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Disability Inclusion & Behavior Support Training
Together, we’ll make sure that all kids thrive

More About KIT

Our Services

Disability Inclusion & Behavior Support Training
Together, we’ll make sure that all kids thrive

More About KIT

Our Services

What’s New at KIT?

Ready, Set, Summer! Kids Included Together

Ready, Set, Summer!

Ready, Set, Summer is our on-demand webinar series featuring facilitator guides and action plans created especially for camp leaders looking to advance their inclusivity this summer. 

As you're gearing up and planning for your summer camp program, have you considered how to include kids with challenging behaviors or disabilities? We invite you to consider disability inclusion as a top priority. Learn how to facilitate a welcoming, meaningful and inclusive summer camp program to support children of all abilities.

The series of 4 webinars and facilitator guides is available from March 15 – September 15, 2023.

Ready, Set, Summer! Kids Included Together

Virtual Learning Series: I Can Be Inclusive

For the month of May, we're featuring one of our favorite Virtual Learning Series, "I Can Be Inclusive." Our I Can Be Inclusive eSeries includes 5 courses to help you get started on your inclusive practice journey.

  1. Inclusion 101
  2. Supportive Environments
  3. Communicating Through Behavior
  4. Tips and Tools to Support Disability Inclusion
  5. Family Collaboration
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KIT Academy All-Access Pass

Want to learn how to include and welcome all kids in your class or program? The KIT Academy All-Access Pass provides full access to all of our online inclusion training and behavior support resources for one full year. Our online portal is a flexible, efficient and inexpensive way to provide your team the information they need at the moment they need it, and not just at the annual training day.

With eModules, how-to videos, hundreds of virtual learning webinars and printable resources, you’ll find the right training for your disability inclusion needs.

Browse the KIT Academy Store to enroll in courses for help on specific topics or challenges.

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Unpacking Behavior: Is it expected, challenging, concerning or unsafe?

Children and youth bring a variety of behaviors into your programs every day. We know this and expect it. But sometimes, behavior goes beyond what we expect and causes concern, or might be unsafe. This webinar will help you learn to distinguish between developmentally expected, challenging, concerning, and unsafe behavior.

Learners will distinguish between typical, challenging, concerning, and unsafe behaviors in a series of statements.

woman looking through magnifying glass

Who is KIT?

We provide dynamic online and on-site training, innovative consultations, expert policy and standards development, and empowering coaching that gives people who work with children a “want to, can do, and will do” attitude towards welcoming kids with disabilities or other complex needs. KIT is also an authorized provider of International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) CEU’s for online training to support your professional development needs.

Free Download: The Inclusion Checklist for Programs

Do you want to make sure your class or program is inclusive, but don't know where to start? Are you or staff members struggling to serve some children, and you aren't sure why? Are parents enrolling kids who need extra support, but not telling you about it in advance? The Inclusion Checklist for Programs will help you assess your class or program in 16 categories so you can start, improve, or excel at serving kids with and without disabilities, behavior challenges, or other complex needs. The Checklist is a great tool KIT developed to use with your team and uncover growth opportunities together!

 

Everyone can be inclusive. KIT can help.

Inclusive Checklist

MEET OUR TRAINERS AND INCLUSION SUPPORT STAFF

Melissa wearing a blue shirt with black hem detail

Melissa Beck, MSEd, CTRS has over 25 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities. She has worked in nonprofit, government, for-profit and higher education. Melissa previously served as the Executive Director with Colorado Afterschool Partnership, facilitating statewide collaboration for equity in out of school time programs. Melissa is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, has her MS Ed in Therapeutic Recreation and her Bachelor’s in Psychology.

"Inclusion is more than a word, it’s a way of life."

Meet all of our KIT team here and find out why KIT is a leader in the field of disability inclusion training.

Melissa wearing a blue shirt with black hem detail
Phillip Collazo wearing a blue collared shirt and dark color tie.

