn, Team Thompson, and Team Maz. Families are invited to join The PREP Program to walk, run or stroll ‘n’ roll the 5K. If you are unable to participate in the run, you can help out with a donation of $25 to symbolize PREP’s 25th anniversary. Calgary Marathon website http://www.calgarymarathon.com. Also, watch the PREP website, Facebook, and your email for upcoming updates. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Jan-Marie at jan-marie@prepprog.org or call 403-282-5011 ext. 112
Congratulations Kim Doig
“PREP’s ECS Teacher – Kim was nominated for The Alberta Early Learning and Child Care Professional Awards of Excellence, by the ECS parents, in honor of PREP’s 25th Anniversary. The parents recognize Kim’s dedication to their children and speak to the hope and optimism they feel because of their child’s participation in Kim’s ECS class.
Hooray for Volunteers
The PREP 4 team is excited to announce that Julia has been nominated for the Conoco Phillips Youth of Distinction Awards. Julia is a grade 11 student at Bishop Carroll High School and is a peer mentor volunteer in the PREP 4 program. Julia has been a volunteer on Wednesday afternoons since March 2012 and has logged in more than 50 volunteer hours. She is a positive role model and each week brings a smile, loads of energy and a positive attitude to class. If Julia is selected in her nominated category for a Peer Support Award, she could win $1000 for her school.
An Actor in Our Midst
PREP 4 Student Zachary Smith Cast Member in Storybook Theater Production Zachary Smith was cast as Zach in the “Camp Rock” theatrical production by Storybook Theater. The show is about acceptance, fitting in and friendships. Storybook Theater did a great job of casting as they truly were inclusive which tied into the theme of the story. When the director of the show, Tory Doctor, called to invite Zachary to be a part of the cast, he said “We want Zachary to be in this show because he is a part of what Camp Rock is about….being inclusive.” Congratulations!!
PREP ECS Program Highlight
submitted by Kim Doig ECS Teacher Welcome to ECS! Since 1988 our ECS class has “PREPPED” children for success. As the ECS teacher and program coordinator I have had the honour for the past 12 years of watching our 3 -5 year old children develop independence skills for inclusion in their community kindergarten class. ECS is a fun place to be. The ECS Program is the backbone of PREP offering families their first formal experience and inspiring them to believe in “Inclusion for Life.” There are lots of celebrations as children surpass their IPP goals, and wow us with their individual talents! Visitors are welcome! “. Parent Quote, “Kim collaborates with us to get the best approach to making our son a valued contributing member of the school and our community. The result is that he is comfortable amongst his peers in many different environments.”
Great News
PREP Occupational Therapist Susanne Williams has received her AADL Authorizer #. Susanne is able to assess and complete authorizations for kids over the age of 3 that qualify for AADL diaper coverage. Families that may have questions about AADL or may be interested in applying for coverage can contact Susanne at PREP by phoning 403-282-5011 ext.109 or email susanne@prepprog.org
Save the Date
PREP is closed for Spring Break March 25 and reopening Tuesday April 2 P1 and P2 classes will resume on Tuesday April 2 P3 and P4 will resume the week of Monday April 8 Mom’s Day Retreat Saturday May 4th Calgary Winter Club Scotia Bank Charity Challenge Run Sunday May 26
“The key to change… is to let go of fear.” Rosanne Cash

Mother’s message is everyone beautiful in her daughter’s eyes

prep_admin — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:21:41 +0000

Okotoks: Team builds students’ esteem and sensitivity to others

Sydney Cowling and her mother Loree

An Okotoks mother and her daughter are shining a light on people’s inner beauty, something Sydney sees every day.

Sydney Cowling, a 14-year-old Grade 7 student at Ecole Okotoks Junior High School, cannot make it down the hall without people greeting her or asking her how she is doing.

Her mother, Loree said her daughter is a social butterfly, who makes friends easily and loves attention. Sydney also has Down syndrome, but that doesn’t define who she is, Loree said.

“Sydney’s got this ability to affect people really quickly,” Loree said. “She has a lot of friends. She can’t walk down the hall without people saying hi.”

Loree admitted when her daughter was a baby she worried about how she would acclimate to school life.

