Last summer I searched the internet looking for options for our son, Billy, to attend school. We had tried the public school system for a year and a half and just knew it was not the place for our son to become the best version of himself. One day KIDA popped up on my internet search…could it be that they were opening a private school in Irvine? We were hesitant at first because it seemed too good to be true…speech and OT together and every day? Therapists, educators, and parents collaborating – what is the catch? We attended the open house and witnessed the founder dedicate this amazing facility to the children. He stated that he could not turn his back on them and we felt the same way.
It feels so good to know that we are leaving our son with people who care deeply for him. He counts here.
Billy started the first day with new clothes, new lunch box and new hope. That day we walked in with excitement, taking pictures and feeling just a little nervous. Everyone from the staff was up front greeting us with the same excitement.
Six months later the staff still waits for us upfront with the same genuine excitement expressed that day. They delight in his accomplishments and cheer along the entire family. The philosophy that first and foremost these little people are people, not a diagnosis allows our son to meet each challenge with confidence. KIDA’s staff works with dedication on every building block, making sure that he has mastered the lesson. He gets social circle, gym time, art class and much more. We as a family attend open houses for holidays that have been planned well with details specific to the children. They listen to our ideas and we use common language and techniques to communicate with Billy, allowing for optimum learning because he does not have to worry that his needs won’t get met. It feels so good as a parent to know that we are leaving our son with people who care deeply for him. Without question this is the best environment for our son to attend school. He counts here.
-Billy’s mom & dad
Jeremy has made HUGE progress socially this past year. Many parents who know him have noticed the big changes between Kindergarten/First Grade to this year. He is much much much more social, more willing to initiate play and he has been playing many of the group sports during recess such as four square, soccer, basketball and a game the kids made up which is like baseball but they use a basketball instead. Frankly speaking, he is a little less “odd”.
This combination of learning while doing has had the greatest impact.
There were several reasons for our switch to KIDA. First of all I didn’t see any improvement in Jeremy’s social skills while attending our old group. When I found KIDA, I felt it would be a better match due to the fact that group was held in the “Sensory” gym and instructed by both an O.T. and Behavioral Aid. I believe this combination of learning while doing has had the greatest impact on Jeremy, he is able to “take” the things he is learning at KIDA and apply them in the rest of his world.
The KIDA staff is knowledgeable, professional and caring. They give 100% to what they are doing and are willing to discuss any matter with you.
