Giant Steps School - AIND recently announced they will be permanently closing due to the hardship of meeting Covid-19 regulations. The parents, staff, and community were shocked and devastated to learn they would be losing such a tremendous support system as well as a valuable community resource. Giant Steps has educated children with severe and profound disabilities for the last twenty seven years.
The outpour from the community has been endless. The community pleads with the Board to reconsider and keep Giant Steps open. It is necessary to allow time to consult with Giant Steps own staff, parents, experts, educators and legislators to develop a plan to keep Giant Steps School open!
For many children at Giant Steps, there is no other school that can provide a safe and appropriate education, due to the complexity of their disability and support needs. This was the very principle that Giant Steps was founded on. We plead that the Board allow this legacy to continue. There is no other therapeutic, educational setting like Giant Steps!
We support Giant Steps School. Save Giant Steps School and protect the future of our students!
Updates
Reached 2,500 supporters
June 10, 2020
June 9, 2020
Reaching this level of support confirms that our community understands the irreplaceable value of the education provided here. It is heartening to see so many people recognize that these children deserve a space specifically designed for their complex needs. We are now preparing the next phase of our efforts to ensure the board hears this collective message clearly.
Reached 1,000 supporters
June 9, 2020
Reached 100 supporters
June 9, 2020
897 Comments
As a parent of a Special Needs child and a Special Education teacher we need schools like Giant Steps. It is an amazing program and so needed in this area as there are not any other programs that is better able to meet the needs of these special kids!
My brother has benefited greatly from the GS program. Although he is 17, it is still greatly needed but I am most saddened for the other young children who will not get the benefit of working with such amazing staff who truly love these kids.
The students need a safe learning environment that fits their individual needs. How can they flourish? This is going to impact their learning as they are going to have to transition somewhere new and start over again! Can’t do this to them and the staff.
I worked at Giant Steps for two years. It was truly one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever had. It fills such a need for these students from many school districts. It would be a shame for the kids and staff to not return in the Fall.
It would be great loss to all of the children who need the services provided. Due the issues that these children present, some exceptions need to made to school requirements for covid-19. Covid will eventually pass but the needs of the children will not.
My Grandson needs a School that concentrates on His need’s not just for the $$$ given per student in most other schools Thank You Thank You
Kids need you
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Giant Steps School - AIND recently announced they will be permanently closing due to the hardship of meeting Covid-19 regulations. The parents, staff, and community were shocked and devastated to learn they would be losing such a tremendous support system as well as a valuable community resource. Giant Steps has educated children with severe and profound disabilities for the last twenty seven years.
The outpour from the community has been endless. The community pleads with the Board to reconsider and keep Giant Steps open. It is necessary to allow time to consult with Giant Steps own staff, parents, experts, educators and legislators to develop a plan to keep Giant Steps School open!
For many children at Giant Steps, there is no other school that can provide a safe and appropriate education, due to the complexity of their disability and support needs. This was the very principle that Giant Steps was founded on. We plead that the Board allow this legacy to continue. There is no other therapeutic, educational setting like Giant Steps!
We support Giant Steps School. Save Giant Steps School and protect the future of our students!
Updates
Reached 2,500 supporters
June 10, 2020
June 9, 2020
Reaching this level of support confirms that our community understands the irreplaceable value of the education provided here. It is heartening to see so many people recognize that these children deserve a space specifically designed for their complex needs. We are now preparing the next phase of our efforts to ensure the board hears this collective message clearly.
Reached 1,000 supporters
June 9, 2020
Reached 100 supporters
June 9, 2020
897 Comments
This place is where I got my start. Giant Steps is the reason I am pursuing Special Education in college. Giant Steps opened my eyes to so much and changed my life. They have certainly changed the lives of many students as well. They deserve to stay open.
As a parent of a Special Needs child and a Special Education teacher we need schools like Giant Steps. It is an amazing program and so needed in this area as there are not any other programs that is better able to meet the needs of these special kids!
My brother has benefited greatly from the GS program. Although he is 17, it is still greatly needed but I am most saddened for the other young children who will not get the benefit of working with such amazing staff who truly love these kids.
The students need a safe learning environment that fits their individual needs. How can they flourish? This is going to impact their learning as they are going to have to transition somewhere new and start over again! Can’t do this to them and the staff.
I worked at Giant Steps for two years. It was truly one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever had. It fills such a need for these students from many school districts. It would be a shame for the kids and staff to not return in the Fall.
It would be great loss to all of the children who need the services provided. Due the issues that these children present, some exceptions need to made to school requirements for covid-19. Covid will eventually pass but the needs of the children will not.
My Grandson needs a School that concentrates on His need’s not just for the $$$ given per student in most other schools Thank You Thank You
Kids need you
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This place is where I got my start. Giant Steps is the reason I am pursuing Special Education in college. Giant Steps opened my eyes to so much and changed my life. They have certainly changed the lives of many students as well. They deserve to stay open.