My daughter is in kindergarten and has autism. The thought of her starting a new school, particularly with a social delay, kept me awake many nights last summer. While academics have always been secondary in my priorities, my primary concern was whether she would find a friend.
On the first day of school in August, my worries quickly dissipated. My daughter found a peer who embraced her differences and offered genuine inclusion—her teacher, a remarkable woman who knelt down, opened her arms, and said, “Come to me just as you are.”
From that day forward, I witnessed my daughter blossom as she built a profound trust with her teacher. This once-stranger has now become an essential part of our support network, loving my child as if she were her own.
However, everything changed a few weeks ago when the coronavirus pandemic led to school closures. My daughter was suddenly separated from her first true friend. Unlike summer breaks, there was no preparation for this unexpected separation, leaving us engulfed in uncertainty and confusion.
How do you help a child comprehend that their one source of stability has vanished? The answer is simple: you don’t. Instead, you watch and appreciate the efforts of those who continue to show up for your family.
Recently, the dedicated teachers and staff from my daughter’s school organized a car parade. We eagerly awaited their arrival, decorating our sidewalk with cheerful chalk messages.
As car after car rolled by—each one honking, waving, and showcasing encouraging signs—the smile that had faded from my daughter’s face returned. This experience was akin to reuniting with a friend; even from a distance, the bond these teachers had formed with her was evident.
By the time the tenth teacher drove past, joy overwhelmed me, seeing how well they all knew her. My daughter didn’t just have one friend; she had the entire staff supporting her. As a parent of a child with special needs, the acceptance and love they offered filled me with gratitude.
My daughter stood on the sidewalk, waving energetically until her arm felt as if it might fall off. When her classroom teacher approached, she leaped for joy and ran after the car to present a handpicked flower. As the teacher drove away, she shouted, “I love you, Mia!”
In a time marked by darkness, this moment shone brightly, showcasing the incredible value of teachers. They are not just educators but guardians of hope and kindness. They see each child as an individual, offering compassion that transcends academics.
You are not just teachers; you are champions of humanity. You instill values that far surpass what can be measured through standardized tests. You give so that others can thrive. You see and appreciate every child for who they truly are.
On that cool spring day, during the depths of a national crisis, the most selfless individuals drove by our home, delivering what they always provide: hope.
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Summary
During school closures due to the pandemic, teachers went above and beyond to support their students, demonstrating the profound impact they have on children’s lives. A kindergarten student with autism finds joy and connection through a car parade organized by her teachers, showcasing the importance of inclusion and the lasting bonds formed in the classroom.