
Jameson Penman's Journey of Growth and Confidence at Easterseals Arkansas
Meet Jameson: a bright 5-year-old boy who loves making friends and sharing his interests. He and his mom, dad, and little brother Ryan live in Maumelle with Scout and Stella, their two black cats. Ryan is 3 and also attends Easterseals. Jameson loves all things related to space, weather, racing, and numbers (and he LOVES telling people how old everyone that he knows is).
From Speech Therapy to the Developmental Preschool
Jameson first came to Easterseals Arkansas for speech therapy with Ms. Marcia after he turned 2, and later received OT with Mr. Dylan. In May of 2023, Jameson's parents enrolled him in the Little Rock Developmental Preschool. In October 2023, his younger brother Ryan joined him at LRDP, and they've been attending together ever since.
Finding His Voice
When Jameson first started outpatient speech therapy, he was struggling to communicate and growing increasingly frustrated. He had his own language, but his family couldn't understand what he was trying to say. That frustration sometimes led to difficult moments at daycare and at home.
But thanks to Ms. Marcia's dedicated work, everything changed. Jameson went from barely being able to speak in a way others could understand to talking at length about everything he's interested in—and there's a lot! It's a night and day difference from where he started.
Building Skills for Independence
Through occupational therapy and his time at LRDP, Jameson has made remarkable progress in his fine-motor skills and self-care abilities. He's now fully potty-trained and can dress himself—important milestones that have prepared him for the next big step in his journey.
At LRDP, his teachers have been instrumental in his growth. Ms. Kelli and Erin worked with him last year, and Ms. LaToya and Ms. Rosalyn have continued that work this year, focusing on his social-emotional skills and encouraging his academic curiosity. Ms. Kelli was particularly focused on encouraging Jameson's reading skills and nurturing his natural curiosity about the subjects that fascinate him.
A Community That Feels Like Family
For Jameson's family, the most meaningful aspect of Easterseals has been the sense of community. From their very first day, they were welcomed with open arms. The therapists, teachers, and administration have always been ready to work with them—even on the more difficult days—and eager to share updates about Jameson's progress.
"They feel like family," his parents shared.
Ready for Kindergarten
This fall, Jameson is starting kindergarten at Jefferson Elementary in Little Rock, and he couldn't be more excited about his new adventure. While he was academically ready for kindergarten, it was the staff and teachers at LRDP who helped him develop the social-emotional skills and confidence he needed to truly thrive in a classroom setting.
When he's not preparing for kindergarten, Jameson enjoys playing with his cars and marble runs, playing soccer, bowling, swimming, and mini-golf, visiting with his cousin Ashlan, reading with Mom and Dad, watching marble run videos and Paw Patrol, and playing card games.
A Message to Other Families
When asked what they would say to someone considering seeking help from Easterseals, Jameson's parents didn't hesitate:
"Absolutely do it. Their outpatient therapy was incredibly helpful for us, and if you are able to get into the developmental daycare, you should absolutely take it."
Looking Ahead
Jameson's family hopes to see him enrolled in a mainstream classroom throughout his time in school. Thanks to Easterseals' help with his fine-motor skills, handwriting, self-care, and especially his social-emotional development, Jameson is prepared for this transition and ready to succeed.
Join the Easterseals Arkansas Community
We're incredibly proud of Jameson and all he's accomplished. We wish him nothing but continued success and joy as he begins his kindergarten journey. If you or a loved one could benefit from the life-changing programs at Easterseals Arkansas, don't wait—reach out today and become part of a community where every child is celebrated, supported, and empowered to thrive.