THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 18, 1994 TAG: 9409160237
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 92 lines
SPECIAL-EDUCATION preschool teacher Debra Cote still recalls the 2-year-old who came into her classroom a few years ago. The little girl couldn't swallow and a tube was attached to her stomach to enable her to eat.
She weighed only 22 pounds.
Cote, 33, worked with the child, teaching her how to swallow, feeding her more frequently. And by the end of the year, the child was able to eat by mouth, and she weighed 29 pounds.
Cote faces this kind of challenge, among many others, each day as a preschool teacher for developmentally delayed children at Kilby Shores Elementary School.
Cote is teaching six children, ages 2 to 4, at Kilby Shores Elementary. She came to Suffolk in 1991 to teach developmentally delayed children.
``We look at the individual needs of each child,'' she said. ``When you have a variety of children in the classroom, that can be a challenge,'' she said.
Cote said the children's problems range from mild developmental delays like not talking before the age of 3 to children who can't walk or control their extremities.
``We use play therapy to try to get them to do what is developmentally appropriate for their age - and we do it by playing. Kids have a lifetime ahead to work, so we try to play.''
Cote said many of the children who come through her class go into regular kindergarten classes in the public school system.
Cote said seeing the children progress is one of the many rewards she receives from working with these children.
Name: Debra Lynn Cote
What brought you to Suffolk? I was told about a preschool opening in Suffolk. I called the School Board office the next day, faxed my credentials, ignored the substantial pay decrease and moved south within two weeks. I've had few, if any, regrets.
Hometown: Ansonia, Conn.
Birthdate: Oct. 1, 1961
Nickname: Debbie or Miss Debbie
Occupation: Preschool teacher for children with special needs in Suffolk.
Marital status: Single
Children: Zero of my very own, but I do have six sweethearts in my preschool class.
Favorite movies: ``Aladdin'' and ``The Piano.''
Favorite magazine: Elle, and magazines that share innovative recipes and information about environmental issues.
A book you wish everyone would read, and why: ``Charlotte's Web.'' The story is sweet and light, and it teaches the value of life and importance of providing support. Wilbur is the runt of all the piglets, but he turns out to be terrific.
Favorite night out on the town: I have friends that live at the swamp. I head out there, stand around a fire barrel, toss oysters on the grill and try to keep warm on the cool winter nights. It's relaxing.
Favorite bar or restaurant: Front Street
Favorite food and drink: I like everything.
Few people know . . . that I cried when I saw the kids waiting for the school bus on the first day of school those years I wasn't teaching.
Best thing about yourself: My ability to understand and acknowledge individual differences. I've learned that we don't all share the same priorities and that I'm in no position to pass judgment on anyone.
Worst habit: Procrastination
First thing in the morning: Flip the switch on the coffee pot.
Pets: none
Hobbies: I love to entertain and cook for friends. I also enjoy working with houseplants.
Ideal vacation: The warm sun, sounds of the crashing waves, my feet in the sand and the sea spray on my face. And no strangers around to invade my private space.
Pet peeve: The existence of child abuse and neglect in a country so rich in resources.
First job: I was a nurse's aide in a hospital for the elderly.
Worst job: I worked in a paper bindery. I caught and bound paper that the machine tossed out. I got lots of paper cuts.
Of what achievements are you most proud? I recently finished work for my master's degree at Old Dominion University. Also, serving my children at school and fostering their growth and development. I caught a pretty catfish at Lake Gaston this summer - baited my own hook and cast my own line. I enjoy life's simple pleasures - no matter where I am.
What would you like on your epitaph? ``Appreciated the opportunity to serve. Blessed by family and friends. Shaped by God. Gone to a better place.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
by CNB