Nathalie is young. She is only 4 1/2 years young. She keeps everyone around her young because of her sweet nature and cute antics. This day in the gymnasium at Hickory Knoll Early Childhood Center, she played with a scarf in the air, waving it back and forth as the Adapted Physical Education teacher instructed the class to do. She smiled and put her energy into that scarf waving and giggling at the wind blowing across her face. Nathalie's smile puts energy into everyone's face that watches her.

Nathalie was born with Down Syndrome. When she was first born, the family was hooked up with Help Me Grow and Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Nathalie was given a series of assessments to determine her needs. She began physical and occupational therapy at 6 months and speech therapy at 1 year of age.

When Nathalie was 1 1/2 years old, she began receiving Early Intervention services at Hickory Knoll Early Childhood Center and transitioned into the preschool program at age 3. She receives Physical, Occupational and Speech therapy in the 4 mornings a week program. Nathalie also has an Individual Educational Plan and is working on simple preschool concepts appropriate with her age group.

Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities has provided this family with their additional needs as well. Family Directed Resources had helped the family obtain educational books for both parent and child. They have purchased therapy equipment such as a peanut and mini trampoline using the therapy grant. As a result, Nathalie can run, jump and play like most of her peers. The family gets assistance in personal care items through basic family supports. Through the assistance of her Children’s Support Administrator, Nathalie will be able to get the therapies, equipment and any modifications she may need in the future.

When asked about measurable outcomes for the family and Nathalie, mother Kimberly gave quite an impressive list. "Nathalie has increased vocabulary. She recognizes animals, objects and body parts. She is learning numbers and letters and starting to use 2 phrase sentences. She plays with her friends at school and is learning to share and follow directions. She is running, jumping and riding adapted bikes. We have many goals for her this school year such as grasping a pencil to write her name. All of this is possible with the therapies she receives."

Nathalie has a new baby sister whom she adores. She talks about the "baby" all the time and plays with the dolls in her classroom and at home. She likes Sesame Street and Elmo is her best buddy. Nathalie is thriving because of her close family unit and because of the services she receives in Delaware county.

Nathalie's determination to try all that is asked of her is inspiring to those around her. She is a clown and a free spirit at times. I am sure she always will have that young playful spirit. But that is what keeps those around her young at heart as well.