How This Experience Shaped Me as a Mother and Advocate – By Kalika Tebbe

When my daughter Willa was born, I knew motherhood would change me. I didn’t realize it would also change how I view schools and access to resources. We live in a small rural community where everyone knows everyone but where specialized services for children with disabilities are limited. 
 
Willa has Down syndrome, and we knew Early Intervention would be important. When we explored Early Childhood Education (ECE) services, we learned our local district did not have the staff or programming to meet her needs. There were no specialized Early Childhood classrooms or embedded therapies to support her development. 
 
So we made the difficult decision to enroll her in an ECE program in a neighboring county. Driving her across county lines for preschool was emotional. It meant she wouldn’t attend school with neighborhood children, but it also meant she would receive the structured support she deserved. 
 
In her new classroom, inclusion was intentional. Therapists collaborated with teachers, individualized goals were part of daily routines, and she was seen as capable. Early Childhood services strengthened not only her speech and motor skills, but also her confidence and independence. 
 
Even in our small community, Willa is more than just a student—she is Willa. She is known, supported, and celebrated. Watching her grow in an environment built to help her thrive has made every mile worth it.