When Brandon Francis opened Kids World Preschool a few months ago he had one main goal in mind. "There are very few preschools for children with special needs," Francis said. "We are a place for kids of all abilities."  Teacher Michelle Pinkston explained that it is the integration of typical peers and special needs kids that gives Kids World such a unique environment.  "When autistic kids are surrounded by only autistic kids they never learn normal behavior," she said. "And the typical peers here grow up used to it (special needs) and are more compassionate."  The school, at 689 W. 5300 South in Murray, is set up to make the children feel instantly at home, "Because, kids feel most comfortable when they are at home," Francis said.  Francis earned a degree in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Utah and for the last four years, his focus has been children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Kids World Preschool offers a unique 1-to-3 ratio of teachers to students. This allows each child, both special needs and typical, a good deal of one-on-one time with a teacher each day.  Part of the average daily routine includes individual work boxes, which are designed through a collaborative effort between the teachers and parents to address the specific educational needs of each child. During work box time, the children each take a turn going through their individual boxes with a teacher while the rest of the class benefits from peer interaction under the direction of another teacher.  Kids World Preschool offers two classes every weekday except Wednesday. The morning class is geared toward 2- and 3-year-olds, while the afternoon class is designed for children ages 4 to 6. Some of the afternoon students are bused to Kids World by the Murray School District after their morning kindergarten class.  It is not uncommon for special needs children to also require a special diet. A few of Francis' students are among those who have one or more dietary restrictions. In those cases, the school either offers an appropriate alternative snack or sometimes a snack is sent from home.  Snack time for nonverbal students includes a method of communication known as Picture Exchange Communication System. This method uses small cards, which display a picture of a specific item, such as a cracker or a glass of water.  The nonverbal student is encouraged to point at the picture showing the desired item and then is rewarded with the snack of their choosing. The process can be repeated several times throughout the snack period. Several other teaching methods are incorporated in the daily routine at Kids World.  Applied Behavior Analysis is a method used to teach autistic children, who are often quite capable of learning. What is known in the autism world as the SCERTS Model (Social Communication, Emotional Regulation and Transactional Supports) maintains that everyday activities contain the most meaningful learning experiences during childhood.  Both methods are found in practice at Kids World Preschool. The school also includes music therapy and American Sign Language.  "I have a passion for kids with disabilities and a conviction to help them," Pinkston said. "I would like to get in their heads and see what's going on. Sometimes we get a momentary glimpse, a breakthrough in their eyes."  "Autism is a phenomenon," she continued. "It's unexplainable. Like cancer, we all have cancer cells in our body, but what makes it develop into a disease? What makes autism surface?"  For more information about Kids World Preschool call 801-243-4991 or visit http://www.kidsworldpreschool.org. Kids World Preschool teacher Michelle Pinkston, behind left, and owner Brandon Francis, behind right, prepare a parachute in mid-September with students. Right, Francis spreads the sail out. Below, Pinkston helps an autistic student use the parachute.; Kids World Preschool's homey and inviting play area is open to children of all abilities, not just those with special needs.

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