March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day. It is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.
Battle Creek Montessori Academy is celebrating by rocking their socks to bring awareness to World Down Syndrome Day, but to also show their love and support for Taylor who is a PreK student at BCMA.
“Taylor brings a whole new level of love and appreciation to BCMA. We are honored to celebrate this day with her. We partner with her and her family to bring awareness to Down syndrome whenever we have the opportunity,” Jes Eldridge, Head of School at Battle Creek Montessori, said.
World Down Syndrome Day is March 21. The date is to symbolize the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome. Wearing mixed-matched or crazy socks represents that we are more alike than different. We can all rock socks!
“We want to celebrate one of our own and be an advocate for Taylor. Montessori education has been a place where she has been able to thrive. It shows that we welcome any student through our doors. We will do whatever we need to do to give kids the education that they deserve,” Eldridge commented.
“I knew about the benefits of Montessori education and felt that Taylor would do great in that kind of environment. From the first time we stepped into BCMA’s doors we felt the love and acceptance,” Jessica Crane, Taylor’s mom, said.
“I am a teacher assistant that has worked in special education for 16 years, so I knew what types of things I wanted for my daughter. It has been nothing but amazing. We are so grateful for the support and love they have shown Taylor at BCMA.”
BCMA is advocating for the rights, inclusion and well-being of people with Down syndrome. Each year the voice of people with Down syndrome, and those who live and work with them, grows louder.