Rumor has it that dress-up in some apartments in Brooklyn may include replicating a walker because, to a three-year old, it looks like a great fun toy!

On the day Anthony demonstrated how his prosthesis can be removed, one child told his mother, "Oh, mommy, you’ll never believe how fancy Tony's leg is. It comes on and off any time he wants!"

Which goes to show that inclusion is the name of the game at Warbasse, a nonsectarian, nonprofit, private preschool which has been using a fully integrated program model since 1979. Housed in a cheerful, sunny, barrier-free space with a grassy well-equipped playground, the school offers children hands-on, age appropriate experiences in an environment that encourages positive self-imagery, self-mastery and self-discipline. It provides each child with a developmentally appropriate learning environment that encourages creativity, supports initiative and problem solving skills and places a strong emphasis on self-esteem.

In that kind of environment, even the common - place can be a positive learning experience.

As when Katie, pointing to her teacher's necklace, asked: "What is that pretty thing you are wearing?"

Teacher: "thank you, Katie. That is my necklace."

Katie: "I don't have a necklace. I only have a neck."

Although Warbasse was recognized by Exceptional Parent magazine in 1989 as a model integrated program and was one of eight programs recognized by the NYS Child Care Coordination Council, it first and foremost tries to be a place where children have fun while learning.

As part of its effort to mainstream children two to five years of age with a range of disabilities, the school encourages a high degree of parent involvement. Special days on weekends are set aside for parent members to visit and participate in their children’s programs.

For information, contact: Ira Feingold, Principal, Warbasse Nursery School, 2785 West 5th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11224; (718) 266-5585.