Another in a series highlighting education initiatives at the El Paso Community Foundation.

In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month we are featuring Every Little Blessing Preschool, which is near and dear to our hearts for many reasons.

Every Little Blessing is a family-focused early intervention program that provides a developmentally appropriate educational environment for children with Down syndrome and similar developmental delays. Children with Down syndrome learn alongside typically developing peers. ELB uses best practices in its teaching methods and individualized educational planning, and its core belief is that each child is capable of achieving success and independence. It is never too early to learn.

It was established in 2017 by the Down Syndrome Coalition for El Paso, a supporting organization of the El Paso Community Foundation. The school is the only one of its kind in El Paso. It is modeled after the KinderFrogs School, a program of Texas Christian University. With a child to teacher ratio of three children per staff member, each child receives attentive care and direction. The teachers and educational assistants work with families to understand each child’s capabilities and develop an appropriate plan for learning. They focus on the inclusion of all children, rather than seclusion based on abilities.

Every Little Blessing is open to children with Down syndrome ages 18 months to 5 years. Typically developing children are welcome and encouraged to enroll. The curriculum incorporates play-based learning with activities that promote the development of speech, gross motor skills, and fine motor skills. In addition to educational needs, the social and emotional needs of each child are addressed.

Stay tuned for ELB’s annual The Whole Hog fundraiser, a local favorite that will return in 2022.

Learn more about Every Little Blessing and donate at everylittleblessing.org.

Learn more about the Down Syndrome Coalition for El Paso here.