Students who come to school with differing backgrounds, skills and abilities create rich learning environments. All of the students Clackamas ESD serves are experiencing some type of disability or learning challenge, and we do everything possible to provide support in inclusive environments, where these children don’t feel separated from their peers.
“Inclusion is at the core of who we are as an ESD,” said Sara Snow, Clackamas ESD director of early intervention and early childhood special education programs. “Everyone benefits when they feel like they have a sense of belonging.”
In fall 2023, we launched a unique pilot project at Mt. Scott Elementary School in Happy Valley, where typically developing children learn alongside children experiencing disabilities. Called the PEER program — which stands for positive engagement, empathy and relationship-building — this preschool classroom offers structured learning, positive social experiences, and ideal opportunities for participating children and families to expand their understanding and acceptance of the diversity that exists within our community. In a musical expression of the program’s focus on inclusivity, PEER program students and teachers sing “We are walking, we are rolling, all together, all together,” to the tune of “Frère Jacques” as they walk and wheel down the hall towards the playground.
The class uses a peer-mediated model called Learning Experiences an Alternative Program for Preschoolers and Parents (LEAP), where children in the classroom become peer teachers, increasing social and language skills of all of the children.
Best of all, tuition is just $35 per month for children attending either morning or afternoon classes.
“Learning together and from each other helps create a space where everyone can be included,” Snow said. “The PEER program allows this learning to start early, and for children to see the strengths in each other.”
