Joey is the second child born to his mother and father. It appeared to be a normal pregnancy and birth. Then the news came. Joey had been born with a complete cleft palette. The entire roof of his mouth failed to fuse together and he was left with a large gap from the front of his mouth to the back of his throat, exposing his nose and inhibiting any sucking ability.

For the first year, Mary had to learn how to care for her baby. Special nipples were used to help get nutrition into Joey's newborn body. He would gag and snort formula through his nose. His mother described the experience as "dumping" the formula. It was painful for both mother and child, but a necessary evil.

Joey had his first reconstructive surgery at age one along with tubes in his ears. His mother heard through the grapevine that Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities (DCBDD) may be able to help Joey with therapies he needed and she made a call. An Early Intervention (EI) specialist came to the home, an assessment was made and a schedule was made for the specialist to visit and work with mother and son on the age appropriate skills Joey needed. Joey also got in home speech services and music therapy based on singing speech sounds to build muscle foundations.

When Joey was two, his mother realized that her son needed more and at the gentle prodding of the EI specialist, she visited Hickory Knoll Early Childhood Center. Mary cried as she walked through the halls. "I didn't know such a wonderful place existed and I cried because I was so happy that Joey could come to this school."

Joey attended an Early Intervention Class and then two years in preschool. He also attended one summer session provided by DCBDD. "Going to Hickory Knoll was the best thing Joey has done." Mary says. "He was given all the therapies he needed while learning in a preschool setting among his peers. He was introduced to academics as well as socialization."

Today, Joey is in Kindergarten at Highland West in Marengo. He is one of the top students in his class and likes school. The local school district continues to support his need for speech therapy to improve articulation. Joey and his family is no longer eligible for services from Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities because Joey is at age level in all areas. However, his family will always have a piece of their heart at Hickory Knoll Early Childhood Center. "We can't thank Delaware County and the teachers enough for their generous support and help they gave our family. We are very lucky to have this program in our community."