An Annapolis Valley resident is advocating for increased support for inclusivity in Nova Scotia’s pre-primary program following a recent incident involving her autistic five-year-old son who went missing from school. The boy, Micheal, wandered off during outdoor playtime at Cambridge and District Elementary School in Cambridge, N.S., eventually making his way to a nearby forest and a stream behind the school. His mother, Reagan Antoine, expressed immense fear and relief when he was found with wet pantlegs indicating he had waded into the water.
The incident, which occurred last Wednesday, prompted a frantic search involving early childhood educators, police, a police drone, and a police dog. Fortunately, Micheal was found sitting on a rock by a teacher and was unharmed. Despite existing safety measures like an alarm on his classroom door and a tracking bracelet, Antoine decided to keep Micheal home from school until she feels confident about his safety.
During a subsequent meeting with school officials, Antoine was assured of additional safeguards, including designated supervision for Micheal during outdoor activities and the introduction of markers and educational guidance for students. However, she stressed the importance of systemic changes to provide more support for children in pre-primary who require individual attention, a service currently available only from Grade Primary onwards.
The Education Department, responsible for the pre-primary program, did not offer an interview but mentioned the possibility of bringing in extra early childhood educators or specialized staff for classes with complex needs. Antoine emphasized the need for proactive support rather than reactive measures, calling for broader assistance for children with disabilities from the outset. The incident has prompted a review of operations and physical spaces by the Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
In light of the incident, Antoine remains cautious about Micheal’s return to school, highlighting the importance of ensuring a safe environment for all students, especially those with additional needs.