Raising a child today is challenging. It is especially so when that youngster has special needs.
Ali Wachtel moved to Westport nearly 8 years ago. Today, she shares an inspiring story about her son Nate, and the Westport Public Schools. She writes:
When I moved here in December of 2017, I did not know how lucky I was. My son Nate was 18 months old.
I knew in my bones that he was autistic. What I did not know was that I had just moved to a town that could, and would, support him.
On Nate’s 3rd birthday, he had his very first day at Stepping Stones Preschool.
Nate’s first year at Stepping Stones.
Nate was not just mildly affected. He was non-verbal.
I was not sure he would ever be able to communicate with us in the way every parent dreams. As I was new to the world of special education, the team at Stepping Stones walked me through every step of the IEP (Individualized Education Plan) process.
Together we crafted a strategy for Nate to develop the necessary skills to access the academic curriculum.
Nate and his mother, Ali Wachtel, as she read to his Stepping Stones class …
Three years later, Nate graduated and moved on to Long Lots Elementary. To my delight, he matriculated into the general ed classroom. A dream of mine had come to fruition.
Nate still required a great deal of support. He is in the IR (Intensive Resource) program, which means he has 1-to-1 paraprofessional support. He is pulled out for reading, writing and math support to this day, in addition to participating in social skill building groups.
There is not a single area in which Nate does not require support. But it is all given to him.
I am writing this not solely as a co-chair of the Westport Special Education PTA, nor as an advocate for children who receive SpEd services, but as a proud parent.
Like so many I navigated this process, armed with little if any information or insight, and terrified that this outcome would never be an option for my child.
Yet 5 years later, on October 17, my incredible young boy was invited to return to Stepping Stones preschool to read aloud in his former teacher’s class.
… and Nate in October, reading to another Stepping Stones class. (Photos/Andy Fleischman)
This has, in no small way, been made possible by Westport’s dedicated educators.
My son who walked into Stepping Stones 7 years ago without the ability to speak, returned a confident 4th grade reader who shared his experiences in the Westport school system with a group of 5-year-old pre-school students.
To say this moment was the honor of my life is an understatement. It is all thanks to our good fortune in having moved to the town of Westport.
So thank you Westport, for granting me my annual birthday wish and prayer that one day my child would be able to express himself.
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Thanks, Ali, for sharing Nate’s journey. And though it surely shows what’s available in Westport, it tells much more about how lucky Nate and Westport are to have you.
Thank God for Westport teachers!
Congratulations Ali and Nate! Thank you for sharing and for your passionate leadership on the SpEd PTA.
What a heartwarming story. Thank you for sharing and congratulations to Nate.
As a sped para In another district now at a high school previously at an elementary school, I am seeing children that I knew when they were in kindergarten in the sped program. I am amazed and inspired by the growth of these students, early intervention, support, and education for parents and caregivers and a team approach really helped these kids shine and programs like unified best buddies and adult programs like we have in Westport help everyone have a full and rewarding life.
🥹 congratulations to Nate on all of his hard work. What a joy to read this story. You are an incredible example of advocacy for your child and partnership with the educators who are in place to support him and you! Great story
Let’s compare education in Westport to the airline industry. In 1903, the Wright Brothers flew the first flight, and look where we are now 122 years later with jet aircraft. Let’s compare this to education in Westport. Around 1912, my uncle went to school at Adams Academy on North Morningside Dr. There was only one classroom and students of varying ages were in that one class. A 5 year old student could be sitting next to a 9 year old student being taught by the same teacher. That 1912 class was in the Wright Brothers era, and look where we are now 123 years later with Westport’s educational system!
Did you know either of the Wright brothers? Or maybe their kids? I believe there was a Wright Brothers construction company in Westport. Maybe they are related?
Bill, I have a board signed in pencil from my grandfather’s farmhouse that says, “The Quigley Builders, Westport, Ct. June 30, 1910. I knew the owners of H&H Builders from 1940. One of the last houses they built was in 1954 and was on North Maple Ave on a piece of property that was kind of in a dip. If you’re traveling towards Long Lots Rd, the house was on the right just before Old Orchard Rd. They also built 58 North Maple Ave. it’s the house next to the Burr house. That was built in 1946. I stopped by to see the current owner last year and said, “I can prove I’ve been in your house.” He asked how? I answered, “ You have a steel beam under your floor in the basement.” He answered, “I actually have two steal beams.” Unusual for 1946 construction. I knew the Ulbricks (Jean) the Wanats (Bill) and others.
123 should be 113 because I was comparing 1912 to 2025.
These stories are Always Heart-Warming for other moms of special-needs children (no matter what age..)
Thanks ,Westport! 🙂