Phillip Collazo, MSEd, CYT is no stranger to the world of teaching, having spent over ten years as a special educator and behavioral specialist – which has taught him the value of including children and adolescents, with and without disabilities. Phillip also has extensive experience teaching the arts and yoga, and strives to incorporate multi–sensory teaching strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of students with a wide range of abilities.

"Inclusion cultivates a world where we can learn to appreciate differences, instead of simply tolerating them."

Meet all of our KIT team here and find out why KIT is a leader in the field of disability inclusion training.

Phillip Collazo wearing a blue collared shirt and dark color tie.
Cheri DeAngelis wearing a blue and purple patterned collared shirt.

Cheri DeAngelis, BSW, is a child and youth development specialist. Cheri has an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. She has spent the past 27 years providing professional development, mentoring and coaching services with and for ASES’s, ASSET’s, 21st CCLC, licensed fee-based, parks and recreation, CBO, religious, nonprofit organizations, out-of-school time and expanded learning programs, and preschools.

"Every child has a right to live, learn and have fun in an environment that provides opportunities for them to grow, make friends, discover and explore."

Meet all of our KIT team here and find out why KIT is a leader in the field of disability inclusion training.

Cheri DeAngelis wearing a blue and purple patterned collared shirt.
Greg Johnson wearing a white collared shirt and gold striped tie.

Greg Johnson, MS, earned an AA in Elementary Physical Education with an endorsement in Adaptive Education, BS in the Psychology of Human Development, and an MS in Sports Management and Administration. He taught special education for eight years and worked with children with disabilities for 15 years. He previously served as the Administrative Behavior Coordinator for a school district in Washington state and was the Supervisory Program Specialist for the middle school teen program at Joint Base Lewis McChord.

“Inclusion is the limitless acceptance and participation of everyone!”

Meet all of our KIT team here and find out why KIT is a leader in the field of disability inclusion training.

Greg Johnson wearing a white collared shirt and gold striped tie.
Alissa Marotto wearing a green blouse with a black cardigan.

Alissa Marotto, MS, sets the research agenda at KIT, develops evaluation activities, and implements data systems. She has a BA in Psychology and an MS in Child and Family Development. She has facilitated research projects in university settings related to parent-child interactions, theory of mind, educator training, early intervention, and inclusion in school age programs. She also has direct experience as an early childhood educator, behavioral therapist, counselor, disabilities specialist, in-home therapy clinician, and data and planning director.

“Inclusion means planning for differences.”

Meet all of our KIT team here and find out why KIT is a leader in the field of disability inclusion training.

Alissa Marotto wearing a green blouse with a black cardigan.
Nili Mathews wearing a teal blouse.

Nili Mathews, CTRS, is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with over 25 years of experience working with people with disabilities. She has a BA in Recreation and Leisure Studies with an emphasis in Therapy. Nili has worked in physical rehabilitation, mental health, residential camping and community recreation. Nili was the second hire at the pilot program at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, which later became Kids Included Together, she has remained dedicated to the KIT mission ever since.

"Inclusion, a group that accepts, respects, and celebrates all individuals for who they are."

Meet all of our KIT team here and find out why KIT is a leader in the field of disability inclusion training.

Nili Mathews wearing a teal blouse.
Brooke Matthews wearing a black and grey patterned jacket.

Brooke Matthews, MA, has over 15 years of experience working in Child & Youth Programs for both the Navy and Air Force services. Her experiences range from working in the classroom as a direct care employee to overseeing all operations of a Youth Program as the Director. Additionally, she has also been an Endorser for the Council on Accreditation since 2008. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services and Management and a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education.

"Inclusion creates meaningful opportunities and experiences for ALL."

Meet all of our KIT team here and find out why KIT is a leader in the field of disability inclusion training.

Brooke Matthews wearing a black and grey patterned jacket.
Laura Jenks wearing a blue blouse.

