Every child deserves a high quality early learning experience.

Inclusion is our passion at St. David's Center. We have a 49-year history of providing an inclusive preschool experience for children with special needs and believe all children benefit from learning alongside peers of varying abilities. 

Embrace

When Pilar first came to St. David's Center as a toddler, her mom, Lisa, was concerned about how she would fit in. Lisa recalls the words of another parent of a child with Down syndrome shortly after Pilar was born, "One thing you'll learn really fast is that your child will never be invited to a birthday party."

Enrich

Pilar quickly adjusted to her schedule of individualized support in a preschool classroom combined with speech and occupational therapies at St. David's Center. Over time she developed important skills in her therapies, but a desire to keep up with the other children in the classroom may have had the greatest impact on her development. Her ABCs and 123s came quickly as she diligently learned alongside her peers. And not only was Pilar learning from the other children, she was making friends. "Everyone wanted Pilar at their birthday party," Lisa recalls.

Empower

Pilar recently graduated from St. David's Center and started kindergarten this fall -- confident and ready to learn.

Pilar was one of 40 children with special needs served in our Early Childhood Education program last year. Unfortunately, the cost of providing individualized care in the classroom for a child with special needs is often too much for families to manage on their own. This year, with cuts in funding, costs are rising along with greater demand for inclusive services.

With your support, children with developmental delays and disabilities will continue to be given the opportunity to thrive in an inclusive classroom at St. David's Center.

With your support, typically-developing children will continue to discover life-long lessons of compassion, empathy and acceptance by learning alongside children with special needs.

Please make a gift to our annual fund and invest in the future of the children in your community.

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