Reimagining Early Childhood Education: FDD’s Partnership with Includ(Ed)

At the Foundation for Developmental Disabilities (FDD), we believe that all children deserve an inclusive and supportive environment where they can thrive—regardless of their abilities. We are proud to partner with Includ(Ed), a groundbreaking early childhood education program redefining inclusion through therapeutic day playgroups, infant, toddler, and preschool programs, as well as family music classes.

With a vision of creating a fully inclusive school, Includ(Ed) ensures that children with disabilities learn alongside their typically developing peers, fostering understanding, friendship, and equal opportunities from the very start.

Includ(Ed)’s Impact: A Place of Acceptance, Opportunity, and Hope

Finding an early childhood education program that genuinely embraces inclusion can be challenging for many families. Includ(Ed) is changing that reality by reserving 40% of program spaces for children with documented disabilities, ensuring every child receives the individualized support they need to reach their full potential.

As one parent shared, “This school was a beam of light in the darkness. I cannot say enough about what this school has done for me and my family; it is a place of acceptance, opportunity, and hope. Sometimes what you need most is the chance to succeed, and this school does just that.”

Since opening its Early Childhood Center in Pacific Beach in February 2024, Includ(Ed) has become a haven of belonging and possibility. Their integrated approach—including speech, occupational, physical, and music therapies—ensures students have access to essential developmental resources in a natural and welcoming environment.

FDD’s Support: Investing in Inclusion Through Program Grants & Capital Funding

FDD is grateful to play a part in supporting Includ(Ed)’s vision as the program continues to grow and serve more families.

Recognizing the transformative potential of this program, FDD awarded a $14,500 Program Grant to:

• Purchase developmentally appropriate classroom materials.

• Fund adaptive musical instruments for inclusive music education.

• Expand programming to serve more families in search of supportive early childhood education.

  
  

These resources help ensure that children of all abilities are welcomed exactly as they are and receive the support needed to flourish.

In addition to program grant funding, FDD is proud to invest in the long-term growth of Includ(Ed) through a $100,000 Capital Grant, supporting the creation of a fully accessible and inclusive campus.

This capital investment will help transform Includ(Ed)’s facilities through:

• Inclusive Playgrounds & Sensory Spaces: Adaptive play equipment, musical elements, sensory pathways, and interactive panels that promote motor development and social engagement.

• Parent Support & Resource Spaces: Welcoming areas where caregivers can connect, recharge, or work remotely while their children receive services.

• ADA Compliance & Accessibility Enhancements: Ensuring that all areas of the campus are fully accessible, safe, and inclusive for children and families with diverse needs.

By investing in inclusive environments both inside and outside the classroom, FDD is helping Includ(Ed) build a foundation for lifelong learning, social development, and community belonging.

Creating a Future Where All Families Feel Seen & Supported

At Includ(Ed), inclusion isn’t just a concept—it’s a lived reality inspired by Founder and Director Anna Chiles’ journey. After struggling to find an educational space that welcomed her son, Theo, who has Down syndrome, she realized she wasn’t alone. Families across San Diego faced the same challenge, and she was determined to build something better.

With the support of FDD and a growing community, Includ(Ed) is now serving at least 150 families through its:

• Early Childhood Education Program

• Therapeutic playgroups

• Infant groups

• Parent and Me music classes

• Community events

For many families, this is the first time they’ve found a school designed specifically for their child, rather than a program that must be adapted for them.

One parent shared, "This is the first place that feels like it was made for my child rather than a place that had to be changed to accommodate my child."

Building Bold Dreams for the Future

With FDD’s continued partnership, Includ(Ed) has ambitious plans for 2026, including expanding classrooms and serving even more students.

Physical therapist Sarah shared, “I love that we can provide different ways for children to explore in all positions, regardless of their abilities—including an adaptive swing that allows children to be on their back or tummy!”

These dreams are powered by community support—and by the belief that every child deserves access to a place where they belong.

Together, We Are Creating a Brighter Future

FDD and Includ(Ed) are working hand in hand to ensure every family feels seen, supported, and celebrated. From classroom tools to capital improvements, this partnership is building inclusive education from the ground up.

Includ(Ed), their doors are always open, and their message is simple,
“You are welcome here, exactly as you are!”

Together, we are making inclusion the foundation of early childhood education—one child, one family, and one community at a time.

To learn more about Includ(Ed), please visit includedsd.org.