Some Good News For a Change…
I’m glad to see the South Milwaukee School Board recognizes the need for a full-time position in the district’s early childhood program. The EC program at Blakewood School seeks to better prepare children with autism before they reach school age, in hopes that the children can be “mainstreamed” into regular classes. According to the article, since the 2003-04 school year, the school district has gone from seven students recognized with autism spectrum disorders to 22 projected for the coming year. It’s obvious there’s a need for a full-time position, and I’m so pleased to see the School Board taking appropriate action to address the issue. What really amazes me is the fact that the School Board obviously did their research on the issue, with board President Brett Briesemeister saying, “We try to find kids who need help, as early intervention will help smooth the transition. If we catch kids early, they’re better off for the 12 years they are with us.”
It’s no secret early intervention is the key to success for children with autism, and I’m glad the folks on the School Board of South Milwaukee recognize that fact.