“I used to worry so much that she wasn’t going to fit in and she was going to be bullied and people would treat her poorly,” Loree said.

She followed everyone’s advice to get her daughter as much assistance as possible, bringing therapists to her home almost daily and enrolling Sydney in preschool at two-and-a-half to help her get a head start on school.

All that came to a halt when at three-years-old Sydney was diagnosed with leukemia. She spent eight months in hospital and when she was released, Loree said they had to be careful because she still had a compromised immune system.

It was a setback in Sydney’s progress, but Loree said for her it was the biggest learning experience of her life.

“When she got sick I realized as much as she needed to fit in our world, I realized how awesome her world is,” she explained.

Sydney beat leukemia, but continued to struggle with health problems. When it came time for her to attend school, Loree said her daughter’s attendance was sporadic for a number of years. When Sydney and her family moved to Okotoks she entered Grade 2 at Dr. Morris Gibson School.

Loree said she wanted to share what she had learned from Sydney with her classmates.

To do so she developed a presentation she shared with the students in Sydney’s class to help them understand the difficulties Sydney faces every day and also so they could see themselves and others as Sydney sees them — perfect just the way they are.

“With the presentation I want to present a different view of the world,” Loree said. “There is no judgment with her so she’s open to them and they can feel it.”

When students feel confident in themselves they often treat others better, Loree explained.

When Sydney was younger she also would show students what it is like for her to get through her day. People with down syndrome face a number of difficulties with motor skills, strength, health and other issues that can make a day at school much more difficult than what the average student faces.

“I would do things like put socks on their hands and give them tasks like put on your jacket and tie your shoes,” Loree said. “After I asked one boy how it felt. He said he just wanted to win. I asked him how he would feel if he could never win. After, that boy helped Sydney get ready to go outside every day so they could win together.”

Now that Sydney is at Okotoks Junior High they do the presentation together. Loree goes more in depth with the challenges Sydney faces. For example, she has a condition which weakens her muscles, particularly when she is at rest, making it more difficult to sit in a desk for a long period of time.

Sydney closes the presentation by singing, one of her favourite pastimes.

Loree said they have already given two presentations at Okotoks Junior High School and they will be giving two more to Grade 9 students in March.

“She loves it,” Loree said of Sydney. “She is such a ham.”

She said students have been amazingly receptive to the message and as a result Sydney is making friends and fans throughout the school.

For a school assignment one student named Sydney as her hero.

“I was lucky enough to receive a few magical ‘Sidney hugs’ that just lighten up your day when you’re not quite okay,” the student wrote in an essay. “Sidney is a hero to many I’m sure and of all the things I’ve learned, she taught me to see things differently.”

Loree said she wants to continue spreading her message with her daughter throughout the school division and beyond.

“I’d like to do presentations at lots of different schools,” she said. “Our goal is to speak at the national Down syndrome conference.”

Okotoks Junior High School vice-principal Erin Friesen said Cowling’s presentations have been well received and the school decided to incorporate them into their anti-bullying activities this week.

“I’ve heard very positive feedback,” Friesen said of the presentations.

Students and staff will also be wearing pink shirts today (Feb. 27) to spread the anti-bullying message.

By: Darlene Casten
Source: http://www.westernwheel.com/article/20130220/WHE0801/302209962/0/WHE

