I have a family member with special needs. More than any formal training, it gave me first hand daily experience and training with persons with special needs. I learned how to be patient, caring, firm and compassionate. I have also worked in a public school with special needs children from kindergarten to middle school for over three years. I was responsible for their social integration in the mainstream classroom, helping them to stay focused to meet their academic goals and teaching them to recognize and imitate acceptable behaviors. And most importantly, to always have fun!!