The Rise School of Dallas is a nonprofit organization providing the highest quality of early childhood education services to children with Down Syndrome or other developmental disabilities and to children without disabilities.The school has the prestigious honor of being accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.This recognition is achieved by only 9% of early childhood programs nationwide.
Originally established at the University of Alabama, the Rise School of Dallas has developed and implemented an effective early childhood special education approach.A unique component of the program is the integration of children having developmental disabilities with typically developing peers, which has resulted in children’s achievements beyond previous expectations.
The purpose of the Rise School of Dallas is the following:
- Providing exemplary services based on recommended practices to young children with diverse abilities and their families
- Offering instructional opportunities through collaboration with various academic programs at local colleges and universities
- Engaging in research that positively influences practice in the field of early childhood education at the local, state and national levels
- Interfacing with the community through outreach and public awareness activities
- Disseminating information and providing technical assistance to other community based agencies
- Affecting policy and systems change at the local, state and national levels
The goals of the Rise School of Dallas are to:
- Provide family-centered services designed to meet the individualized needs of all children and families
- Provide a blend of educational and therapy services within the context of a developmentally appropriate curriculum
- Prepare children for their next educational environment