Helping Joshua Find His Voice
When Joshua began attending CQS his speech, language, gross and fine motor skills were severely delayed. His parents, Stephen and Pamela, were looking for a school to accommodate his needs, but in a public school system designed for typically developing children, this proved difficult.
“It can be really tricky for parents of kids with additional needs to find the right fit”
Pam notes that a school is the place where children spend the majority of their day, and choosing a school community to entrust your child to carries particular weight. When CQS was recommended to them, Stephen and Pam toured the school and decided to enroll Joshua, sparking what they describe as an upward trend in his development.
With various onsite paramedical service providers, like speech language pathologists, physiotherapist and psychologist, who contribute to the development of each student’s individual program plan, Joshua has been able to achieve many milestones over the years.
Joshua especially loves gym time, helping the cafeteria staff, and Cowtown (the school’s before and aftercare program). He has also formed a special bond with his teacher Chandra, whose story you can read here. “We can’t say enough about what a nurturing environment CQS has been for Joshua,” says Pam.
Joshua’s speech and language development was his greatest area of need when he began attending CQS. Now, 4 years later, it has become his greatest area of improvement, beginning with single words, progressing into full sentences, and now initiating conversations.
He has also grown in the areas of movement and motor skills. “It’s not just a school for kids with disabilities, it’s a school for kids with abilities,” says Pam, having observed CQS foster her son’s potential. Stephen feels his family has “lucked out” in finding a nurturing community for Joshua.”
“It’s not just a school for kids with disabilities, it’s a school for kids with abilities”
