It Takes a Village to Raise a Child

We first learned about Fraser when we were looking for child care for our son Jamie. Because Jamie has developmental delays, we knew that we wanted to find a special place to care for him. I struggled on the telephone, calling around to find a place that could help us. I was frustrated and didn’t know what to do. I told our social worker that there had to be a place.

Our prayers were answered

The social worker gave us a list of places to check into. Once we visited Fraser, there was no need to look further. We put our name on the child care waiting list and were lucky enough to get in right away. We felt so blessed! I truly believe that God answered my prayers when we found Fraser.

When Jamie first came to Fraser School, he was pretty anti-social because he was used to only being around his family. I kept thinking, “He’s not ready.” We were so worried about him that we would sneak up to Fraser to spy and see how he was doing. I was glad that I didn’t listen to myself because he was doing just great. His social skills had picked up and he was so happy.

Receives all his therapies on site

Jamie has been at Fraser School for about a year now. He receives physical, occupational and speech therapies right at school. Getting him the services he needs is our priority and it is so great to have them all in one place. I don’t know how we would be able to take him around to all of these appointments. Without Fraser, something would have to give.

Fraser’s therapists work with Jamie on physical activities such as walking independently, maintaining balance, and hand-eye coordination. In speech therapy, they work with him on increasing his vocabulary using words and sign language. Because Jamie isn’t talking yet, the speech therapist introduced a bracelet that he wears to help him communicate. He can push a button on the bracelet to say “Help” “More” “All done” and “Hi.” He gets a big smile on his face when he sees the teachers in the hallway and can say “Hi” to them!

A place where he belongs

You know that phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child.” I see that village at Fraser every day. Jamie not only belongs to his toddler classroom, but he belongs to Fraser School. Everyone in the school knows him and cares about him. I didn’t see that at the day care center he was at before. I didn’t know any teachers other than his. Here at Fraser, all of the teachers are involved and there for all of the kids — not just the ones in their own classrooms. At Fraser, the staff is experienced and friendly and the teamwork is awesome!

We have a lot of faith that Jamie will grow up and have many opportunities. He is progressing daily and I believe that he will eventually not have any special needs at all. Jamie has the brightest smile and he’s so intelligent. Even when he’s sick, he finds a way to smile — as if to say, “Mommy, it will be ok.” To other parents of children with special needs, I would say, “Be patient. Hang in there. There are brighter days ahead.”