About Us

As a teacher , Includ(Ed) Founder & Director, Anna Chiles, has always been committed to starting her child’s journey in education and school community early. Theo’s Down syndrome diagnosis only made that commitment stronger.

When she set out to find him a school, she was surprised and disheartened to experience almost universal rejection. In countless uncomfortable phone calls, preschool directors told her they lacked the staffing, experience, and education to welcome a child with Down syndrome to their school. None of the directors asked to meet Theo or asked any questions about his personality, behavior, skillset, or interests. All they needed to hear to say “no” was his diagnosis.

The more she connected with parents in the disability community, the more Anna heard similar stories. Across San Diego county, babies and toddlers with disabilities are regularly excluded from childcare and early education, leaving children less prepared to start kindergarten and forcing many parents to leave the workforce to become their primary caregivers.

We’re in the process of building a fully-inclusive school where children with disabilities can learn alongside their typically developing peers. Watch the videos to learn more and consider a donation to support our efforts!