PREP Events Bulletin – Issue 4

prep_admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 19:19:25 +0000

Message from Barbara Tien, Executive Director of Woodridge PREP
Party for PREP! Let’s start with a run and a tailgate party! This year is PREP’s 25th anniversary! Just after the 1988 Olympics in February 2008, PREP started in a Sunday school classroom at Foothillls Lutheran Church. The next big step was PREP’s move and subsequent expansion(s) at the Bethany Care Centre. Following in the steps of a marching band our families paraded up the 19th Street hill to what we proudly named The Woodridge PREP Centre in beautiful Briar Hill. Buying our own facility has made a HUGE difference for PREP. We have roots in the community, a 2nd home for our families, and a mortgage free foundation for continued success. 25 years is special and we are prepared to party all year. Our 1st celebration will be at the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon Charity Challenge. Last year the PREP team raised over $16,000 and this year our target is $25,000. We challenge our Board, staff and families to set their own fundraising goal with 25 as the theme. Whether $25, $250, or $2,500 – all funds make a BIG difference at PREP. We rely on charitable donations to keep wait lists to a minimum, waive fees for families in need, and provide a direct therapy model. We believe in giving kids what they need and we welcome families from Calgary, Airdrie, High River, Canmore, Saskatoon, Edmonton and Yellowknife to name only a few. What all parents speak to is the wonderful welcome they receive at PREP from staff and other families. Cool fundraising ideas include Seamus’s family donating their “swear jar” proceeds and Wyatt’s big brother asking friends to donate money to PREP in lieu of birthday presents. Please share your fun, fundraising ideas to encourage our PREP family to contribute in different ways. We need your help this year so please volunteer! Visit www.prepprog.org often, to stay connected and to learn more about the wonderful programs and services for children from birth to adulthood. You have a great Board of Directors at the helm and goals for 2013 include updating the Strategic Plan to ensure a bright future for PREP. PREP has truly been blessed by many great friends over the years and we will be having a BIG Family Dance in the fall. Current PREP members and alumni will all be invited! “Inclusion for life!” sums up where PREP has come in 25 years. The best advocates for inclusion are in your home and community and include– parents, siblings, family, friends, colleagues, classmates – who have been part of your child’s life and who get the PREP values of “We are family.”, “I believe I belong.” “You and me together.” and “Just watch me!”. As our PREP grads leave high school, enter post secondary, join the workplace, and enjoy all the privileges of citizenship in the community – they become their own #1 best advocate. Let’s party for PREP’s 25th as the future for our students is brighter than ever before… Warm Regards, Barbara Tien Executive Director, The PREP Program
In Celebration of PREP’s 25th Birthday a PREP Program will be highlighted throughout the year.
PREP 1 – Early Learning (EL) and Language Group Come and join us for a weekly parent and tot play group “I Love My Job!” Hello, my name is Navdeep Khaira; my role at PREP is Early Learning Coordinator and Family Support Liaison for EL & ECS. I joined PREP in 2008 and the Early Learning Play Group is a great way for families to make connections with other families. The Early Learning Play Group session is the start for many families and children on their journey to Inclusion. The program is designed for children between the ages of 9months and 3year old. Parents are encouraged to learn together with their child in this parent /tot program. The Play Groups are fun filled and here we celebrate together; first steps, first words and most of all first friendships. It is wonderful to watch the children learn and grow. I truly believe that I have the best job at PREP and I feel honored to be part of the family’s journey and the PREP team. To learn more about the Early Learning Play Groups visit www.prepprog.org
Scotia Bank Charity Run: JOIN OUR TEAM!
May 26, 2013 is the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. Last year’s race was a huge success! We were thrilled with the participation and all the hard work fundraising by our PREP families, students, staff and friends. We look forward to making this year even better as it is PREP’s 25th anniversary! PREP students are encouraged to participate in the run and to invite their family and friends to join them. Race postcards are now available at PREP to share with your family and friends! More information and registration is available on the Calgary Marathon website http://www.calgarymarathon.com. Also, watch the PREP website, Facebook, and your email for upcoming updates. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Jan-Marie at jan-marie@prepprog.org; 403-282-5011 ext. 112
Inclusive Education
“There is an art to “doing” inclusion well. Effective adult support requires finesse, subtlety, and elegance. It requires the most nuanced and careful action and – at times – inaction. Effective classroom support means that students with disabilities are integral members of the classroom and that educators allow them to be their full selves. Their membership is a given, and everyone in the classroom works together in visible and invisible ways to make the dance appear effortless. The opposite is also true. When inclusion is done poorly, it can be choppy and natural.” For the whole article see The Golden Rule of Providing Support in Inclusive Classrooms: Support Others as You would Wish to Be Supported. Author: Julie N. Causton-Theoharis. (book available at PREP)
Everyone Can Learn to Print
PREP OT Susanne Williams, B.Sc.O.T.(c) Handwriting Without Tears – The Handwriting Without Tears (HWT) program (www.hwtears.com) offers an easy way to teach pre-printing, printing and cursive writing to children with Down Syndrome. HWT is an inclusive method for teaching children of ALL ability levels. It is an engaging, child friendly program that is offers fun tips and tricks to teach students how to print numbers and letters. All of the materials, CD’s and workbooks can be tailored to each student’s needs, and now there is an app! Check it out at http://wetdrytry.com Please contact Susanne Williams (OT) at (403)282-5011, ext. 109 or at Susanne@prepprog.org if you would like to learn more about how the Handwriting Without Tears program could benefit your child, or to book a private OT consult.
Save the Date
Family Support Chat Night – Tuesday March 5th Time: 7-9pm. Lawyer Gordon VandeerLeek will be presenting on Wills and Estate Planning. Mr. VanderLeek has knowledge and personal experience when it comes to preparing and planning your Will and keeping in mind your child with special needs. Mom’s Day Retreat – Saturday May 4th 8:30 – 4 pm @ Calgary Winter Club. Watch for more information in the next few weeks. Scotia Bank Charity Run – Sunday May 26th see article above for information and how to register
“The beauty of empowering others is that your own power is not diminished.” Barbara Coloroso

