Stepping Up
Stepping Up is a uniquely developed program that includes a Parent Education and Child Learning opportunity and is specifically designed to support families of young children with Down syndrome as they transition from Early Intervention Services through the early elementary grades (Early Intervention, Preschool, Kindergarten, and Early Elementary). Parents will become prepared for their child’s IEPs, learn strategies to use at home, and share those same strategies with their child’s teaching team for better transitions.
Cost for the program:
Parent + Child - $600 ($540 if paid in full) which includes:
- 1.5 hr Pre-recorded parent lecture
- 1 hr Parent workshop (in-person on Second Saturdays) - led by a trained parent facilitator
- Child participation (in the student classroom on Second Saturdays - with an OT, SLP, and Classroom Teacher)
Parent ONLY - $400 which includes:
- 1.5 hr Pre-recorded parent lecture
*Children must be 2 years of age to participate in the children's classroom. Childcare for those under 2 years old is available during this time in the First Steps nursery.
Second Saturday Parent Workshop & Child Classroom Schedule -
| Program: | Early Intervention | Pre-K | Kindergarten | Early Elementary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time: | 9:00-10:00am | 10:15-11:15am | 11:30am-12:30pm | 1:30-2:30pm |
Program Goals:
- Feel more confident collaborating with your child's IEP team
- Develop a clear understanding of how your child learns
- Learn new strategies for home
- Opportunity to learn information to bring to your child's educational support team
Early Interventions: Topics include (but not limited to): EARLY INTERVENTION FLYER
- Understanding the Transition Process
- How to Create and Share Your Vision
- Increasing Access and Opportunity for Students with Down syndrome
- Selected topics related to the learning profile of people with Down syndrome and the school’s role in supporting those needs.
Preschool: Topics include (but not limited to): PRESCHOOL FLYER
- Leveraging Peer-supports
- Accessing pre-school learning foundations
- Visuals in the classroom
- Selected topics related to the learning profile of people with Down syndrome and the school’s role.
Kindergarten: Topics include (but not limited to): KINDERGARTEN FLYER
- Dispelling myths in education
- Maintaining age appropriate expectations
- Understanding common core and State Standards
- Selected topics related to the learning profile of people with Down syndrome and the school’s role.
Early Elementary: Topics include (but not limited to): EARLY ELEMENTARY FLYER
- Universal Design For Learning
- Adapting Curriculum to fit individual needs
- Placement and Service Considerations
- Selected topics related to the learning profile of people with Down syndrome and the school’s role
The Stepping Up Team:
-
Evelyn Acevedo - Parent Facilitator for Stepping UP Early Intervention Class
Evelyn comes with experience as a former preschool teacher of 15 years. She is now a stay at home mom of four and has a 7 year old son with Down syndrome. Evelyn is a board member with Include Ca. and belongs to We All Belong Support Group in La Mirada. She is also currently part of the IEEEP Inclusion Leadership Team for the preschool program, the District Inclusion Committee, and a District CAC member.
-
Marisol Martinez -Parent facilitator for Stepping UP Preschool
Marisol Martinez-Garcia joined the Club 21 family when her son was one year old in 2017. She is married to Christian, who serves on the Club 21 board. They have two children Emmanuel (8 years old), who has Down syndrome, and Chloe (11 years old). Marisol also has an adult aunt with Down Syndrome who recently turned 60. She was a school psychologist for eight years and has been a public school administrator for the past 12 years. Marisol has a doctorate in Educational Leadership, in which she studied the qualities of parents as advocates in the special education context.
-
Monica Cathren - Parent Facilitator for Stepping Up Preschool
Monica has been in the Education field for more than 10 years and 3 years in Social Services in various capacities. She co-facilitates in the Preschool Stepping-Up classes and continues to help other parents, specially in the Spanish speaking community. Monica actively continues learning by participating in parent workshops, webinars,
support groups, and conferences. -
Gina Gandolfi -Parent Facilitator for Stepping Up Kindergarten
Gina Gandolfi is a mom of 3 active children ages 10, 8, and 6. She has been involved in education for the past 22 years. She began her career working as a paraprofessional in a general education kindergarten class and afterschool program. She soon transitioned into special education becoming a paraprofessional for a Resource Specialist program. She earned her Mild/Moderate Education Specialist teaching credential and Master’s degree in Special Education and taught as a Resource Specialist for 10 years in Riverside until her son Nathan was born with Down syndrome. After leaving teaching as a profession, she transitioned her passion for serving the disability community into advocacy for her son and other children with disabilities, focusing on inclusion and belonging within the community and the school system.
-
Brenda Escobar - Stepping Up classroom teacher
For over 18 years, Branda's professional journey has been all about empowering children. From coaching sports teams and fostering growth in autism support classes to guiding general education students, she has embraced diverse roles that allow her to make a positive impact. Branda's dedication extends to her tutoring business, providing personalized academic support for over 10 years. In her downtime, she recharges by exploring nature through hiking, cycling and indulging her artistic side with painting.
-
Kristen Gibson - Stepping Up OT
Kristen graduated with a degree in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine. After graduating, she worked as an in-home ABA therapist, which fueled her passion for working with children. In 2012, she graduated from NYU with a master’s degree in occupational therapy. Since then, she has worked as a pediatric occupational therapist at private clinics, public and private schools, and in-home. She has worked at Stepping Up since 2023. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her friends and being a new mom.
