Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending one of the most meaningful ribbon-cutting ceremonies I’ve witnessed in San Pedro, the opening of Include Me 2 Preschool, the island’s first early childhood institution dedicated to children with special needs, particularly those on the autism spectrum.
The new preschool, located in Tres Cocos, officially opened its doors on Monday, September 1, 2025, and I couldn’t help but feel the weight of the moment. This is not just a school; it’s a promise of inclusion, compassion, and hope for families who have long wished for a place where their children could learn, grow, and be accepted just as they are.
A Mother’s Journey, A Community’s Gift
Speaking at the ceremony was Kathleen Aguilar, who alongside her husband Eduardo Aguilar, turned personal challenges into a movement for change. Kathleen shared how their son Pierre was diagnosed in 2023 with integration sensory disorder, a branch of autism. Like many parents, they struggled to find resources, support, and schools equipped to accommodate children like Pierre.
Instead of giving up, they created a path not only for their son but for dozens of other children and families. Kathleen’s words were powerful and raw: “I can never tell you, Emma, how much you mean to me. You’ve saved my boys’ lives and God truly gifted you with so many talents.” She was referring to Teacher Emma Albert, a San Pedro educator with a master’s degree in special education, who began tutoring her children a year ago and planting the seeds that would eventually grow into this school.
More Than Just a Classroom
Include Me 2 Preschool opened with seven students and space for up to 14. The facilities are thoughtful and designed for the children’s needs: a large interactive classroom, a playground, a rooftop activity terrace, and a safe room for when a student needs a quiet space to relax from over-stimulation.
The concept of inclusion is at the heart of the school, neurodivergent and neurotypical children learning side by side in a safe, nurturing environment. Children are encouraged to express themselves freely, whether that’s through speech, play, or communication boards.
Include Me 2 has already been operating for about a year and a half, serving nearly 50 children through weekend therapy sessions. Many of those families have said the same thing, traditional schools simply weren’t able to accommodate their children’s needs. This preschool is answering that call, combining a school setting with therapy so children get both at the same time
Kathleen reminded us that this project would not have been possible without community support. She thanked Mayor Wally Nuñez and the San Pedro Town Council for stepping up in the early days with flights, accommodations for therapists, and continued encouragement. Today, Include Me 2 even hosts visiting specialists like speech and occupational therapists, offering families the kind of support they once had to leave the island to find.
Include Me 2: A Dream Realized
Listening to Kathleen, it was impossible not to feel her mix of relief, gratitude, and pride: “I was an elementary school teacher for over 14 years in Belize City. I can’t believe today we can see our dream is a reality. We now own our own school.”
And as I looked around at the smiling faces of parents, teachers, and children playing together on this historic first day, I realized this isn’t just their family’s dream, it’s San Pedro’s dream too.
Congratulations to Kathleen, Eduardo, Teacher Emma, and everyone who made Include Me 2 Preschool a reality. This is truly a first for our island and a milestone that will impact generations to come. For more information visit Include Me 2 Facebook Page, website, or contact 610-3532.
