Almost every parent would list their child’s education as one of the most important priorities in both the parent’s and child’s life. For many parents who have a child with a disability, uncertainty about the child’s education can often lead to fear or uncertainty. However, due to changes in educational philosophy and federal laws, the education of a child with Down syndrome looks like a typical student’s education. Here are five facts about Down syndrome and education:
Early Intervention
From birth, babies with Down syndrome have a right to developmental and educational assistance. Under a U.S. law called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (or IDEA), states are required to offer free assessments of the child and his or her family to write an Individualized Family Services Plan (or IFSP).
The IFSP identifies the early intervention services that can assist in the child’s educational development from birth up to age three. Examples of services that may be provided include motor and speech specialists, developmental specialists, nurses, and social workers who can work with the child to prepare the child for entering preschool. States are allowed to charge for these services, but many states establish a sliding scale under which the fees families are charged are based on their ability to pay. By most accounts, early intervention is effective in helping children with disabilities prepare for entering preschool. Among the facts about Down syndrome is that while development is sometimes delayed, almost all children with Down syndrome can attend school.
Individualized Education Program
Once a child reaches age three, the local school district is responsible for providing a free, appropriate public education to all children, regardless of disability. For children who require additional educational services, such as a child with Down syndrome, an Individualized Education Program (or IEP) is developed. The IEP is a detailed road map of the child’s educational goals, including the support needed to reach those goals. For example, an IEP may identify the subjects in which the child will learn alongside peers and the subjects in which the child may need additional assistance. Similarly, the IEP may identify any related services the child may need, such as speech therapy, audiology, and mobility services, to achieve the education goals.
Inclusive Education Philosophy
The IEP supports the philosophy of “inclusive education” which states that all children should be educated together, with the fewest restrictions necessary. This means that a child with Down syndrome is educated primarily with his or her peers in a typical classroom rather than in a separate class. Instead, the child only leaves his or her classroom for the related services identified in the IEP that the child needs, such as speech therapy. The facts about Down syndrome are that children with Down syndrome are less likely to exhibit behavior problems than children with other intellectual disabilities and most children with Down syndrome have good social skills and social behaviors.
Benefits of Inclusive Education
Studies have shown that inclusive education benefits all students. Children with disabilities, like all children, learn social skills, spoken language skills, and interpersonal skills by interacting with peers. In fact, some studies show that inclusive environments lead to a two-year gain in spoken language skills. Moreover, having access to the same curriculum as their peers results in a 3-year gain in reading and writing skills. As a result, children with Down syndrome who have been educated alongside their peers in an inclusive environment are more likely to attend college and are better prepared for employment after high school. Unsurprisingly, the child’s peers also benefit from an inclusive classroom by developing empathy, compassion, and acceptance of others.
Graduation
Among the little known facts about Down syndrome is that of those who attend high school, about 40% graduate. Moreover, a large percentage will have paid jobs and some will attend college after graduation. While it requires teamwork from parents, school administrators, teachers, and students, many services are available to ensure that children with Down syndrome receive a good education and graduate high school.