The Theo’s Friends Fund

Includ(Ed) founder, Anna Chiles, and her husband, Wilson Taylor, met at The Altamont School in Birmingham, Alabama in 2005. Fast forward to 2020, these high school sweethearts became parents to Theo, who was diagnosed at birth with Down syndrome. When Anna and Wilson set out to find a preschool for Theo, they were shocked by how readily so many schools rejected Theo, all because of his disability.

They learned what other disability parents who came before them knew all too well: across San Diego county (and the country), babies and toddlers with disabilities are regularly excluded from childcare and early education.

With Wilson’s support, Anna launched Includ(Ed), an inclusive preschool that welcomes ALL children. Includ(Ed)’s classrooms are full of highly-trained developmental experts (Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, Inclusion Specialists, Trained Educators, and Music Therapists) who help make the most of these crucial early years of development. All children are truly welcome here AND they are given every support that they need to thrive.

Knowing the power that every gift has to shape this program, fellow Altamont alumni and dear friends to the Taylor-Chiles Family suggested a fundraiser where fellow Knights can leave their mark on this mission. We are hoping to bring together a group of Altamont alumni and community members who believe in Includ(Ed) and are willing to support it through monthly giving. Even small monthly gifts add up to something powerful:

Any Level Makes a Difference

• $10/month Keeps a “yes” classroom stocked Flexible supplies that let teachers say yes instead of no when a child needs a different way to play, sit, or learn

• $20/month Builds communication access in real time Supports visuals, core boards, and AAC supports so children can express themselves throughout the day, not just in therapy sessions

• $50/month Brings therapy into the moment it’s needed Funds embedded therapy during play, transitions, and peer interactions, not pulled out and separate

• $75/month Supports sensory regulation across the day Tools, spaces, and support that help children stay calm, engaged, and ready to learn alongside their peers

• $100/month Turns everyday routines into therapy From circle time to snack to outdoor play, your support helps therapists and teachers co-create moments that build real-life skills

• $150/month Keeps a child included in the classroom Helps cover the additional staffing and supports needed so a child with higher needs can stay in community, not be turned away

• $250/month Builds peer connection on purpose Funds structured, therapist-supported social groups where children learn how to enter play, build friendships, and stay connected

• $500/month Expands access for families who otherwise couldn’t attend

  Directly offsets tuition so a child can come through the open door and stay

• $1,000/month Sponsors a classroom’s full inclusion model for a week Teachers and therapists working side by side so every child learns together, with support woven into the day

  Every gift, at every level, helps meet the $20,000 needed each month to keep this program alive and accessible. We are deeply grateful for your support. GO KNIGHTS!