49th Annual Scotiabank Calgary Marathon

prep_admin — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 19:57:27 +0000

The PREP Program is proud to be one of the official charities in the 2013 Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge. This is a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness of many different causes, raise funds for the important work that PREP does and encourage healthy and active lifestyles for PREP families.

You, your family and friends are invited to run for PREP in the 49th annual Scotiabank Calgary Marathon Charity Challenge! Our goal is to raise $25,000 to celebrate PREP’s 25th Anniversary:

Race Day: Sunday, May 26, 2013

Events: Marathon, 1/2 Marathon, 10km, 5km or Kid’s Marathon

Register: Visit www.calgarymarathon.com to register under PREP or to make a donation

For more information, call Jan-Marie at (403) 282 – 5011 (Ext. 112)

FREE t-shirt & wristbands for participants!

100% of your donation directly benefits kids with Down syndrome

Benefits to The PREP Program:

Encourages PREP members of all ages and running ability to get active. All family members can participate and invite family, friends and colleagues to raise money for a charity close to their hearts.

PREP enjoys “no risk” fundraising. There are no costs to PREP other than a one-time sign up fee which entitles our members to reduced race registration fees. PREP stands to raise significant funds while at the same time enjoying being associated with a world-class event. The event offers the convenience and security of online fundraising through Artez Interactive to our donors at no cost. No transaction fees of any kind!

Running is truly an activity families can enjoy together. Let’s challenge each other to get fit!

Be the first to register for PREP!

Like a good pair of running shoes this race is a perfect fit with our PREP Values:

We are family!

This means we are all in it together and we are here to encourage and support each other. A family that runs together has fun together. If there is any trash talk, it’s all in fun!

You and me together!

This is an opportunity to get to know people better at PREP. Runners come in all shapes and sizes and there is no difference between a parent, student or staff member. On Calgary’s pathways we will be running together!

I believe I belong!

Get out there and show the Calgary community that your child belongs in anything they want to do! You never know who will be running beside you and what they will teach you by their example.

Just watch me!

You will only discover what your child is capable of when you give him or her the opportunity. Be there to watch our PREP Super Heroes race to the finish line. You better train, if you don’t want to get passed!

I do too belong!

Make it a family affair! Too often parents are physically active while their children are “safe” on the couch. Start with family walks and work up to running. Your neighbors will be cheering you on.

Josh & Keiran Severson Birthday Donation

prep_admin — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:19:07 +0000

Josh & Keiran Severson donated $100 to PREP!

Thank you Josh and Keiran!

Did You Miss Our Workshop?

prep_admin — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 15:01:04 +0000

Introduction to the CIRCLES ® Program

April 18, 2013

Guest speaker Bonnie Moschopedis, P3 & P4 Coordinator

PREP 4 has successfully taught CIRCLES ® to our teens for a number of years with very positive feedback from parents and school teaching teams. CIRCLES ® uses six color coded circles to clearly define levels of intimacy with people in an environment and how to adapt behaviors accordingly. It shows individuals how relationships can be formed according to the social norms in society. The CIRCLES ® program is widely used for individuals with autism and/or developmental disabilities. Bonnie gave an informative & experienced overview of each color in the circle; explaining the concepts behind each and advising who is appropriate to Touch, Talk & Trust. She reiterated that this concept will be taught in detail in PREP 4 so asked parents to simply observe their child at this time; thinking about who is in their world and where they would be placed on the colored graph.

