NSU Horizons Spring 2010

“Jayden was main- streamed into our program with the understanding that he needed additional therapeutic support and intervention,” says Leiderman. “There would not have been a better, safer environment for him to be in,” said Bobotis-Carr. “MSI was his foundation to starting over again.” Before MSI, the family had already enlisted a number of specialists. “I had visited their home, observed Jayden receiving therapy, and dis- cussed the intensive scheduling of therapeutic sup- port for him. We worked closely with their thera- pists and layered it with our support in our program,” said Leiderman. Jayden’s teachers at the Family Center Preschool, Nancy Meyers and Kim Boggs, were the “frontline people,” Leiderman explained, “and made a critical difference in the positive outcomes for Jayden. There was always an open dialogue with the family, and we were responsive to their needs, suggestions, and feedback.” By the time Jayden came to prekindergarten, he had already benefited from his home care and the year he had spent in the three-year-old program at MSI. There were still hurdles, and he would get frustrated by his limitations, Meyers remembered. Through his experiences in the Family Center Preschool, he made significant and ongoing prog- ress. Those working with him saw him becoming more social and his self-esteem soared. His motor developments improved greatly; he made friends, learned to read, and excelled in many areas. Making leaps and bounds Jayden’s doctors, teachers, therapists, and par- ents believe that his willingness to overcome his challenges also made the difference. “He was never discouraged in any way, and he made leaps and bounds in the year I had him in my classroom,” said Boggs. “From the first day I met him, I could see his determination.” While Jayden learned, a reciprocal education was taking place for faculty members and students. At MSI’s core is the opportunity to present hands- on learning experiences to NSU students studying early childhood, speech/language therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and applied behavior analysis. NSU graduate students from various fields also participate in, and learn from, the unique profes- sional setting. “We take our job very seriously, and we always acknowledge that, for every parent, the most important thing in the world is their child. We got to be part of Jayden’s journey and that was quite amazing,” said Leiderman. Jayden, now in prekindergarten at NSU’s University School, was selected to receive a Distinguished Alumni Award during NSU’s 2009 Celebration of Excellence. In the past, MSI has honored teachers, community partners, and alumni, but never such a recent graduate. While Jayden still has a long road ahead of him, Bobotis-Carr continues to celebrate her “sec- ond family,” the support team of faculty and staff members at MSI during Jayden’s two years there. She said that was the most invaluable gift anyone could give to the Carr family, which also includes brother, J.C., who is 7. “Everyone at MSI gave us their expertise, their guidance, and their hearts to help Jayden. We are truly grateful to MSI for giving us our child back.” n Spotlight About MSI The Mailman Segal Institute for Early Child- hood Studies (MSI) is located in the Jim & Jan Moran Family Center Village at Nova Southeastern University. MSI’s renowned and accredited Parenting Place, Baudhuin Preschool, and Family Center Preschool and Infant and Toddler Programs are available for children ages six weeks to five years of age and their families. The institute’s teachers and multidisciplinary child study teams—including occupational, speech, family, and behavior therapists; psych- ologists; and educators—identify and support all children, including those who have special needs or learning or behavior challenges. For more information, visit www.nova.edu/msi/index.html. 27 horizons Roni Leiderman, left, with Amy Bobotis-Carr and Jayden.