Like other parents I’m quite passionate about my children’s
education. Two of my three children receive special education
services. Gwen, 10, and Eliza, 2, have cerebral palsy. They
started the in the education system through Early On. Early On
is a statewide early-intervention program that helps kids as
soon as development challenges are identified. My kids have
exaggerated challenges, including medical issues, therapy needs
and cognitive impairments. My oldest child, Gwen, started school
in our home with a few therapy visits each month. She then
started attending play-groups. At age 3, she began attending a
school. The school was designed for children who had
disabilities and other “high-need” students. As an all-
inclusive, center-based program, it was my first venture into
special education. When Eliza was diagnosed with cerebral palsy
that same education cycle repeated. But a recent family move
gave both of my children alternatives to their previous
environments. Gwen, for example, now attends a regular s