Select this link to see the list of our past workshops

OPEN HOUSE Raises $2,300 for PREP

prep_admin — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 16:36:19 +0000

The grand total is in! Over $2300 were raised and Dr. Jerry adjusted 90 people at our event in support of PREP!

Thank you to everyone who came in and donated to this amazing program!

[Show as slideshow]

It’s okay to have Down syndrome

prep_admin — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 21:34:31 +0000

By: Louise Schutte

The PREP Program, founded in 1988 by speech therapist, Barbara Tien, is a resource centre dedicated to the inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome in home, school and community life.

The PREP 1 – Early Learning program can help prepare the child to enter a group setting with typical developing children. “What is key in Early Learning,” Tien states, “is for Moms to come together and learn from each other’s experience.” This teaches them that their child has the right to be included in all community activities and they have a responsibility to advocate for their child’s inclusion. “They are so used to noticing the differences,” Tien explains, “Early Learning helps a parent to see that their child is more similar (especially at a young age) than different from his or her peers.

What parents are learning is that inclusion starts in the early years. Attending our program helps them assume their child belongs and to not apologize for their presence. Thankfully most of our parents have a wonderful experience, as so many community members are now champions for those with special needs.

One of our parents was very nervous about starting her child in a music program. She was worried about what the other parents would think and whether the teacher would like her child. She knew her child would enjoy it! She was lying awake at times imagining every worst scenario possible. We encouraged her to stay calm and carry on – she and her son love the classes. The other parents have not commented other than to say how cute and able her son is, and the teacher has been totally on board.

With the support of Early Learning she is now considering even more community activities for her son. The first time is the toughest and now that she knows her son belongs, the next experience will be easier.”

Down Syndrome is a chromosomal irregularity whereby there is extra genetic material associated with chromosome 21 – resulting in an extra copy of this chromosome. The presence of this extra copy alters the body’s and brain’s normal development generally resulting in mild to moderate intellectual disability and poor muscle tone.

The PREP 2 – Early Childhood ECS Program is a preschool class that offers families all the “extras” needed to prepare their child for school. PREP is known for its excellent speech therapy and kids learn to speak up with confidence at PREP. Parents also benefit from advice from the occupational and physio therapists. OT focuses on giving parents guidance on how to help their child achieve independence in daily living activities like dressing, toileting and eating. PT gives parents input on building strength, balance and coordination in play activities.

Parents in this program are required to volunteer and to learn by doing. This parental involvement is “ALL-important” to the child’s continued development. “Parents are a child’s best teacher and most important advocate. Standing back and letting the professionals work with your child does not build capacity at home,” Tien points out. “The coaching model works for kids and parents too!”

Karen Mueller’s son, Dean, has been involved with PREP since he was 14 month old. “I was familiar with PREP in my professional role as a social worker and then I became a parent,” Mueller says.

After Mueller had Dean, the Alberta Children’s Hospital Down Sydrome Clinic contacted her and sent someone to the Mueller home with an information package of resources specifically serving children with Down syndrome, including PREP.

Dean Mueller has now graduated from the ECS program and is in his local Catholic school for Kindergarten. “The ECS program benefited not only Dean but our entire family,” Mueller says. “Their staff have an incredible knowledge base of the challenges our children face and of how we can best support them. They regularly worked with Dean (directly with him and with us to develop our skills) in the PREP classroom as well as his community preschool to encourage all aspects of his development from speech, to pencil grip, to developing friendships and to riding a bike. They provided opportunities for Dean to practice his skill development that has transferred over into his kindergarten class such as waiting in line, coloring, participating in circle, and developing friendships.”

“In Early Learning the children do learn to sit and wait their turn, share toys, and enjoy snack time together,” Tien concurs. “In fact most of our little ones do very well in community settings because they are “prepped” for success.”

The team of people that worked directly with Dean in both classrooms included occupational therapists, speech therapists, and physical therapists, classroom support staff and teachers.

