Special education became an important part of my life once I gave birth to my first born. My son has Trisomy 21 or Down Syndrome. He is now eight years old and is a big brother to two siblings. My journey in special education started when he was flown out of our tiny hospital and sent to specialists. That is where I learned he had an extra chromosome. I felt worried and anxious not knowing what this would mean as his mom and first teacher. But with each day enjoying his big round cheeks, his beautiful almond shaped eyes, and admiring his strength to go through testing, blood draws and even heart surgery, I knew he was one of a kind. My passion to provide him with the most opportunities I can, became my mission as a mom. That meant continuing my education and I found that I loved working with children in 0-4 age range providing early intervention. Important methods in teaching students in special education is having a strong and supportive team that involves families every step. As a parent who is attending Individual Education Program meetings as my son's advocate, can be intimidating. The school team should be where a parent can relax and know their child's needs and education is a priority. Inclusion is everything. Students that are in a special needs' education program need interaction in mainstream classes. Education staff need to provide that student with individualized curriculum. Inclusion not only means being in a mainstream classroom but being involved in school extracurriculars, sports, clubs and groups. Inclusion also means peers with different abilities in all facets of the school system. When inclusion is practiced our students build positive friendships and positive behaviors. When establishing inclusion, teaching methods to assist modifying curriculum is establishing routines, providing checklists and schedules, teaching to interests, providing repetition, and having appropriate goals. All these tools can help develop a positive relationship with the student, parent, caregiver, therapists and aides. Just like the saying "it takes a village" when raising a child, "it takes a village" when providing the best education for our students. One of my favorite methods of teaching my own children is using visual supports. Charts with expectations help my children transition easier into the next step. Another visual support I use on a daily is a timer. I set the expectation and time with my child with time warnings, so they remember and then the next activity is already on their mind. I set timers when it is especially hard to move out of an activity that they enjoy. Positive reinforcement is also an excellent way to encourage positive behaviors. Children are constantly seeking attention and recognition. If we provide the expectation within the positive reinforcement that prompts repetition. I am pursuing this line of study in education specifically to zero to four, because establishing a positive team for the parent can be life changing. As my son went through the education system in my small town, I had to teach the education providers how my son learns. I had to over advocate to get him his supports and make sure that he has a teacher that will provide his education, not his one-on-one aide. Researching learning methods, studying child development, and my own experience working in education, and having a child in special education, gave me the perspective on how students with special needs love to learn, they need to be provided with opportunities to learn. My son can feel when he is not being paid attention to or when he knows he is not included. This past school year was hard for him and me as a parent. We did not have the support needed for him to thrive like we did in the previous years. I was disappointed to say the least. I do not want any family to feel as if their children's education is not a priority.  My goal is to provide a wraparound program for our families and students that need not "extra" support, but support tailored to their needs. Inclusion like this would make a society value our citizens with different abilities and make a positive impact on typical lives.