Laura Jenks, MS has over ten years of experience supporting people with disabilities in inclusive settings. She has a BS in Sociology and Special Education from the University of Oregon and an MS in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Laura has varied experience in case management, assisted living, and parks and recreation.

"Inclusion…Everyone, everything, everywhere... always."

Meet all of our KIT team here and find out why KIT is a leader in the field of disability inclusion training.

Laura Jenks wearing a blue blouse.
Emily Kentro wearing a dark orange blouse.

Emily Kentro joined KIT as Support Center Manager in April of 2014. She has over 25 years of experience working with child care, residential, recreation, and educational youth programs in San Diego. Emily has been a KIT fan for a long time. She attended KIT training as a YMCA staff member and several years ago raised $1,000 to participate in a KIT fundraising event, Over the Edge.

"Inclusion is welcoming, embracing, and respecting others for who they are."

Meet all of our KIT team here and find out why KIT is a leader in the field of disability inclusion training.

Emily Kentro wearing a dark orange blouse.
Audrey Vistro wearing a blue collared shirt.

Audrey Vistro, MA Ed, MA SpEd is a credentialed special education teacher. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies from San Diego State University. She has a Master’s Degree in Teaching and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Azusa Pacific University. Audrey has extensive experience working with children that have developmental delays, as well as parent training and case management.

"To me, inclusion is about accepting and appreciating others for who they are."

Meet all of our KIT team here and find out why KIT is a leader in the field of disability inclusion training.

Audrey Vistro wearing a blue collared shirt.
Heather Wojciuch wearing a red, black and cream patterned blouse.

Heather Wojciuch, MA was driven to be an inclusion champion by her 15+ years of experience working in military child and youth programs and her desire to find ways to include children with challenging behaviors and disabilities in those environments. Yearning for some career-broadening, KIT become the right fit in 2017. Heather now serves as KIT’s Inclusion Support Center Manager and leads a team of specialists who coach and teach individuals who work in daycares, afterschool programs, and recreational activities.

"Inclusion is building a community where everyone can learn and grow."

Meet all of our KIT team here and find out why KIT is a leader in the field of disability inclusion training.

Heather Wojciuch wearing a red, black and cream patterned blouse.

FROM OUR BLOG

A group of summer camp kids and staff wearing green shirts huddle together while smiling.

Ready, Set, Summer: A Must-Have Inclusion Resource for the Future of Summer Camps 

It’s summer camp season! Read on to learn about “Ready, Set, Summer!” and how this comprehensive, on-demand staff training program can provide camp leaders, counselors, and volunteers with the inclusion training they need to help include kids with disabilities or challenging behaviors this summer.   Summer camps are a quintessential part of childhood, with their…
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4 Ways to Build Inclusive Sports and Recreation Programs for Children with Disabilities

Learn how to create programs that prioritize inclusion, celebrate diversity, and promote the well-being of all participants. The importance for all children to be able to fully participate in sports and recreational activities cannot be overstated. Aside from promoting physical and emotional well-being, these experiences teach children essential life skills such as learning how to…
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Four young children play independently in a school setting.

How To Create A Safe Space For Kids With Autism In Your Program

Does your program serve kids with autism? As leaders in disability inclusion and behavior support training, we’ve developed strategies to create safe spaces for children and youth with ASD. Our approach fosters environments where they can flourish, be themselves, and avoid “masking,” – the act of hiding their true selves in order to fit in,…
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"I just wanted to express my deepest gratitude to you both for offering your valuable time and expertise to both the adults and girls this weekend for Keys to Leadership. You received RAVE reviews!”

Andraea LavantGirl
Scouts of the Nation’s Capital

"KIT has been an awesome partner! Thanks for sharing your amazing organization with our community."

Stacy Litteral
Kids Country in Danville, CA

“Thank you so much for all your help! We’ve always wanted to do inclusion but we just didn’t have the tools. KIT came and said ‘here are your tools’. I don’t know what we’d do without all of KIT’s help. You’ve helped us become what we are today.”

Karyn Neves
NAS Lemoore SAC