“The aides that PREP provided were insightful, knowledgeable and proactive in supporting him,” Mueller declares. “A really good example of this is when he began in our community preschool, Dean really struggled due to the high volume of kids and to the complicating factor of his having ADHD in addition to having Down syndrome. His aide realized that this particular setting was not a good fit for him and advocated for him. PREP identified additional community preschools that may be a better fit while still being completely inclusive.

Dean did change preschools and had a very successful couple of years in preschool. PREP, the ECS program in particular, was a group of people who were genuinely committed to him being the best he can be, to his development, and to his success in every way. The program did not just support Dean, they supported us – his parents and siblings. They know that kids come with families who struggle with the normal stuff every family does as well as being on a journey that may not have been what they envisioned when they had children. They created an atmosphere and opportunities for us (as the adults in Dean’s life) to connect with each other, to learn from each other and to discuss topics that are particularly challenging in our lives.

I can say the incredible group of families that we were connected to in our initial contact with PREP is a source of support and I am honoured to have a relationship with them that without PREP we would not
have. In addition to the families of children Dean’s age, PREP has families and children who we also have opportunities to attend Chat nights with which has been invaluable – they are walking a similar road on this adventure we are all on. In addition, the PREP program/staff have been that shoulder to lean on, the voice of hope, and the encouragement we needed.”

Other programs include PREP 3 – Elementary and PREP 4 – Jr./Sr. High. “PREP is a Student Health Partnership provider,” Tien explains. “We are contracted by school boards to provide speech-language therapy to students with Down syndrome. Families bring their child to PREP and the students (depending on need) receive weekly individual, small group, or large group therapy that focuses on helping each student to speak up clearly with confidence. The SLP’s visit the student’s school and the teaching team is welcome to observe sessions at PREP.

PREP also offers the Mavericks Every Child a Reader program for students in PREP 3. We believe that reading is a “life skill” that gives students literacy and independence skills. Every child in PREP 3 is eligible for 10 or more weeks of individual reading instruction at no charge to the families. Thanks and a big YAHOO to the Mavericks Chuckwagon team for their sponsorship of the reading program.”

Mueller relates that the PREP 3 program continues to help Dean in his speech and language development in the provision of direct speech therapy. “His overall development, speech, and pre-literacy skills continue to be supported by PREP in their consultation to his Kindergarten class and the provision of a Developmental Aide. They know that Dean can rise to what we challenge him with and that Dean has amazing skills and potential.”

PREP’s Family Support program is funded by FSCD. Each family registered at PREP is assigned a Family Support Liaison who can connect them to community and other services. Families enjoy a wide variety of workshops and there is even an annual Mother’s Day Retreat.

“More than anything we want all families who have a child with Down syndrome in Calgary and area to be aware of PREP and to know they are welcome to join our community,” Tien states. “Families love to help each other and there is a wealth of knowledge and expertise available to support families in their parenting journey.”

Source: This article originally published in Spring 2012 issue of “Resource Magazine”. Select this link to download the PDF version

Thank you for your donations!

prep_admin — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 15:14:09 +0000

Noah’s donation

We are so proud of Noah and all his pals for raising $272 in donations for the PREP Program!

Noah’s buddies gave him gifts of cash instead of birthday presents and he took half the money and bought a really cool race track and decided to choose PREP as his charity of choice for the other half of the cash.

He would like to challenge all siblings and students of PREP to “Party for PREP” this year and meet or raise his donation! As PREP will be celebrating their 25th Anniversary in 2013 it only seems fitting…so let the celebrations begin!

Barnes family donation

Barnes family donation of $100.00 to PREP. They collected money all year in their “bad deeds” jar and then donated to PREP.

Thank you!

The Prep Prog

Zachary Smith shines on stage despite disability

PREP Events Bulletin – Issue 5

4th Annual Mom’s Day Retreat

Myth Busting: Don’t believe everything you hear…. PREP Workshop Monday March 18th @ 7pm

Calgary Marathon Charity Challenge: We are Almost Half Way There

Congratulations Kim Doig

Hooray for Volunteers

An Actor in Our Midst

PREP ECS Program Highlight

Great News

Save the Date

“The key to change… is to let go of fear.” Rosanne Cash