KDSN Pathways
Education, Support & Community for Every Stage

KDSN Pathways is a monthly program created to support, educate, and connect individuals with Down syndrome and their families at every stage of life. Each KDSN Pathways day brings multiple programs together in one place so families can access trusted information, developmental support, meaningful connections, and age-appropriate programming in a welcoming community setting.

Our November KDSN Pathways program will be held on:

Saturday, November 14, 2026
11:30 AM–1:30 PM
New Life Church
4201 Stine Road
Bakersfield, CA 93313

Lunch will be provided to all registered attendees.

Lunch & Learn

Top 5 Issues and Concerns: Supporting Healthy Sexuality During Puberty

Presented by Terri Couwenhoven, MS, CSE
Available in person at KDSN Pathways and via Zoom

Puberty brings new changes, questions, and opportunities for greater independence. For families supporting someone with Down syndrome, having trusted guidance can help make this stage feel more understandable and manageable.

We are pleased to welcome back Terri Couwenhoven, a certified sexuality educator, author, and specialist in developing educational programs and resources for people with intellectual disabilities and the families and professionals who support them. As the parent of a daughter with Down syndrome, Terri brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to her work.

During this session, Terri will explore common questions and concerns families face during puberty and share practical approaches for supporting healthy development. Parents and caregivers will gain guidance to help them approach this stage with greater confidence, understanding, and comfort.

Whether your child is approaching puberty or already experiencing these changes, this session offers an opportunity to learn from an experienced educator who understands the needs of individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

Join us at KDSN Pathways to enjoy lunch and connect with other local families while participating in the session, or attend remotely through Zoom.

Foundations for Growth: 0–5 Developmental Series

Turning Three: Understanding Your Child’s Next Steps

Presented by Kern Regional Center
In person only — this session will not be available via Zoom

Your child’s third birthday brings an important transition in services—and often plenty of questions. What happens when Early Start ends? How does the school district become involved? What support may still be available through Kern Regional Center?

Join a representative from Kern Regional Center for a family-focused conversation about navigating this transition. We will explore the move from early intervention to school-based services for eligible children, preschool options, and the roles of the school district and regional center after age three.

The discussion will help families better understand:

• What changes when Early Start services end at age three
• How to prepare for transition planning and school district assessments
• The purpose of an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
• How preschool services and supports are determined based on a child’s needs and eligibility
• How eligibility for continued regional center services is considered
• Questions to ask and steps to take as your family prepares

Families do not have to navigate this new stage alone. This session offers an opportunity to ask questions, connect with other parents and caregivers, and gain a clearer understanding of the next steps in supporting their child’s development.

Connect Club

Connect Club provides supervised activities, social opportunities, and a welcoming place for participants to build friendships while parents and caregivers attend a KDSN Pathways session.

Connect Club is divided into two age-based groups. This will allow KDSN to provide activities and social experiences that better reflect each participant’s age, interests, and stage of life.

Ages 5–12

Children ages 5–12 will participate in supervised games, crafts, movement activities, snacks, and opportunities to practice social skills and build friendships in a fun and supportive environment.

Ages 13 Through Adulthood

Teens and adults ages 13 and older will have a separate space with age-respectful activities, games, conversations, and social opportunities selected with their interests and abilities in mind. This group will focus on connection, friendship, participation, and enjoying time with peers in a welcoming environment.

Advance registration is required for both groups. Registration helps KDSN plan appropriate activities, supplies, room assignments, and volunteer support while creating a safe and positive experience for every participant.

Spanish Interpretation and Transportation

Spanish interpretation and transportation are available by advance request.

Transportation and Spanish interpretation must be requested through this registration form no later than:

Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Advance notice gives KDSN time to coordinate transportation arrangements and secure an interpreter for each requested session. We will make every effort to support our families, but transportation and Spanish interpretation cannot be guaranteed for requests received after the November 11th deadline.

Registration

Registration is required for all attendees, including parents, caregivers, children, teens, adults, siblings, and guests.

Please include everyone who will be attending from your family or group when completing your registration. Accurate registration helps KDSN plan meals, materials, room assignments, transportation, interpretation, activities, and appropriate volunteer support.

We look forward to learning, connecting, and growing together at November KDSN Pathways!

Sibshops

KDSN plans to begin offering Sibshops in January 2027, providing siblings of individuals with Down syndrome with a supportive place to connect, have fun, and spend time with others who understand the sibling experience. Additional information will be shared with families as the January launch approaches.