Training methods emphasize the importance of communication, planning, and flexibility.

Christine Murphy and Audrey Decheser are two of Deven’s child care instructors at NCC. Christine, a 13-year veteran teacher who goes by Murphy to most of her charges, worked with Deven when he was in the Infant/Toddler class. “Before he came into the program, we looked at our classroom and set up the furniture to where we knew it would be easy to move around in for all of our students. We were determined that once Deven was in the class, we wouldn’t move anything around, so that he could learn the area and feel secure that things were going to be where they should be.” Christine goes on to explain that she and the other instructors worked closely with Deven’s mother to use the same instructional vocabulary that he learned at home. “Parental involvement is key in working towards the goals that we have for our kids. Parents are the best resource for really knowing a child.”

Audrey Decheser, known to her students as Ms. Dee, concurs. “By having Deven and his mother visit the class before he came in full time, we were able to get a really good grasp on what Deven’s needs were. I learn something from him every day.”

Like Christine, Audrey has a specialized degree in working with children with disabilities. She is currently going through the BICC training program. Deven has been her case profile. “Working with Deven has emphasized how important it is to communicate with the parents, therapists, and fellow instructors. One of his therapists is going to be bringing some interactive Braille software for him to use on the class computer.”