*Registration will close when all spots filled.   For more information email garner@dsindiana.org.

About DSI – The Learning Program

The Learning Program – DSI is an educational program committed to helping students with Down syndrome succeed. An affiliate-partner of the Learning Program™, a nationally-recognized model for parent-focused intervention developed by the Down Syndrome Foundation (Orange County, CA), this program is grounded on evidence-based approaches established by world-recognized leaders in cognitive research.

Today we know more than ever about the cognitive profile of individuals with Down syndrome.  Strengths include visual learning, reading, and social skills while challenges often include speech/language and verbal short-term memory.  The Learning Program™ is an innovative program that serves as a platform for sharing instructional strategies, resources, and activities to improve academic outcomes for students with Down syndrome, equipping families with the knowledge and tools to work effectively at home and at school.

The 2023-2024 DSI – The Learning Program Session will be offered as 2 in-person full-day sessions, 2 in-person Family sessions, and 2 virtual support sessions (optional).  Parent Sessions will be hosted at the DSI office (615 N. Alabama Street, Indianapolis 46204) on September 30^th and January 20^th from 8:30am – 4:30pm (lunch will be provided).  Components of the Family Sessions will be incorporated into the two Parent Sessions, providing parents with even more resources and ideas to utilize with their student.  We plan to host 2 Family Sessions on Saturday, November 4th and Saturday, March 2^nd (morning times TBD).   These sessions will allow parents to work alongside DSI – The Learning Program teachers and volunteers to gain skills and confidence.  Virtual check-ins will be offered in November and March. 

Cost:

The cost of the program is $400 (which covers the cost of monthly instructional books and materials).   Parents will receive 20 instructional books to be used with students, along with a multitude of other resources, guides, materials, and activities to help equip them to be their child’s best first-teacher.   All participants will also have FREE access to The Learning Program On-line and the full repository of Instructions, Videos,  and Resources.

Locations/Dates:

• Parent (adults) Only Session (includes any member of your support team that you want to invite)– DSI Office at 615 N Alabama Street, Indianapolis IN
  • Saturday, September 30th, 2023 from 8:30am – 4:30pm (lunch will be provided).
  • Saturday, January 20th, 2024 from 8:30am – 4:30pm (lunch will be provided)
• Family Sessions (child attends too)– DSI Office at 615 N Alabama Street, Indianapolis IN
  • Saturday, November 4th, 2023
  • Saturday, March 2nd, 2024
• Virtual Support – via Zoom to be announced

What level should my child participate in?

We will again be offering 2 levels for our families:

• Level 1 is generally recommended for those working with students in Pre-K through 1^st grade (roughly ages 4-7). Level 1 focuses on supporting development of literacy skills (vocabulary development, sight word acquisition, sentence building and phonemic awareness), and math skills (early number concepts to 20, color, shape, sorting, patterning, and time). It also addresses general topics such as educational options, fostering independence, effective learning sessions, and memory.
• Level 2 is generally recommended for those working with students in 2^nd and 3^rdgrade (roughly ages 7-10). Level 2 focuses on supporting development of literacy skills (fluency, vocabulary, early comprehension, sentences creation, phonics and spelling), and math skills (number concepts to 100, sorting, patterning, ordering, comparing and time). It also addresses general topics such as differentiating instruction, working effectively with your educational team, fostering independence, and memory

About Our Teachers:

Jennifer Buechler

Jen Buechler is a wife, mother to five children, photographer, and educator.  She is a former teacher, teaching 1st and 2nd grades in fully inclusive classrooms and recently “retired” from her position as Director/Co-Director of Edgewood Preschool Cooperative.  Jen is one of the founders of 21 DreamS and is the current administrator/leader of the 21 DreamS project, a series of books and a platform for raising awareness,  acceptance, inclusion, and inspiration about Down syndrome (her youngest child, Lauryn, is the inspiration behind 21 DreamS).

Since Lauryn’s birth, Jen has immersed herself in learning how to best help Lauryn develop to her fullest potential, a potential beyond what is typically “expected” for individuals with an extra 21st chromosome.  She is a passionate advocate for inclusion in all areas, specifically education.  Jen has spent countless hours researching and implementing educational strategies that are most effective in helping children with Down syndrome learn and grow.

After discovering and successfully using The Learning Program with Lauryn as a supplement to classroom instruction, Jen was instrumental in bringing and implementing The Learning Program at Down Syndrome Indiana.  She has been the Student Classroom Teacher since the program’s inception.  She feels so blessed to be able to be involved in helping this wonderful program reach so many families.

Allison Boyll

Allison Boyll is an Indiana licensed elementary and middle school math teacher.  Her math teaching experiences include Algebra I and II, Geometry, and middle school math grades 6-8.  Most recently, Allison served as a 2nd grade classroom teacher and as an Elementary Title I tutor.  She also spent nearly 10 years working for the Joseph Maley Foundation, a local nonprofit with the mission of ‘serving children of all abilities.’  Allison is married and has two children, including a daughter who has Down syndrome.  Through life and professional experiences, Allison has developed a deep passion for advocating for and supporting diverse learners.  She sincerely believes in inclusive education and strives to support all children, as well as supporting their educators.  Currently, Allison serves as the Social Emotional Learning Coach at St. Monica Catholic School, supporting students’ social and emotional well-being, as well as supporting inclusivity throughout the school.  Allison is entering her sixth year of volunteering with DSI – The Learning Program!

Jennifer Sitzman

Jennifer is a semi-retired public school special education teacher. During her teaching career, she has taught elementary, middle, and high school special education. Focusing her experience on students along the mild interventions continuum. She informally retired from teaching when she became pregnant with her daughter, Iris. Iris was born with Down Syndrome in 2021.

Jennifer is presently a stay-at-home parent to Iris. Outside of parenting, Jennifer volunteers with various committees at her church and the box office at Footlite Theater. Jennifer, Iris, and her husband, Brad, live on the northside of Indianapolis.