Celebrate Theo’s 6th Birthday: Help Keep Inclusion Alive at Includ(Ed)!

Anna Chiles (’07) and Wilson Taylor (’06) are Altamont sweethearts and parents to Theo and Henry. What they quickly discovered upon looking for San Diego-area daycare and preschool for their first son, who has Down syndrome, is something most of us have never had to think about: children with disabilities are often excluded from early childhood education, or placed in separate environments away from their peers. The system is simply not built to include them.

So Anna did something bold. She started a school.

Through her nonprofit, Includ(Ed), Anna has created classrooms where ALL children are welcome, can learn together, and are given all the tools they need to thrive. At Includ(Ed), students with and without disabilities alike are supported by embedded early intervention therapies, highly trained educators, and a deep commitment to each child’s growth and development. Their preschool reflects the kind of education many of us experienced: one that challenges students, builds community, and prepares them to lead meaningful lives.

Your Support Helps These Students Thrive

Knowing the power that every gift has to shape this program, fellow Altamont alums 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 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
$1,000/month Expands access for families who otherwise couldn’t attend
- Directly offsets tuition so a child can come through the open door and stay
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!

Altamont Supports Inclusion: Theo’s Friends Fund

Theo got a seat. Let’s make room for every child!

Team Members