Stepping Stones to Success
A DSI Pathway to Learning Parent/Caregiver Workshop
NOTE: The Stepping Stones Workshop is best suited for parents/caregivers of Early Learners (Pre-K thru 2nd grade).
Join Down Syndrome Indiana for the Stepping Stones to Success Workshop, a one-day journey designed to empower parents and caregivers of children with Down syndrome as their child’s first teachers.
Discover proven strategies to teach reading and math skills, encourage positive behaviors, and strengthen the home-school connection.
Gain expert guidance on navigating IEPs and discover tailored resources to support your child’s learning at home (you will head home with ready-to-go materials in your hands!).
Take confident steps along your child’s journey to success with a supportive community by your side!
The Details
WHEN: Saturday, January 17, 2026
TIME: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
WHERE: Down Syndrome Indiana Office (615 N. Alabama Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204)
ADDITIONAL: Light snacks and a light lunch will be provided.
Materials
Participants will receive:
- 20-25 instructional books/materials to be used with students
- A multitude of other literacy and math resources and hands-on materials/activities
- Information, guides, and resources to help guide every step to your child’s success
Cost and Payment Options
The cost of the program is $200.
This covers the cost of instructional books, resources, and materials.
There are several options for payment. You will choose with option you prefer on the Registration Form.
- FCAR/Waiver Funds – DSI has partnered with the Altruist Group to utilize FCAR funds. Detailed directions will be sent after registration to those planning to use these funds.
- Payment in Full – a payment in in the form of a $200 donation can be made via credit card or check (mailed to DSI).
- Financial assistance via Scholarship is also available.
Stepping Stones Leaders/Teachers
Jen 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, as well as a former Director/Co-Director of Edgewood Preschool Cooperative. Jen is one of the founders of 21 Dreams and 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 (Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County) with Lauryn as a supplement to classroom instruction, Jen was instrumental in bringing this program to DSI and was the (volunteer) lead instructor in implementing DSI-The Learning Program from 2017-2025.
In 2024, Jen officially joined the DSI Staff as its Education Coordinator. She is thrilled to be able to use her experience and expertise in education to develop programming to support both families and educators in navigating the school journey for students with Down syndrome and ensuring these students reach their full potential.
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 volunteered with DSI-The Learning Program for 8 years and is excited to be a part of DSI’s Stepping Stones to Success Parent Workshops!
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 intervention’s 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. Jennifer spent two years volunteering with DSI – The Learning Program and is thrilled to be a part of DSI’s Stepping Stones Workshops!
