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Children with Disabilities
One of the special populations that child care programs are likely to serve is children with special needs. Some special needs or disabilities include physical and medical disabilities, developmental delays, learning disabilities, and children at risk due to environmental stresses. Children who are homeless, abused, not receiving proper medical attention, suffering from mental stress, etc. may also be in this category.
Children with special needs have many of the same needs as other children but often have fewer means of fulfilling them. Making friends, stretching their minds creatively and intellectually, broadening their horizons, and developing strong positive ties with adult caregivers are needs common to all children.
In addition to their need for child care, families of children with disabilities may need a respite from the demanding job of parenting a child with a special need.
One of the special populations that child care programs are likely to serve is children with special needs. Some special needs or disabilities include physical and medical disabilities, developmental delays, learning disabilities, and children at risk due to environmental stresses. Children who are homeless, abused, not receiving proper medical attention, suffering from mental stress, etc. may also be in this category.
Children with special needs have many of the same needs as other children but often have fewer means of fulfilling them. Making friends, stretching their minds creatively and intellectually, broadening their horizons, and developing strong positive ties with adult caregivers are needs common to all children.
In addition to their need for child care, families of children with disabilities may need a respite from the demanding job of parenting a child with a special need.
Modifications to your Program
Many of the modifications that may be made to your program will be subtle and simple. Often, these modifications will also benefit the entire group.
Accommodating Children with Special Needs
Many of the modifications that may be made to your program will be subtle and simple. Often, these modifications will also benefit the entire group.
Accommodating Children with Special Needs
- Plan together. Parents, consultants, and caregivers need to set goals together. Always discuss your ideas and plans with the family.
- Modify toys and equipment. Simple changes often can be made to regular toys. For example, you can help a child who has difficulty with stacking rings by simply removing every other ring. For a child who has difficulty holding a bottle, cover the bottle with a cloth sock so little hands can grasp it better.
- Make small changes in your child care environment. Slight adjustments in your child care environment may make the time that a child with special needs spends with you easier and more enjoyable for everyone. For example, a child with poor vision may benefit from an extra lamp in a play area.
- Model appropriate behaviors. You might play a game with the child or pretend to go shopping together. As the child becomes more comfortable, you can invite other children to join your play activity.
- Teach students how to appropriately develop friendships with other students. Learning how to look directly at another child when speaking or to say “May I play?” are big steps for some children. Model this behavior as well.
- Teach typically developing children how to talk and play with children who have a disability. Talk to the children about what to do. For instance, gently touching the shoulder of a child with a hearing impairment is an effective way of getting the child's attention.
- Look for strengths as well as needs. Provide activities that will support a child’s strong points. Every child needs to feel successful and capable.
- Consult with parents, health care professionals, and early childhood specialists. Parents and specialists can provide specific information and suggestions for working with a child who has a disability. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Parents sometimes take it for granted that caregivers will know what to do.
The course does not "save" your progress. Use the checklist provided to track your progress, and click on the link in the menu to return to where you left off in the training.
