Child care is an ever changing world. As new, innovative and best practice standards evolve administrators face the challenge of balancing regulations with the everyday realities of running a center with limited budget, staff, and resources. One of the biggest changes facing such centres today may actually bring many rewards along with challenges: the inclusion of children with special needs as well.
While some centers have traditionally welcomed children with special needs, many other centers have been reluctant to accept them. Fears around what is involved in accommodating these children are common and understandable. But some simple, practical information can often put directors and staff at ease, and generate sincere enthusiasm about working with kids with special needs.
“Special kids require an entire new set of approach. Lot of patience, innovative techniques and energy are some of the core requirements. These kids need a whole new style of teachers and steps, their requirement is different than other kids,” said Craig Johnson, Superintendent – The American School of Mumbai.
Regular Classroom
Kids with identified exceptionalities who are placed in a regular classroom have a number of options available with them, according to Patrick Brilliant, Founder Member, Tridha Special Alternate School. “They may receive what is called as an indirect support, meaning that their regular teacher may receive consultative services from experts outside of the classroom. These can include special education consultants, educational psychologists, and speech-language therapists,” said Brilliant.
Another possibility is for the student to receive in-class assistance in the form of specialized instruction or another form of assistance. This may be for part of the day or for the full day, and it may be delivered by a special education teacher or by a special education assistant. Finally, a child may be in a regular classroom, but may be withdrawn from that class for up to 50% of the day to receive special instruction in a resource room or special education classroom, as per Brilliant.
Special Education Classroom
All students in these programmes are identified as exceptional students. “The classes in these settings are small, usually between six and ten students in each class. They have a qualified special education teacher and often a teaching assistant. Students from special education classrooms can be integrated into regular classrooms for up to 50% of the school day, if this is seen as beneficial to the student,” said Brilliant.
The self-contained gifted classroom differs in that there can be 20 or more students and usually there is not a teaching assistant. These students receive an enriched or advanced curriculum. Some students may be withdrawn for more advanced instruction, or for specialized instruction in an area of weakness. “Special students cannot be integrated into regular classrooms for academic subjects but can be allowed to participate with students from a regular class in subjects where classes are pooled such as physical education, music or other talent related topics,” added Brilliant.